As companies look to boost employee engagement, they’re revamping the workplace to bring more communal spaces into the mix for creative collaboration and social connection.
These rooms include thoughtfully designed lounges, lobbies and other ancillary spaces. Though the rule in ancillary space design is ‘anything goes,’ a common feature is the central occasional table.
FOCAL POINT
The occasional table, side table or coffee table, whether presented as a solo piece or configured as a pair or trio of tables, provides a focal point—a hub that workers can gather around for dialogue and discussion.
The occasional table’s key benefit is functional—it’s a place to set a notebook or, a cup of coffee. But there may be a psychological benefit as well; as a tangible object, the occasional table serves as a social buffer, helping people feel more secure and less exposed.