Small Rooms Matter: New Jabra Research highlights why small rooms matter in hybrid working
27/05/25
Being seen and heard is an essential part of any meeting experience, whether in-person or in a hybrid working environment. Often though, technology, (or the lack of it) stands in the way of smooth natural conversations especially when it comes to small meeting spaces.
During the start of 2025, our partners at Jabra conducted a survey with knowledge workers around the world to understand how small meeting spaces shape modern work. For the purposes of this study, a small meeting room is defined as a space that could accommodate up to 8 people.
These are some of the fascinating insights the survey discovered.
94% of Workers Rely on Small Rooms
The overwhelming majority of professionals believe a small meeting room is ideal for personal, focused, and distraction-free collaboration, saying they rely on these areas for meetings.
Within the survey, 73% of employees believed that small meeting rooms boost collaboration, and 74% of workers surveyed said they also improve team dynamics and trust.
Small meeting spaces are where most day-to-day collaborative work happens—so it’s critical they’re properly equipped to enable and empower the best possible output.
Tasks That Thrive in Small Rooms
Jabra’s research highlighted that small rooms are particularly well-suited for tasks requiring deep focus and teamwork. They foster brainstorming, collaboration and problem solving. People generate their best ideas there because small spaces strip away the formality and pressure of larger meetings
Small Rooms Drive Creativity, Innovation, and Teamwork
As some businesses are choosing to introduce Return-to-Office mandates, small rooms play a critical role in drawing people back to the workplace. When thoughtfully designed, they can significantly enhance productivity and well-being
This survey found that:
• 74% of workers said small rooms enable more equal participation compared to medium or large rooms.
• 72% reported better group dynamics.
• 70% noted that conflicts were resolved faster in small rooms.
Challenges Facing Small Meeting Rooms
Because of their many benefits, availability of small meeting rooms is often in short supply. According to Jabra’s survey, 80% of employees reported wasting time searching for available rooms. Even when they found one available, 50% said the space wasn’t properly equipped for their requirements.
Only one in three small rooms featured video conferencing capabilities, and fewer than half had speakerphones. This discourages remote participants, who often struggle to join and productively partake in meetings effectively.
When technology fails, employees are forced to adapt:
• 58% took calls at their desks.
• 33% held meetings in hallways.
Neither scenario supports productive or focused collaboration. These challenges underscore the urgent need for better tools and smarter AV design.
Maximising the Potential of Small Spaces
The survey indicates that:
• 72% of employees believe better-equipped rooms would boost productivity.
• 70% said working technology makes them feel more comfortable sharing ideas.
• 67% reported that well-designed rooms stimulate innovation and collaboration.
Building a Balanced Workplace
A well-balanced workplace should feature both small rooms for focused teamwork and larger spaces for presentations and broader discussions. When organisations prioritise small meeting spaces, they can experience tangible benefits, including:
• Faster decision-making & productivity
• Enhanced innovation
• Improved collaboration
• Greater employee satisfaction
In summary
Small meeting rooms are more than just convenient spaces – they are essential to modern hybrid work, yet they’re often under-resourced and overbooked. Jabra’s research makes it clear: when small rooms are thoughtfully designed and properly equipped, they drive real business impact – from improved employee satisfaction to sharper decision-making. As organisations look to build workplaces that truly support hybrid teams, investing in the potential of small spaces is a smart and strategic step forward.
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