April 12, 2022
Editorial Disclaimer
This content is published for general information and editorial purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as such. Any mention of companies, platforms, or services does not imply endorsement or recommendation. We are not affiliated with, nor do we accept responsibility for, any third-party entities referenced. Financial markets and company circumstances can change rapidly. Readers should perform their own independent research and seek professional advice before making any financial or investment decisions.
When you think about the most-used spaces in the office, areas such as the breakroom, the copy room, and even the front entrance/reception often come to mind, but in reality, for many companies, the true answer is the boardroom. Originally intended for board meetings, today these spaces have taken on a more casual feel, as they can be used to host a productive meeting with clients, department heads, teams, and so forth. The idea is that they are a meeting space, not relegated to some once or twice a year meeting with company honchos.
Having that meeting space available is most certainly a benefit, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the room is automatically set up for success and productivity. Here we’ll take a look at some design features and elements you may want to add to the room, to give it that extra boost of usefulness.
These tips emphasise the importance of a well-thought-out design that prioritises functionality, comfort, and the specific needs of the users to create a productive and effective meeting space.
When it comes to the first step in the design process, it's essential that you consider the needs of your employees first and foremost. They are the ones who will spend the most time in the space, and they are the ones that are depending on that space to offer what they need. Keeping in mind, every office will have its own meeting style and list of needs, so there shouldn't be a once size fits all approach. A useful starting point is to map out a typical board meeting agenda (updates, decisions, presentations, Q&A) and design the room around what people actually need to do in each part of the meeting.
If you’re feeling unsure of where to get started, you could always hold a brainstorming session or a meeting asking for input from employees on what would be on their design concept wish list.
The room also has to provide adequate space for seating, taking your largest meetings into account, plus that extra space to move around. A general rule of thumb is to create a space that has extra room rather than packing people in tight.
Because people often give presentations in a boardroom, there should be a natural focal point that all chairs can be positioned to look at. This is why you will often see rectangular or oval-shaped tables in a boardroom. It allows everyone to pivot in one direction to keep their eyes on the presenter/speaker.
It’s also a nice touch to install a beverage station in the room. You can provide a fresh supply of hot and cold drinks, which will help to keep everyone alert and focused.
Then there is the final tip, and this is really meant for businesses looking to get serious about their meeting space and its audio-visual capabilities. Rather than a standard approach, you can bring in a professional company such as Involve to design customised solutions. Involve will work with your company to figure out exactly what the boardroom requires, install it, and train you in how to operate the features. Outside of its professional services, it also offers digital signage, support, video wall installation, and other tech specifically meant for boardrooms.
By using these tips, you’ll be able to create an effective and productive boardroom space.
Photo by Matheus Natan from Pexels
The most crucial first step is to consider the needs of your employees. Since they will be the primary users, designing the space around their meeting styles and requirements ensures the room will be functional and productive from day one.
You should plan for your largest typical meetings and then add extra space. The goal is to avoid a cramped environment. A good rule is to have enough room for comfortable seating and for people to move around easily.
Rectangular or oval-shaped tables are often recommended. These shapes make it easier to create a natural focal point at one end of the room, allowing everyone to turn and face the presenter or screen without obstruction.
Yes, adding a beverage station is a simple yet highly effective feature. Providing coffee, tea, and water can help keep attendees alert, focused, and engaged during long discussions.
You should bring in a professional AV company when you need more than a basic setup. If your meetings require reliable, high-quality video conferencing, integrated sound systems, or digital displays, a specialist can create a custom solution that works perfectly for your space.
A productive boardroom is a business asset. It facilitates clear communication, better decision-making, and stronger client relationships. Aligning your physical spaces with your operational goals is a smart move, and guidance from business experts like Robin Waite Limited can help ensure every part of your business supports your success.
