Nearly every workplace has at least one meeting room.
It is the staple multi-function necessity after desk space and the coffee point. Whether it is used for board meetings, private conversations, social space or a quiet working area – they are popular work spaces and they always seem to be occupied. But the market has also lately seen an upsurge in the use of meeting pods – semi-private and re-locatable work spaces, that can be slotted into almost any current office layout. Both have their advantages and disadvantages – but which is right for you?

Meeting Rooms

The conventional meeting room is the traditional choice. Fully enclosed and acoustically private it’s perfect for those times when you need to discuss sensitive information. The same sense of privacy also blocks any outside distractions, allowing you to focus on the task at hand with no interruptions.
And of course, they’re not just for formal meetings or quiet work. They are often used as multi-function spaces that can be used for an informal chat with colleagues, a place to showcase your company to new clients or a flexible events space. They are also suited to the more elaborate hard wired AV systems maximising impact for high profile presentations and discussions. But naturally, all this comes at a price.

Firstly they’re expensive to build. Factor in costs for dedicated tech, power and all that extra furniture and suddenly the costs start to shoot up. That’s before you even start to think about whether you have the space. And what happens if you move offices? Your new meeting room gets left behind.

Modular Meeting Rooms Enter the modular meeting meeting pod. Quick to install, cheaper to build and able to go with you when your company moves to new pastures.  Modular office pods serve many of the uses of the meeting room but with less expense, less space and more flexibility. Many meeting pods, such as the Railway Carriage have connectivity, seating, power and ambient lighting built in, allowing you to plug and play with minimal fuss. There are plenty of bespoke fabrics and finishes available so you don’t have to compromise on style.

Their modular design can be slotted into whichever space you have available in a fraction of the time and cost of a meeting room. This often means they can be placed closer to work areas and offer a convenient multi-use space for spontaneous meetings or quiet thought. And they bring a new environment of their own - a haven of calm yet not isolated from the office buzz.

Room or Pod? As always, the best option for you depends entirely on what you’re going to use it for. For total privacy or larger gatherings, you might want to stick to the traditional meeting room. But if you find your meeting rooms are regularly utilised by single occupants who just want some quiet time, or if you are looking to lower costs with the ability to move it when you want to, the meeting pod is a serious contender.

 Check out our Meeting Spaces to see the differnec between office pods, booths and modular meeting rooms.

Need help deciding? Click here to contact us today.