There are certain meetings which can only be described as ‘difficult’. These types of meetings are either with external clients who you need to impress for the sake of your future business relationships, or with employees who you need to either try and placate about an upcoming change, or perhaps due to a problem that needs to be discussed. These types of meetings can be awkward, and you’re so focused on trying to achieve the right outcome whilst you’re sat around the conference table that it can be some ultra-stressful at best.
Did you know that there are a few subtle ways you can try and influence the outcome or mood of the meeting, without really that much effort?
It’s true!
The Meeting Room Setup And It’s Contents
Let’s look at the actual surroundings the meeting is taking place in. If the people in the meeting are uncomfortable, if their boardroom chairs are hurting their backs, and they’re far too hard to sit on, do you think they’re going to want to talk for long, or talk in a positive manner? Of course, not! They’re more likely to be in a bad mood and not really give you the outcome you’re hoping for.
So, what can you do in that regard? We’re not suggesting you buy reclining armchairs and ultra-comfortable cushions, but making sure that your conference chairs are comfortable and supportive is vital. Ergonomics are a big subject to talk about here.
Most people assume that ergonomics is just for standard office chairs, but ergonomic principles can be applied to any type of furniture, including seating for meeting rooms. The fact that the people in your meeting room are more comfortable is a big step towards them feeling more upbeat and less cranky because of discomfort!
You should also think about the tables within your space and how to lay them out for the smoothest running meeting possible.
Quality furniture, such as a solid oak boardroom table is always a good option if you want to create a sense of knowing what you’re doing, serious about business, etc. Your furniture choices really do speak volumes on your behalf! Again, it’s about comfort, the height of the desk, how easy people can reach them, and the extras which make the whole experience more efficient, such as a boardroom desk with cable management and charging points as one idea. The easier you can make life for those in your meeting space, the more likely that the time spent in there will be constructive.
Added Extras to Consider
It’s not just about the boardroom flip top tables and the seating options, it’s about the decor and how the room makes you feel too. Colour options should always be something you think about, so go for yellows, blues, and greens, if you want to inspire creative thinking and have a generally calm space. Reds and oranges are more about fire and passion, which might not be the way to go if you’re looking for a calm outcome!
You should also think about incorporating elements of nature for a more calm and stress-free feel to the space, with plants, trees, and even water features fantastic choices to go for.
If you’re trying to ‘sweeten’ up a meeting attendee, perhaps trying to steer the outcome in your direction, it never hurts to add refreshments and snacks! The more effect you make, the more it will be noticed, and sometimes it really can come down to the small details.
Put simply, being organised, being friendly, ensuring that everyone is comfortable and supported, and looking towards the decor of the room for extra assistance will serve you well. If you’re trying to find the best office furniture online, it’s about shopping around and finding items within your budget. Here at Calibre, we have plenty of options for you to look into!