The board room for the future will need to be a space that is designed to enhance the health and well-being of its members. It must also be a space that supports the use of digital technology to facilitate more efficient and effective meetings.
Furniture for meeting rooms, for example, needs to be flexible to allow several participants to attend the same meeting without sacrificing privacy or efficiency. The space will need to be equipped with the latest audio design and a top-quality sound system to ensure that both those in person and on the internet can be heard clearly. Natural light will be needed to ease eye strain during meetings. According to a recent Harvard Business Review study, access to natural lighting is the number one desired office benefit, far ahead of more traditional and predictable options like cafeterias and fitness facilities on the premises.
Other innovations in technology that could prove beneficial in the boardroom include real-time analytics, “living” management information that take the concept of infographics and dashboards one step further, and crowdsourcing technology that can provide an external view of the perspective of stakeholders. These tools can help boards better evaluate risks and create a stronger basis for making decisions.
Furthermore, the boardroom of the future will need incorporate more sustainability-related expertise. Board members must be aware of the impact business activities have on the environment, climate change, biodiversity, and human rights. It also means the introduction of new skills such as the ability to evaluate the impact of ESG issues on the long-term http://www.boardroomchallenge.com/virtual-board-meetings-guide/ financial results.