Every team needs a space to meet and have discussions regarding the business goals and other work-related topics.

Sometimes, having the perfect meeting room is a bit challenging, especially if the offices are new or too old, but usually, it’s something that’s extremely important and should never be overlooked.

Therefore, here are some tips that will help you create the meeting room that will be perfect for you and your team:

Find an Optimal Temperature

Heating and cooling are a very important aspect and shouldn’t be sacrificed in order to save some money or please someone.

Sometimes this can be difficult, since the temperature is quite subjective issue, but with a bit of discussion, everything can be sorted out.

Make sure to talk to your employees to find out what works for each one of them, and then find a solution that works for everybody.

This is especially important during summer heatwaves when air-conditioner needs to be used all the time since some people can have a reaction to it such as sneezing.

Still, it’s best to start a meeting with a bit cooler temperature as it will automatically get warmer as soon as the room fills in with more people.

Comfortable Chairs Are a Must

Since most of the meetings require people to be seated, it’s necessary to provide them with comfortable chairs that won’t make them feel any discomfort after an hour or two of sitting.

It’s necessary to choose a chair that is made of comfortable materials such as leather, metal or vinyl.

Additionally, don’t forget to choose a chair that is ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing.

It’s important to focus on the comfort of the others, and preferably, pick chairs that have wheels so people will be able to move easily whenever they need to hear someone better.

Writing Tools & Other Equipment

If you’re holding a meeting that requires you to write things down for others, it’s crucial to choose a quality dry-erase whiteboard that comes with a pen tray and other useful features.

In case you need to move the board around, it’s best to the board that is mobile and has wheels.

This is especially important for large meeting rooms that need to accommodate a lot of people.

Using a board that is easy to move will give everyone equal access to everything that’s written on the board.

Additionally, you can also provide people with pens and notepads, so they’ll be able to make notes during the meeting.

Add Some Colour

Bright colours can make the meeting room more lively and upbeat which can be handy whenever the weather gets gloomy.

Yet, it’s important to not go overboard with bright colours as that can have an opposite effect on the employees.

Red colour can make people more energetic and passionate which can also be a great motivation boost, but it’s necessary to point out that colours should be used sparingly.

If your working space is a bit small, it’s best to paint it white to make it look larger, and then add brightly colored furniture and decor items to create a bit of color diversity.

Don’t Forget the Table

A proper table can have a significant impact on the way the meetings are being held.

For example, a round table is ideal for promoting discussions and face-to-face interactions, but if your meetings often comprise a larger number of people, it’s best to stick to a rectangular table that will be comfortable for everyone who’s present at the meeting.

Additionally, you can get tables that have power access or charging outlets, especially if meetings tend to last longer than one or two hours.

Besides all these, it’s important to provide a strong Internet connection since it’s basically impossible to have a productive meeting without having to check or download something.

Also, optimising the lighting will let your employees feel more alert and motivated during the meeting, and if possible, try to locate your meeting room somewhere with a lot of natural light.

If you succeed, then it’s also necessary to use quality blinds that will protect everybody when the sunlight gets too strong and distracting.

Finally, it’s always recommended asking your employees for some advice, because after all, they’re the ones who’ll benefit from the working space, so they need to know that their opinions matter.

An office is a place where ideas are born and decisions are made, therefore it’s important to make it a space that works for everyone who spends their time there.

When pressed, people are capable of working in tight and small spaces without the amenities that make the work pleasant and productive.

But if you want to work smoothly, or to help your employees be more comfortable and productive, here are some essential things you should have in the office:

Computers & Other Hardware

In order to work without any frustrations, you need to have high-performing computers that work without any issues.

Therefore, you should focus on getting reliable and enduring computers or laptops that won’t need to get fixed that often.

Similarly, any other hardware that you use such as printers, scanners, and copy machines should always be equipped for work so you won’t have to find alternative solutions when you the least feel like it.

Additionally, don’t forget to choose the fastest Internet connection, because having a reliable Internet will make you work in peace without calling your provider every time there’s something wrong with your connection.

Stationery & Office Equipment

Pens, staplers, folders, folding clips, notebooks and, calculators are only some equipment you’ll need for peaceful and productive work.

Getting quality and durable office supplies will provide you with more time you’ll be able to spend focusing on your project instead of being distracted with insignificant matters.

Therefore, it’s important to keep your office well-equipped with all the supplies especially when you have a lot of work, so leaving the office to go shopping could be seen as a waste of time.

Also, make sure to get comfortable office chairs since they’re meant to be used for multiple hours each day.

Proper Restrooms

Having a bathroom is a must.

But if you want to keep yourself and your employees happy, you should invest in a space that has separate lavatories so no one will feel pressured when using the bathroom.

Similarly, make sure to have enough cleaning products so everyone will feel taken care of.

Additionally, getting feminine hygienic products for your female employees can be seen as a wonderful goodwill gesture.

Somewhere to Grab a Bite

Having a place to get refreshed with a cup of tea or coffee can definitely help your employees feel more at ease and welcome.

You don’t need to splurge on a lavish kitchen.

Instead a kitchenette with a coffee maker, microwave, kettle, and a moderately-sized fridge is more than enough, so everyone will be able to bring their food and keep it fresh.

A Meeting Room

The meeting room is crucial for a well-functioning business.

After all, there needs to be a place where people can gather and discuss their business matters without spending time in a crowded space.

Your meeting room doesn’t need to be big, instead focus on making it comfortable especially if you plan on having a few small meetings each day or week.

Maybe it would be best to have a slightly bigger meeting room for clients, and another one that will be more intimated and used for in-office dealings and discussion.

Privacy Spaces

Having an extra room where employees will be able to unwind and get some rest will greatly benefit their productivity and work performance.

Even if you prefer an open-space design, a room where people will have a feeling of security and privacy will make them feel respected and appreciated.

Feeling monitored can make some people feel agitated, especially if there’s someone watching you all the time, even if it’s a well-meaning co-worker.

That space doesn’t have to be extra-equipped, just focus on making it comfortable and cozy so people will have a place to take a quick break from work.

Getting office ready for constructive work isn’t a difficult job, but if you have no idea where to start, it wouldn’t be bad to consult your employees, since they’re the ones who’ll be spending time there.

Make sure to consider their needs and always focus on keeping your finances in check so you’ll be able to work freely without being any issues.

Nowadays, a lot of people seem to be promoting the idea of enforcing workplace diversity and promoting workgroups that are as diverse as possible.

However, is there a real benefit to this for the entrepreneurs or is this just another attempt for one to push their political agenda?

While the majority of studies show that the former is the case, the truth is that you don’t really need complex statistical data in order to uncover all the benefits of a diverse workplace.

Here are five major advantages of diversification that are as straightforward and self-explanatory as it gets.

1. More Supportive Work Environment

The first major advantage of diversity is the fact that it encourages a supportive work environment.

Keep in mind that as long as you’re in a majority, there’s nothing scary about the environment that you are in.

However, not a single person out there is in majority when it comes to absolutely every aspect of their life.

Even if they share the ethnicity, background, gender, age and sexual orientation with the majority of their coworkers, there’s always that one thing that can set them apart.

Knowing that they’ll get accepted for that as well can be quite empowering.

2. More Productive

One of the most important factors in order for you to ensure productivity is the ability to adequately delegate tasks.

True diversity can make this a lot easier.

However, when delegating tasks in a diverse work environment, you need to avoid delegating tasks based on anything other than one’s skills, abilities and aptitudes.

Still, people coming from different backgrounds (foreign nationals), usually have exposure to the education system that favors different skillsets, which should make this somewhat more efficient.

3. More Efficient Brainstorming

The reason why the efficiency of brainstorming is affected by the size of the group is due to the fact that each individual has a chance to bring their personal experiences into the mix.

This is why it’s so important that you find representatives of as many different groups as possible to add into the mix.

For instance, aside from having representatives of different age groups, genders and backgrounds, you might also want to consider have a person with a disability on your roster.

Keep in mind that this is just one of many advantages of hiring workers with disabilities.

It’s definitely an opportunity that you can’t afford to miss out on.

4. Better Company Image

Inclusivity is an incredibly important factor in your PR campaign.

Remember that you have an audience that belongs to all demographics and that some of them might think twice before working with those that seem discriminatory against their own group.

Also, millennials tend to be more inclined towards diversity, which is why if you manage to portray your enterprise as more diverse, you might get a chance to make your company seem as an exemplar of a contemporary business world.

5. Greater Adaptability

Imagine a scenario where there’s a major religious holiday incoming and the majority of your staff belongs to this particular religious group.

Well, provided that you have someone in your employ (or several of them) who practice a different religion, you’ll always have someone who can check into work without any problem.

If you’re hiring people from families where both parents are working, chances are that you won’t have a problem finding one to volunteer for a graveyard shift, so that they can stay with their kids when their partner goes to work.

The more diverse your staff is, the more options you have.

The best thing about these advantages is the fact that the list goes on and on.

You see, there are many slight, passive boosts like the fact that diversity makes your business more approachable and that it helps boost its talent attraction and retention efforts.

Just bear in mind that in the competitive modern business world, your business needs every single advantage that it can get.

Diversity can, therefore, really help you get what you need.

Using a reward and perk system to get the most out of your employees is a concept that’s older than the business world itself.

However, there are some rewards that are simply not worth it.

What you want is to get the maximum effect with minimum investment.

Finding which methods help you get this is not easy and may require you to test several of them out yourself.

Still, here are five methods that are known to work.

1. Office Perks

The reason why office perks are so great is due to the fact that they, quite effectively, create a sense of friendly competition in your enterprise.

On the one hand, these perks are a clear gesture of appreciation and recognition of your employees’ abilities.

On the other hand, they’re not big or significant enough to cause real envy or animosity.

Sure, there are some people who are just desperately looking for a way to start an argument or spread negativity.

Needless to say, this is one method to get them out in the open and identify troublemakers in your enterprise.

2. Dinner with the Boss

The next thing you can do is reward one of your employees with a personal dinner.

First of all, it’s a dinner that someone else is going to pay for, which is what always makes it a great reward.

Second, it’s a sign of respect, seeing as how you’re setting aside your own free time to spend some time with them.

Finally, it’s a chance for them to personally complain to their employer, give suggestions or overall discuss the future course of their career.

Doing so in an office setting, with so many eyes and ears following them every step of the way can be hard. In this kind of setting, though, it’s so much easier.

3. Personalised Gear

Showing your appreciation for your staff members should go past words.

For instance, instead of just telling your assistant that they’re #1 in the world, why not have this printed on their mug?

Customised T-shirts and hats work just as well.

Also, keep in mind that you probably already have a reliable partner like Fast Promotional Products NZ that prints all your promotional merchandise.

It wouldn’t be that complex to ask them for a couple of uniquely customised items to distribute around the office.

This is a frugal incentive that more than carries its weight.

4. Better Parking Spot

Providing your employees with a better parking spot provides one with a similar type of reward as the above-discussed office perks.

The biggest advantage of this perk is the fact that it gives one a practical advantage over their colleagues.

Namely, they have to walk a shorter distance from their car to their workstation.

Sure, this doesn’t seem like a huge plus but when you’re carrying a birthday cake or when there’s a downpour outside, it can make all the difference in the world.

Always try to look at these things from the perspective of an employee and a way in which it affects their daily routine.

5. Sports Event Tickets

Sometimes, what you want is to provide your employees with an experience rather than just give them a material reward.

This is particularly useful if you know a thing or two about them, which would allow you to customise this experience.

For instance, if the person in question is an avid sports fan, discovering their favourite sports team and bestowing them with tickets for the next sporting event could mean a world to them.

A similar thing you can achieve with a festival ticket or a paid wine tasting tour.

You can only promote and increase salary so many times before this method becomes ineffective (or even outright impossible).

The reason why the above-listed five methods are so effective is that you can repeatedly use them.

This kind of reliability and versatility makes them a reliable ally on your struggle towards unleashing the full potential of your enterprise.

As time goes by, the realities of the global environmental state create quite a heavy pressure on the countries and the industries that have previously shown little interest for the environmental issues to adopt new, sustainable practices.

The price we had to pay so far may be steep but the changes are fundamental and give much hope for a better future.

Let us take a look at how this global movement can reshape the face of the oil and gas industry that has always been considered to be deeply rooted in unsustainable practices.

Increased Social Responsibility

The oil industry always had a certain clandestine aura around it.

Whether that reputation was earned or not is up to debate.

Still, there is no arguing that the entire industry would benefit from more transparent and socially responsible practices.

That means allocating more resources for charitable causes and creating a more humane work environment, as well as releasing accurate information regarding the environmental performance of the involved companies.

Better Use of Analytics

According to recent research, offshore oil platforms are, on average, running at only 77% of their total capacity.

Up until recently, these numbers could be contributed to insufficient technology.

Today, they are the product of the lack of effort in the field of analytics.

If companies would put more effort into understanding the ongoing oil drilling processes and invest in advanced control systems, they could reduce ecological impact, and make their operations safer.

Implementation of More Efficient Tools

Any technology that can make the O&G industry more efficient can make a huge contribution to making the environment more sustainable.

Shorter time frames combined with increased performance are reducing the production of waste, cutting the chances of workplace accidents and practically eliminating dangerous bottlenecks.

Because of that, all productivity tools, like for instance a durable drill collar, are more than welcome.

Implementation of More Refined Technologies

Similar to the previous example, it is hard to deny that various technologies like automation and artificial intelligence that are currently changing the foundations of different industries around the world could find a wider application in the O&G industry as well.

Still, we would like to point out recycling as one of the factors with the strongest contributing potential.

At the current state, advanced separation technologies are capable of recycling as much as 80 – 95% of the water used for oil extraction.

Greater Focus on Renewable Energy

The oil and gas industry is inherently unsustainable.

That doesn’t mean that the operations performed by O&G companies can’t be made more sustainable by shifting the focus on renewable energy.

Oil drills supported by solar power?

The idea may sound very novel but remember – every step made toward cleaner practices and lowering the global emission is the step in the right direction.

Of course, we should not overlook the potential of biofuel that can drastically affect the production levels in the near future.

Increasing Overall Security

All the measures we have previously covered are making the O&G industry not only productive and efficient but much safer as well.

And we are not talking only about the safety of the on-site workers.

The process of oil extraction has always been plagued by frequent accidents that had a devastating effect on the environment.

Who could forget the examples like the Deepwater Horizon tragedy that devastated the ecosystem in the Gulf of Mexico?

Fortunately, the O&G companies have made huge steps in the prevention of such tragedies.

The Untapped Potential of Oil Recycling

Finally, we have to mention one last ongoing process that threatens to completely change the way we look at the O&G industry.

We are, of course, talking about the growing interest in oil recycling.

The idea behind the movement is to turn the oil waste into base oils that can be used in the automotive industry.

The results, so far, have been impressive.

The fact that Eastern Europe that was never at the forefront of the sustainability movement is leading the pack is more than commendable.

As we can see, the oil and gas industry is currently at a turning point.

If sufficient effort is made, the future of this entire sector can be made far more environmentally friendly and the practices that have up until recently defined the industry a part of the past.

Of course, that doesn’t change the nature of oil and gas and their role in the global environmental story.

But, even the small victories are better than none.