Meeting Spaces That Inspire Innovation

Innovative meeting spaces are what make hybrid office design so exciting. Offices that grow with you are essential to future-proofing your work environment. Hybrid office design has mandated modern meeting areas that look and feel different with glass conference rooms, scattered huddle spaces, cafe meeting spaces, and terrace workspaces integrated into non-traditional design concepts. Traditional conference rooms are no longer minimally used confined spaces, they have been re-imagined for flexible collaboration on the fly.

When people work together, great ideas are generated and deeper connections are made so people can learn from one another. As technology expands our ability to work from anywhere, creating a desire to seek out opportunities to collaborate and connect with people is important. Enticing flexible workers back into the office creates a synergy that encourages connection:

• Project progress happens faster
• Innovative thinking becomes easier
• Flexible work becomes more connected

Most organizations use multiple levels of collaborative workspaces to meet the needs of their teams. Depending on your workplace culture, one method of collaboration will likely be preferred over another. However, supporting multiple team players’ primary responsibilities with various choices keeps workflow optimal.

Designing collaborative workspaces that create an environment where people feel valued for their unique levels of experience contribution is essential for the return to work. Haworth’s global research team has distilled the reasons we meet into 4 primary collaborative activities: connect, inform, do, and think. Here’s how you can design workspaces to support each:

CONNECT THROUGH COMFORT & FUNCTIONALITY

Spontaneous interaction and personal connection are important within a hybrid work environment. These people-centered spaces are relaxed, informal, and cozy, and may include lounge chairs, sofas, and rugs to bring residential warmth and comfort, both indoors or out. They offer immense flexibility with moveable furniture:

• Create a coffee shop and tech bar by day that also accommodates recognition, networking, and other special events at night.
• Ensure that the environment promotes easy accessibility and is designed for employee well-being.
• Opting for comfortable adjustable chairs with ergonomic construction will increase comfort during long meetings.
• Provide functional, adaptable table surfaces for computers and documents that will not disrupt collaboration.
• Small round or oval tables promote inclusivity and engaging interaction, perfect for a huddle area.
• Large central rectangular tables encourage more structured discussions or presentations.
• Video conferencing capabilities should be inclusive in all areas.
• Touchdown areas should accommodate flexible table options to increase adaptability.

INFORM WITH INNOVATIVE CONVERSATION SPACES

Flexible working also means flexible meetings. Creating engaging smaller gathering spaces that fit the specific needs of the users in different departments embodies the flexible workspace ethic. Some meetings are naturally static, with participants sitting quietly at the table, others require more kinetic energy. The ability to move around and rearrange a space is crucial, particularly now that modern work styles demand versatility, fluidity, and seamless transitions. To accommodate information sharing, a collaborative workspace should be equipped with:

• Adjustable monitors for digital information sharing and comfortable seating.
• Touchdown spaces with unique seating designs to inspire innovative discussion.
• Color and design to designate the use of the space.
  • Casual spaces with bold colors and unique seating encourage creativity!
  • Traditional conference rooms with natural wood and darker walls minimize distraction!
• Designated areas for large groups, department-wide meetings, training sessions, guest speakers, and client participation engagements.
• Modular furniture options to quickly adapt any space as needed.
• Glass-walled spaces for phone calls and private conversations, yet open to the hybrid office view.

DO SIMPLE TASKS WITH CASUAL COLLABORATION

When designing contemporary meeting rooms, each component should work collectively with the overall branding design. Meeting rooms should empower teams to flourish, aiming not only to improve outcomes but also to nurture an enhanced working environment that encourages innovation and success. To accomplish tactical objectives, people need spaces that include:

• Idea boards, partitions, moveable seating, and flexible arrangements for brainstorming.
• The right size table: round, traditional rectangle, or octagon depending on the type of meeting.
• Maintain comfortable adjustable ergonomic chairs for every desk height.
• Provide storage solutions to keep necessities out of view unless needed.
• Integral video and interactive data-sharing technology should be easily accessible for offsite workers to remain connected.

THINK OPENLY WITH BREATHING SPACE

If you have the space, provide dedicated makerspaces for idea generation, brainstorming, and strategic thinking. These spaces are usually free-range, non-structured, and designed for a variety of usages:

• Small groups or departments can benefit from flexible spaces with casual sofas, and guest chairs that adapt quickly.
• Include stand-mounted monitors, two-sided whiteboards, or tack boards that can be relocated as needed for team collaboration.
• Provide access to adjustable privacy screens, and glass rooms to avoid distracting others working nearby.
• Mobile furniture options can provide many options and double as workspaces for flex workers.
• Allow quick setup options for digital technology setup.
• Encourage a high degree of experimentation and individuality in these spaces!

NEED HELP UPGRADING YOUR MEETING AREAS?

Innovative design solutions for collaborative office spaces can accommodate any size office. Our showroom often acquires seating that can create unique small huddle spaces and small conversation areas with colorful options. Our project management team is experienced and educated in a variety of tools and methodologies to help you visualize your meeting space design and reconfiguration. Our design team is equipped with the scope of knowledge to help you adapt your current space effectively to the needs of your flexible workforce and collaboration needs. To begin planning, download our updated e-book, Modern Meeting Styles For Productive Conversations for an informative look at updated meeting spaces.