Gone are the days when offices were simply a collection of desks and meeting rooms. The way we work and meet has changed dramatically since COVID-19 reshaped our relationship with the workplace.
Today, it’s a dynamic environment built to inspire collaboration, creativity and connection. A space where people come together not just to work, but to share ideas, solve problems and build culture. With hybrid work here to stay, meetings look and feel different.
In this blog, I’ll show you how we now design offices with a variety of meeting spaces. Our partners at Flokk, the renowned workplace furniture brand, have identified 11 key meeting scenarios, each designed to inspire a different style of collaboration and interaction. I’ll take you through each, and you’ll see their illustrations featuring their seating designs for each scenario.
Tech-enabled meeting spaces
Teams connect from multiple locations, conversations happen more fluidly and the need for adaptable, tech-enabled spaces has never been greater.
Modern meeting areas must:
- Balance physical and digital collaboration.
- Have integrated technology to ensure that in-person attendees and remote participants have an equally engaging experience.
- Address high-quality acoustics and lighting.
Our Furniture Projects team at Posturite, in partnership with specialists including Flokk, creates working environments that support focus, creativity, wellbeing and sustainability in equal measures.
The variety of meeting settings
To help you choose smart, ergonomic and sustainable furniture solutions, Flokk have identified 11 key meeting scenarios, each designed to inspire a different style of collaboration and interaction. You’ll see how the layouts and the shapes and styles of the furniture differ for each:
1. Boardroom
A formal setting for executive decisions and high-level discussions that affect the running of the business.
2. Team Huddle
Small, enclosed meeting spaces for quick, informal team meetings. The term ‘huddle room’ is inspired by the strategic huddles by sports teams, particularly in American Football.
3. Client Meet
Client-facing meeting rooms are typically quite formal, and should be well-equipped with technology. Strategically located and designed to project a professional image for meetings with customers, partners or stakeholders, bring style and originality to your room design.
4. Social Lounge
A space for employees to connect informally, foster strong relationships and take a break from work, improving company culture and overall employee morale and productivity. Typically a flexible space, with a choice of comfortable seating and amenities.
5. Training Zone
A separated space for skill development which minimises distractions and is equipped with the tools necessary for effective instruction, such as audio-visual equipment and furniture which can be rearranged for lectures, group work or hands-on exercises.
6. Conference
Conference rooms are multifunctional and generally larger than meeting rooms and are equipped with advanced technology including large displays, speakerphones and video conferencing equipment, to support both in-person and hybrid meetings. Often configured to suit different purposes, promote interaction, collaboration or allow for important announcements to the whole company.
7. Informal Presentation
Characterised by a more casual and conversational tone, allowing for greater interaction and spontaneity, these informal presentation areas suit team meetings, workshops, brainstorming sessions and social gatherings. Informal, non-agenda or impromptu gatherings encourage more direct audience interaction and participation.
8. Scrum Room
First introduced in 1986, the ‘Scrum’ is a rugby metaphor, referenced in a Harvard Review, and then used in agile project management framework to describe how a team works together to move the ball down the field.
Rooms are structured to allow a cross-functional physical collaboration. Swift daily meetings require both standing and sitting options, ensuring efficiency and the ability to adapt quickly.
9. Business Lounge
A comfortable, professional and exclusive space, a little like those in airports and hotels, that offers quiet areas for work or relaxation. Consider amenities like charging stations, business facilities and food and drinks.
10. Engine Room
Used in a workplace to evoke a sense of power, innovation and teamwork, the ‘Engine Room’ serves as a powerful metaphor, reinforcing a company's identity and culture, to shape the employee mindset and encourage productivity. Differentiate the design of this room from other meeting spaces, using classic or eclectic furniture.
11. The Nook
A more intimate setting for focused discussions and to offer a quiet retreat from the noise of an open-plan office. The specific design can range from a simple, semi-enclosed seating area for a few people to concentrate on tasks or conversations without the distractions of a busy office.
Nooks were originally designed to provide a "finely tuned withdrawal space" for neurodivergent individuals who sometimes find open offices overwhelming, but their benefits can extend to all employees.
Ergonomics applied to meeting room design
With ergonomics at their core, each scenario above showcases how thoughtful design can support both wellbeing and the environment. From the most formal to the most spontaneous of meeting spaces looking to enhance interaction and collaboration throughout the office.
As you can see, the traditional one-size-fits-all meeting room no longer works. Employees need spaces that support a range of activities such as:
- focused solo work
- spontaneous collaboration
- private discussions
- large group sessions.
By designing offices with a variety of meeting spaces, we can support different working styles while promoting wellbeing and productivity.
In many ways, the office has become a hub for connection, a place people come to collaborate, brainstorm and build relationships. The right mix of meeting spaces helps achieve that balance.
Helping clients to create innovative and practical workspaces
Facilities managers have a lot on their plates. I’m proud to help clients plan and equip workspaces including meeting rooms, using my experience and the expertise of the Posturite team.
Recently we advised Chris Skurray, Facilities Manager UK and Ireland for BASF PLC, on workspace furniture and design. Our guidance extended beyond product selection - we provided insights on installation logistics, infrastructure requirements, as well as acoustics and aesthetics.
“Working with Posturite has been a transformative experience for our office” Chris fed back.
“From the outset, their team took the time to understand our needs and worked closely with us to develop key areas within our workspace. Their expertise was invaluable in identifying optimal locations for installing meeting pods, ensuring that each space would be both functional and conducive to collaboration.
One of the standout aspects of our partnership was the field trip Posturite organised to London to experience a variety of meeting pod models firsthand. The opportunity to see, touch, and test different pods in real environments gave us confidence in our final selection. Throughout the process, Posturite demonstrated a deep understanding of modern office design and they have proven to be a valuable partner, not just a supplier.”
Transform the effectiveness of your team’s workspaces with help from the Posturite Furniture Projects Team. Posturite is proud to be a selected retailer for Flokk and can supply the Flokk furniture solutions shown in this article.
