As hybrid work takes the corporate world by storm, companies are adapting to current workplace trends and employee preferences in order to modernize the workplace. Consequently, many employees have the flexibility to work from home or come into the office as necessary. Since more companies are getting rid of cold, impersonal cubicles in favor of inviting, open floor plans, huddle rooms are a staple in the contemporary workplace.
Huddle rooms are flexible spaces that facilitate productive communication with employees in and out of the office. When your huddle room has the right AV technology, you can promote meaningful collaboration between employees while keeping your workplace fresh and innovative.
These small work areas can make a huge difference in your office building. Consider discussing these tips with audiovisual integration specialists when renovating your office space.
What are Huddle Rooms?
Huddle rooms are small workspaces that workers may use for private conversations, video conferencing, and completing essential tasks in privacy. The popularity of huddle rooms is a natural response to the widespread use of open floor plans in the workplace.
Although many workers prefer an open office space, huddle rooms offer a much-needed private place for confidential conversations and employees that perform better in solitude.
Why are Huddle Rooms Important?
Workplace design is evolving, and companies in every sector realize the value that huddle rooms have to offer. If you’re considering different ways to modernize your office space, huddle rooms complete with advanced audiovisual technology are critical to the process.
Privacy May Enhance Productivity
Company huddle rooms are distraction-free areas where employees can work alone or in small groups without hindering their colleagues’ productivity. Research from the Journal of Environmental Psychology supports the assertion that employee productivity increases when workers are free from auditory and visual distractions.
While some employees prefer most modern offices’ open floor plans, others may benefit from huddle rooms. Furthermore, huddle rooms create a more inclusive work environment where neurodivergent employees can work comfortably.
Improved Workflow
Huddle rooms are the ideal option for employees to access private spaces as needed. Since huddle rooms are flexible spaces with open availability, employees can connect and communicate without the need to set appointments.
Furthermore, huddle rooms, complete with video conferencing technology, create a quiet place for employees to connect with remote employees and clients. They can also use huddle rooms as temporary conference equipment when your AV systems are undergoing maintenance.
Better Interactions with Remote Employees
Most companies are utilizing a hybrid work model, which increases the need for AV technologies that allow employees to communicate with remote employees. Additionally, modern job candidates are interested in working for companies that offer flexible working conditions. Huddle rooms with video conferencing technology make it easy for employees to collaborate with team members and clients from any location.
How to Create Huddle Rooms in Your Office
Creating huddle rooms in your office is easier than you may initially think. Although no two huddle rooms are the same, they typically include the following features. With a strategic design strategy, you can create a huddle room that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing to boost employee productivity.
Audiovisual integrators may recommend the following for an efficient huddle room.
1. Visual Displays
Since employees may utilize their huddle room for video conferencing with clients and remote employees, visual displays are necessary for effective communication with huddle rooms.
Consider working with audiovisual integrators to install 4k video displays. These displays are ideal for product developers, healthcare workers, and engineering professionals so that they can provide clients with life-like imaging. Additionally, these displays ensure complete visibility even if there are low lighting conditions.
2. HD Cameras
Since hybrid working is the new normal, video conferencing is an essential component of the modern office environment. And, of course, you’ll need HD cameras for workers to engage in hybrid meetings. HD cameras give remote participants a realistic viewing experience, ensuring effective communication between both parties.
Consider asking AV integrators to install wide-angle HD cameras to avoid a “fishbowl” appearance during video conferencing systems. The right cameras will create a high-quality experience for employees and clients, even if traditional meeting rooms are not available for use.
3. HD Audio
Studies found that employees spend an average of 12 hours a week in a meeting, and most of them require advanced audio equipment to run smoothly. However, most respondents stated that poor sound quality hindered their ability to concentrate and communicate effectively during virtual meetings.
HD audio systems, complete with speaker bars, are the ideal solution to this problem. Employees can maximize their productivity and improve communication during meetings by installing high-quality speakers and microphones within their huddle rooms.
4. Comfortable Seating Arrangements
Huddle rooms should be comfortable and functional to ensure productive collaboration. You can support your huddle rooms with lounge-like chairs and tables to ensure your employees are at ease during meetings and work. Consider equipping your huddle rooms with adjustable lighting fixtures as well so that employees are in control of their experience.
5. Natural Light and Plants
A study from Cornell found that workers exposed to natural light experienced an 84% decrease in headaches, blurred vision, and headaches. In addition, employees in an environment with lush greenery and sunlight had fewer health issues than those in sterile environments.
Huddle rooms are relatively small, and incorporating natural light and air-purifying plants will make the space more expansive. Since employee health is a critical component of a healthy work environment, consider creating a wellness huddle room. Doing so will boost employee morale and productivity, especially if your company is in a high-stress industry.
Upgrade Your Huddle Rooms with Applied Global Technologies
If your organization would like to incorporate huddle rooms within your office building, Applied Global Technologies (AGT) offers the professional guidance and implementation support you need. Our team has the tools and expertise to help your institution make the most of classrooms and digital learning environments.
To learn more about our AV solutions, contact us today. We’ll be happy to discuss your specific needs and recommend the right solution for your goals and budget.
