In today’s global and digital economy, more and more workers are taking advantage of being able to work wherever they want. Companies like Basecamp, Upworthy, and Buffer are beginning to realize the benefits of allowing their employees to work from home.
According to a survey conducted by GlobalWordplaceAnalytics.com, more than 4.3 million employees now work at home at least half the time. That is a growth of more than 11.7% since 2008. Approximately 25-50% of the workforce teleworks at some level of frequency.
In fact, studies have even found that employees who do work out of a virtual office tend to work at their jobs longer, therefore decreasing employee turnover.There also tends to be much higher levels of productivity than employees who stay in the home office.
Employees have even stated that they would be willing to take a pay cut or have fewer vacation days if it meant that they got to work from home at least part of the time.
It doesn’t have to be just big companies embracing the telecommuting model; small companies are starting to jump on the trend too. It is a way to reduce expenses, create better networks, or allow creative minds to innovate on their own time.
It’s clear that virtual offices have become a staple and it doesn’t seem like they are going away any time soon.
What is a Virtual Office?
A virtual office is able to combine the physical features of having a real office address for activities such as mailing, conferences, meetings, messaging, and more, but still allows the staff to work remotely.
This means lower costs for the company because you won’t get stuck in a long lease and a physical office that would have to be staffed by administrative workers, paying for services and equipment, etc.
Benefits of a Virtual Office
Unless you are in the middle of nowhere, you most likely will have to pay thousands of dollars per month in rent to make sure everyone can be in the same place. Having a traditional brick-and-mortar could become obsolete, as some experts believe that as many as 50% of Americans could be telecommuting by 2020.
Plus, employee happiness and productivity increases when they are able to work out at a virtual office, so you might see the benefits in more ways than one!
If your business can be conducted primarily online, with an occasional need for in-person meetings, why not consider going 100% virtual. It could save you tons of cash on rent, equipment, and more.
If you do need a private space to meet with a client, there are many different co-working spaces out there that you can rent for the time you need.
Having a virtual office can also add to your reputation and make you appear more professional. Rather than just simply working out of your house, you could have a co-working space and a physical, professional address to use for your office.This could add to your image.
Consider Your Budget
Even though you will save considerable money working out of a virtual office, it still isn’t free! Consider how often you will be using the space and how much space you will need so that you won’t be surprised by the costs.
Location Matters
If you decide a virtual office is a right fit for you, it’s time to do your research. Even though most of your work will be virtual, you still want a convenient spot that makes it easier for clients and employees to come together for meetings. Check out why Florida is the future virtual office hotspot
Not only should it be accessible, but it should also make sense for your business to be located there. Having a great location, even for just a virtual office, can help attract potential new employees.
People tend to want to work in a place that is close to the action - they want to be close to restaurants, near a good bar scene, gyms, or have the beach close by. Check out the best things to do in Hallandale. Having offices that you can rent temporarily near fun activities can help attract new employees.
Now, you can find companies who can rent you space for you to have your offices, without having to commit to a long and lengthy lease. Try to find somewhere that offers multiple office layouts so no matter what you need the offices for, you can find what you need.
If you haven’t considered working out of a virtual office, now might be the time. Be sure to check out our article on how to set up a Virtual Office. The benefits go beyond just saving on rent; your employers tend to be happier and more productive, and you still keep the image of professionalism with a rent-as-you-go office address.
If your interested in a virtual office membership in the Hallandale and Aventura area then feel free to contact us. Our membership allows access to the private offices facilities and conference/meeting rooms. You only have to rent for the days you need them!