Face-to-face meetings are where connections are forged, ideas ignite, and collaborations flourish. There’s a sense of shared purpose that face-to-face meetings offer that virtual meetings cannot. However, without the right space to facilitate these interactions, even the most well-intentioned meeting can fail to meet its purpose.
And what if your traditional office space doesn’t quite cut it? Perhaps you need a more professional setting to impress clients, or your team is spread across different locations and requires a central hub to connect. A shared meeting room can be the answer. These versatile spaces offer a cost-effective and convenient way to host productive meetings. Here’s how you can use shared meeting rooms to conduct successful business meetings.
What are Shared Meeting Rooms?
Shared meeting rooms are professionally equipped spaces available for rent on an hourly, daily, or weekly basis. They are typically located in co-working office spaces and business centres and offer a convenient and flexible alternative to traditional workspaces where such options may not be available. These spaces are designed specifically for productive gatherings, with comfortable seating, ample natural light, and state-of-the-art technology, all without the overhead cost of owning and maintaining it yourself.
Tips for Conducting Meetings in Shared Meeting Rooms
To make the most of your shared meeting room experience, here are some essential tips:
1. Arrive Early to Set Up
Arriving early to your shared meeting rooms gives you several advantages. It allows you to familiarise yourself with the space, get a feel for the layout, and ensure all the necessary equipment is functioning correctly. This is also your opportunity to personalise the space, arrange the furniture to best suit your meeting’s needs and create an atmosphere that is conducive to collaboration and focus.
Taking those extra minutes to set up can contribute to better meeting outcomes. By testing the technology, adjusting the lighting, and ensuring everything is in place before your participants arrive, you eliminate potential distractions and delays. This allows the meeting to start smoothly and keeps the focus on the agenda at hand.
2. Establish Objectives Clear
In a shared meeting room, where time is often limited, clarity is the key to success. Begin with a well-defined agenda and crystal-clear objectives. This ensures that all participants are on the same page from the outset, understand the meeting’s purpose, and can contribute effectively. When everyone is aware of the objectives, discussions stay focused and productive, leading to better decision-making and results.
3. Use Technology
Shared office spaces are often designed with the necessary equipment to support your meetings. Use the available tools to improve collaboration and engagement. This could include video conferencing for remote participants, screen sharing for presentations, or interactive whiteboards for brainstorming. By strategically using technology, you can bridge geographical gaps, foster inclusivity, and elevate the quality of your interactions.
4. Follow Etiquette and Best Practices
Shared meeting spaces require mutual respect and consideration. Adhere to these etiquette guidelines:
- Keeping noise levels down: Keep your voices at a reasonable level to avoid disrupting others working in the shared space.
- Cleaning up after the meeting: Leave the room clean and tidy for the next users. Dispose of any trash, erase whiteboards, and return the furniture to its original position.
- Being considerate of other users: Be mindful of the shared environment and avoid monopolising resources or causing unnecessary disruptions.
5. Use Team Building Activities
If appropriate for your meeting’s purpose and the dynamics of your team, consider incorporating team-building activities. Shared spaces can be ideal for interactive exercises that encourage collaboration, communication, and creative problem-solving. These activities can help break the ice, foster a sense of camaraderie, and strengthen team bonds.
How Shared Meeting Spaces Benefit You
Shared meeting spaces offer a compelling alternative to traditional meeting rooms, as they come with a host of benefits. Here are the ways in which shared meeting rooms improve your experience.
1. Cost-Effectiveness
One of the most appealing aspects of shared meeting rooms is their cost-effectiveness. Maintaining a dedicated meeting room within your own office is expensive as you have to pay for square footage as well as ongoing utility costs.
Shared meeting spaces eliminate these financial burdens with a pay-as-you-go model. This way, you only pay for the time you actually spend using the space. Whether you need a room for a few hours or have a full-day of meetings planned, all you need to do is book accordingly. There is no long-term lease or ongoing maintenance that you have to worry about.
Private office spaces often come equipped with high-quality amenities that you might otherwise have to purchase or rent separately. This could include state-of-the-art projectors, interactive whiteboards, high-speed Wi-Fi, and comfortable ergonomic furniture. These features are readily available, and save you from having to invest in additional resources.
2. Flexibility and Convenience
Shared meeting spaces excel in flexibility, offering a level of convenience that traditional offices often lack. You have the freedom to choose from a variety of locations. Shared meeting spaces are typically available in diverse locations, allowing you to select the perfect spot to suit your needs and the convenience of your attendees.
Booking a shared meeting room is a simple process. Most providers offer online platforms with user-friendly interfaces, allowing you to browse available spaces, compare features, and reserve a room in a matter of minutes. This on-demand booking capability is invaluable when you need to schedule a meeting on short notice or adjust your plans quickly.
Shared meeting spaces also offer scalability. Whether you’re hosting a small team gathering or a large presentation, you can find a room that perfectly accommodates your needs.This flexibility allows you to optimise space and ensure a comfortable and productive environment for all participants.
3. Enhanced Professionalism
First impressions matter, especially in business. Meeting clients or partners in a professional setting can perform wonders for your company’s image and credibility. Shared meeting spaces provide a polished and professional environment with well-designed spaces equipped with modern furnishings and a sophisticated ambience. This changes how your business is perceived and conveys a sense of competence and success.
Beyond aesthetics, shared meeting spaces are designed for productivity. They offer comfortable seating, good lighting, and minimal distractions, creating an environment where participants can focus and engage fully in the discussion at hand. This can lead to more effective meetings, better decision-making, and, ultimately, improved business outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Shared meeting spaces can transform the way you conduct meetings. While traditional workspaces can sometimes feel rigid and limiting, shared meeting rooms offer a refreshing alternative. They provide a flexible, professional, and cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.
If you are looking for shared meeting rooms for your upcoming meetings, consider GO – Garden Office Bermondsey’s office spaces. We offer well-designed private offices, and meeting rooms equipped with all the necessary amenities, including high-speed internet, cleaning services, office services, kitchen service, and parking. With flexible lease terms and a central location, GO Bermondsey caters to all your requirements.
To know more about our spaces, book a visit to GO – Garden Office Bermondsey’s office spaces today.