For decades, collaboration technology has been limited to larger, integrated and expensive meeting rooms.
With office space costing a premium, the average workplace is getting smaller and the increase of remote workers and millennials are driving a demand for collaboration solutions and spaces, resulting in rise of the “Huddle space”.
What is a Huddle Space?
A Huddle is “a small private conference or meeting.” Thefreedictionary.com definition
Huddle rooms are just as the name implies, a small meeting space in a plan office or small meeting room that can accommodate a small number of people, typically six or less and enables users to frequently have quick discussions or meetings when required.
Despite the recent flurry of press coverage, the Huddle room concept is far from new. These small meeting rooms have existed for years but have generally been ignored or relegated to the status of “that small room round the corner”.
What’s in the dynamic Huddle Space?
A Huddle room will often include a small meeting table, chairs which offers flexibility, such as an option for a sit/stand desk and audio visual equipment. It’s difficult to standardise the AV equipment installed in a typical Huddle space, however, our experience is that they have little technology in place today.
A well-equipped Huddle room will include a flat panel display mounted to the wall and a VGA/HDMI cable to allow users to connect to their mobile devices. It might even include a wireless presentation system. An advanced huddle room will typically support integrated audio and video conferencing.
Why choose a Huddle space?
Many organisations are embracing the open plan office with an increase of remote workers and a reduced number of staff using a dedicated office space, however, rooms are still required for private meetings and videoconferencing. Huddle spaces are perfect for individuals to work privately or small groups of people to work together. Huddle rooms require no reservation, unlike traditional meeting rooms, they are there to support impromptu meetings and discussions.
Due to the size of Huddle rooms, only a small group of people can occupy the space therefore it will increase productivity and reduce time being wasted and distractions. Most importantly, Huddle rooms allow you to maximise your space without incurring a large cost, providing you have the right equipment and furniture as discussed in our latest whitepaper “Furniture designed for your Huddle spaces and places.”
What’s the future of Huddle rooms?
Due to the evolving nature of the workplace and workforce, Huddle rooms will play an increasingly important role moving forward. Over time more organisations will recognise the hidden value of their existing smaller meeting spaces.
The Huddle room doesn’t necessarily make the large meeting room obsolete, offices require a balance of large meeting rooms and Huddle spaces to maximise the use of space to increase productivity and save time and money in the future.
Let’s talk…
For more information on how we can help you create a Huddle space, get in touch with us today via enquires@dalendesign.co.uk