In the post-pandemic workplace, hybrid work has become the norm. Organisations across Africa are reassessing how and where collaboration truly happens. For decades, productivity was thought to be the result of bustling open-plan offices or grand boardrooms. But the real engines of innovation might just be much smaller. Increasingly, compact meeting spaces are emerging as the quiet heroes of workplace transformation.
According to Jabra’s 2025 global study of knowledge workers, 94% of employees regularly use small rooms for meetings, while 70% say their best ideas are born in these more intimate, focused spaces. The implications of this shift are particularly significant for Africa, where resourcefulness, efficiency, and adaptability are fundamental. In this context, investing in well-designed, tech-enabled small meeting rooms offers a more pragmatic and scalable approach than retrofitting large, traditional spaces.
But small meeting rooms are not simply downsized boardrooms. When designed with purpose, they become spaces where voices are equal, ideas flow freely, and decisions are made faster. They foster mentorship and peer engagement, support agile decision-making, and create environments where trust and psychological safety can flourish. These are the hallmarks of high-performing teams whether you’re in a start-up, a government department, or a large enterprise.
Despite this, many businesses still underuse or underestimate the value of these spaces. Poor acoustic design, limited video conferencing capabilities, or outdated technology often mean that small rooms become sources of frustration rather than creativity. In a continent where hybrid work has become a bridge between urban and rural talent, these technological shortcomings create real barriers to inclusivity and productivity.
Unlocking the full potential of small meeting rooms means thinking beyond just design and square metres. It requires embracing smart, user-friendly technology that enables real-time collaboration — whether participants are in the same room or halfway across the world. Cameras must ensure everyone is seen; audio devices must capture every voice clearly; and digital tools should simplify rather than complicate the meeting experience. The goal isn’t just more efficient meetings, but more connected, empowered teams.
As organisations scale and integrate into global markets, seamless and effective collaboration becomes a strategic imperative. Communication silos, time-zone differences, and fragmented workflows can no longer be excuses. The tools used to bridge these gaps must be intelligent, inclusive, and tailored to the way Africans work.
Axiz is proud to partner with Jabra to deliver intelligent collaboration solutions to businesses across South Africa and the African continent. Through this partnership, we’re equipping small meeting rooms with technology that enhances how people meet, share, and solve — whether in-person or remote, structured or spontaneous.
Because with the right tools in place, even the smallest space can be the birthplace of the next big idea.