New technology in the workplace has drastically changed how we communicate. With Zoom, Slack, and project management tools like Sharepoint, in-person meetings could easily go the way of the fax machine. Receiving and sharing information without disrupting the flow of the workday is great for productivity. Everyone’s been in a workplace fond of “meetings about meetings”…and no one wants to revisit that.
In addition to the popular preference for virtual communication, remote work has increasingly become the norm. Recent studies show that the option to work remotely, either part-time or full-time, is one of the most desirable qualities in a workplace. So desirable, in fact, that flexible companies have significantly higher retention rates. 35% of employees interviewed in a Gallup survey said remote work is the the #1 perk they would leave their current company for.
With more remote workers than ever, the rare in-person meetings should pack a punch. Maybe you already use a coworking space for your daily workday. Maybe you pay for a remote employee to work at a shared office space, or have used a day pass on occasion. Even if you’re completely new to the concept of shared offices, consider using a coworking space for your next meeting.
Remote teams come in many different forms, and have different needs. Some teams need to meet once a week, for a few hours, while others host big quarterly conferences, spending whole days going over business and future projects. A coworking space can make either meeting format more convenient for your company. For the purposes of this article, we’re concentrating on those big, milestone meetings.
Why Choose a Coworking Space?
Say you’ve got your company’s quarterly meeting coming up. If you have remotes working elsewhere, they are flying in for a day or two of intensive planning, reviews, and team bonding with colleagues they rarely get to see. It’s a great opportunity to strengthen your organization and enter the months ahead with energy and momentum. Hosting your meeting at a coworking space will get you on the right track to succeed.
Coworking spaces have a warm but professional atmosphere. The professionalism is a huge step above holding team meetings in a crowded coffee shop, or around your kitchen table. On the other end of the spectrum, traditional offices for rent, or large, generic hotel conference rooms can be cold and uninspiring. A bland rental will kill your vibe faster than a 2-hour Powerpoint presentation (not advisable).
Coworking spaces are fully outfitted to be a comfortable office environment. If you book a conference room for your meeting, you will also have access to collaborative lounge areas, a kitchen, and other spaces to take breaks and recharge. A full-day conference might cause some cabin fever if your employees are stuck in one room for the duration. You can store drinks and snacks in the communal fridge, and in general coworking spaces are happy to provide coffee and coffee supplies (cups, creamers, sugar, stirrers) to groups renting the conference room.
Dynamic meetings take more than just a table and chairs. Use the technology and tools available at a coworking space to create an engaging day for your employees. Smart TVs allow for virtual presentations with clarity and engaging extras like videos and audio, rather than using rote projector slides. Whiteboards for brainstorming and breakout spaces for small-group activity will ensure your meeting day is energetic and productive.
Another major benefit of using a coworking space for your company meetings is that you have the community manager at your disposal. Community managers know the ins and outs of the coworking space, and can assist you if any problem arises with technology or the physical accommodations. They are also a great resource for the surrounding area. Most community managers will be happy to help you order catering, or direct you to the nearest lunch spot.
On top of all the above benefits, you’ll be supporting a local business and maybe even making new connections with the members. Renting a conference room at a coworking space for your company meeting means you can focus on content. Whip out that video camera and let your inner Michael Scott have some fun!
The Launch Factory in Charlotte, NC has a 16-person conference room with a Smart TV, whiteboards, and collaboration space to give your employees a great experience. Give us a call at (980) 220-3800 or email us here to book your next meeting!
