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The 21st century is the age of meetings in the workplace. A 2014 Wall Street Journal report found that time spent in meetings increased by 10% every year from 2000 to 2014. Part of that is due to technology providing multiple platforms that facilitate meetings with personnel in multiple locations. The same WSJ report found that 73% of meetings involve fewer than four people.
Company culture and aesthetics go a long way in deciding what conference room furniture is right for your business. The status of your personnel is also a factor. A majority remote workforce requires completely different setups than companies with all in-house employees.
The shape of conference room tables have profound effects on workers' behavior. A 2017 study by Associate Professor Radhika Pathak, of Priyadarshini Institute of Architecture and Design Studies, provides great insights into spatial forms and shapes in the workplace. She concluded that "Architecture and space creation has a power to change, handle or channelize the behavior of its users."
Circular conference room tables, for instance, promote feelings of warmth, togetherness and belonging. Energy, power, unity and harmony are descriptors Pathak used to describe circular movements and actions. Circular tables keep meetings focused and help minimize distractions. Square and rectangular tables evoke feelings of equality and peace. Triangular tables are best suited for emerging startups because they represent purpose and progression.
Pathak suggests that all Human Resources personnel and managers learn and understand the effect of geometric shapes on workers to maximize performance and profits.
There are so many choices when it comes to conference room chairs. It can be quite the daunting tasks when choosing what's best for your conference rooms.
Comfort should be the top factor. Many companies have jumped on the ergonomic office furniture trend. Ergonomic chairs encourage good posture, which makes people feel more confident. Adjustability is the second-most important factor. Anyone should be able to sit in your conference room chairs and feel comfortable.
Durability is the final factor. Those investing in used furniture should purchase refurbished items only from reputable companies.
Telecommuting is fast becoming standard operating procedure in the U.S. Disbursed workforces mean companies must have the right technology to ensure everyone is included in important company-wide and departmental meetings.
Interactive whiteboards are staples in tech and marketing firms. They allow seamless collaboration between team members sitting right there in the conference room and those logging on from their living rooms. Video conferencing systems are also necessary items. Google Hangouts, Zoom and Slack connect everyone for meetings. But additional hardware like Logitech Smartdock, Huddlecam Go and Meeting Owl provide added features that make everyone feel like they are sitting in the same room.
Eco Office project managers have designed some of the most collaborative, innovative conference rooms in the Bay Area. We understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each client has a unique company culture and set of circumstances. We pay close attention to specific aspects of your brand to ensure a conference room build or redesign that promotes maximum efficiency.
Give us a call today at 408-437-1700 to get your project started immediately.
