Rapidly evolving modern technology and the internet have forever changed the way that we do business. Since numerous jobs can now be done almost exclusively in front of a computer, businesses can do away with a physical location. Customers can be dealt with over the phone, transactions can be done online, and meetings can be accomplished via video conference calls. Virtual offices have become quite the norm, a more cost-effective way to do business with plenty of benefits both for both employers and employees. Read on to find out what they are.
1. What is a Virtual Office?
Let’s first define what a virtual office is. A virtual office provides your business with a physical mailing address but frees it from the confines of having a long lease and the need for administrative staff. Most startups rent virtual offices because their owners don’t want their home addresses to be revealed. They range from under $40 to more than $200 per month with zero maintenance and upkeep costs and typically include telephone answering and video conferencing services.
2. Remote Work with Zero Commute
The most obvious and biggest benefit of having a virtual office is jobs can be done remotely. Workers can log in from home, while on holiday, or at a cafe, anywhere, anytime. All they need is a stable internet connection. They also find a better work-life balance. Best of all, virtual offices eliminate the need to commute, which decreases travel-related stress and even has a profound impact on the environment. Fewer carbon emissions from frequent commutes mean less carbon footprint.
3. Prestige
Having a business address already creates a credible business image, what more if you choose a virtual office somewhere in a well-known business area; it establishes legitimacy and adds a sense of prestige. When your business card includes a reputable address, you gain the trust of your customers.
4. Cost-efficient
As already mentioned, having a virtual office instead of a brick-and-mortar space equals less overhead. Businesses can save a lot of money since there are no utility payments, no hardware, and no associated costs. Furthermore, workers don’t need to invest in professional wear (suits, blazers, ties, etc.) and other related costs (makeup, lunch, commute). Virtual offices allow you to save money and reallocate your budget to more essential expenses.
5. Increased Satisfaction
Let’s face it, people are generally happier working from home, and happier employees usually entail an increase in productivity. They also get to save money and not having to deal with office politics is a major advantage. Plus, it’s easier to weed out those who aren’t as productive as the rest since there’s no one around to save them.
There are so many wonderful benefits to having a virtual office. Naturally, it’s not all peaches and cream and they do come with certain challenges. For instance, virtual offices usually impose restricted access on nights and weekends, and working from home comes with many distractions, but the good outweighs the bad.