The Benefits of a Round Conference Table for Open Discussions

Conference room tables are available in various sizes, shapes, and patterns. However, in recent years, round boardroom tables have become a go-to option. Unlike boat-shaped or traditional rectangular tables, this desk favors communication over hierarchy and ranking, making it the best choice for companies with a less linear structure. Its fluid design also puts everyone at the front and center.
The combination of these design elements helps promote more open conversations and equality among participants. This leads to more interesting and impactful discussions that make it easier to solve problems and move the company forward. In this post, we will share some of the top benefits of round conference tables and why you may want to consider snapping one for your office space.
Encourages Everyone to Speak
Standard conference room table shapes, like boat or rectangular designs, tend to create a hierarchical structure within discussions. In most cases, the person at the head of the table leads the conversation, with everyone following suit. While this design may lead to more straightforward meetings, it creates a sensation of inequality among participants. This may discourage younger or junior employees from sharing their thoughts or collaborating during meetings.
With a round conference table, you never have to worry about this, as its circular design means there is no focal point on the table. While this may seem like a small change, it can impact discussions significantly. Younger participants no longer feel the pressure to rise up the table before speaking. Instead, they can immediately share their thoughts as an equal member of the group.
Promotes Unity and Boosts Teamwork
Rectangular, boat-shaped, and square conference tables often create a split dynamic between groups. You may find two separate teams sitting on opposite sides of the table while sharing their thoughts. This us vs them mentality can easily damage the sense of unity within a company, leading to less teamwork and lower productivity.
The fluid nature of a round conference table makes it harder for one group to oppose the other using seating positions. Instead, coming to the table can even boost the sense of unity and belonging between different groups. This unique ability for round conference tables to solve problems among teams makes it the best choice for fostering collaboration and encouraging open discussions where everyone can be heard.
You Can See Everyone
One of the largest drawbacks of standard conference tables is a lack of eye contact. In most cases, you can only see the people opposite you while talking, making it harder to read the engagement level of other participants. With a circular conference table, you can wave goodbye to this issue as its design makes it easy for everyone to maintain eye contact during a discussion.
Having a direct line of sight to other participants makes it easier to judge if everyone is on the same page. If you discover any raised eyebrows or looks of confusion, you can easily expand on your point to ensure everyone understands. This makes it easier to carry out collaborative discussions, like breakout meetings.
Allows Different Types of Communication
We do not always speak verbally during discussions. A shrugged shoulder, soft smile, and nodding can often be louder than words. With the open design of a round conference table, participants can easily pick up on these non-verbal cues during discussions. This leads to smoother conversations with fewer interruptions while ensuring that the speaker understands the group’s feelings.
By picking up on non-verbal cues, you can easily adjust your presentation to meet everyone’s needs. For instance, if you notice several participants leaning in while talking, it may be a sign that you should speak louder or talk slower. Meanwhile, head shaking may signal that others may not agree, giving you a chance to clarify your points.