New research shows that Brits spend on average 23 days a year in meetings, yet 56% of workers say these are generally unproductive.

In fact, staff surveyed actually cite too many meetings as the biggest waste of time in the workplace. It’s no wonder then that 60% of British office workers admit to making excuses to get out of them, according to an article published by The Guardian.

The survey results highlight the common pitfalls when it comes to meetings. Here are five ways to maximise both productivity and staff satisfaction to make sure your meetings always matter.

1. Limit the guest list

The most productive meetings have 5-9 attendees, say surveyed workers. Research supports this with experts guessing that for every attendee over 7 reduces the productivity by 10%! The Hankey Room at Fetcham Park is the perfect space for meetings for 2-6 people. Ergonomic Herman Miller Setu chairs and plenty of natural light ensure maximum productivity for the duration of your time with us.

2. Feed the troops

Unsurprisingly, the survey revealed that staff are far more likely to enjoy a meeting if it involves free food and drink. Working with our preferred catering partners, we offer a delicious selection of gourmet goodies tailored to your needs and budget, with complimentary limitless filtered water, tea and coffee. Or tuck-in to our on-site Tuck Box if you simply want a treat like a Tunnocks Caramel Wafer Biscuit.

3. Out of office, literally

Over a third of staff surveyed said they received more enjoyment from a meeting in a relaxed atmosphere. Meetings hosted off-site, away from the hustle and bustles of the everyday working environment, came out on top. At Fetcham Park, our meeting spaces are open to non-residents at reasonable rates, with flexible hours to suit you. For residents, this is an opportunity to get out of the office and use one of the three meeting rooms with views of the grounds.

4. Stand up (or get walking!)

Research shows that efficiency increases if chairs are removed during the meeting so staff are standing to attention! You could take this one step further and consider a walking meeting. Thanks to our six-acres of private, landscaped grounds there’s plenty of opportunity to breakout from the confines of a meeting room, take a walk, sit in the gardens or on the terrace, to help inspiration flow.

5. Technology troubles

Another pet peeve of workers is technological issues such as patchy Wi-Fi and failed conference calls. Complimentary, business grade Wi-Fi is available throughout Fetcham Park and is supported by our on-site Client Services Team, so if the unthinkable should happen, we’ll work to remedy the situation as quickly and as efficiently as possible. You can also maximise the impact of your presentation with a choice of a large flat-screen TV and an Apple TV in the smaller meeting room.

 Meeting Space in Surrey

Fetcham Park combines a modern approach to work spaces, ideal for meetings that combine maximum efficiency and optimum staff satisfaction. Tucked away in Surrey, removed from the distractions and noise of the city, it’s less than an hour from London, close to the M25 and conveniently located between Heathrow and Gatwick Airports.

To get in touch email hello@fetchampark.co.uk or call 01372 371000