The virtual office is the future of work, and the future is now. The idea that our professional lives only exist within the constraints of one physical space is no longer the case. Increasingly, small businesses and even some larger corporations are operating virtually, meaning that their employees are completely or partially remote and a physical office space is only used when the company requires it.
While a few decades ago the concept of a virtual office was just that—a concept—today, companies everywhere are jumping on the virtual office bandwagon. In 2013, an estimated 65% of companies in the U.S. were allowing their employees to work remotely. There was a 26% increase in remote job postings in 2014 over 2013, and over 80% of hiring managers believe that they will continuously rise over the next five years. So, what are the reasons for this continued rise of the virtual office and why?
Cost Efficiency
Working virtually is much more cost efficient than working in an office space. This is especially beneficial for startups and small businesses looking to stand out from their competition. The less money spent on leasing a full time space, the more money a business has to put toward other things. Rentable virtual office space allows businesses to pay for only what they need, when they need it. They give off a professional image and prestigious address with less hassle and low overhead. Employees also benefit financially by eliminating the travel time to commute to an office every day.
Technological Advances
Video conferencing, instant messaging, social media, smart phones, tablets, wireless internet, and other technological advances have made it effortless to stay connected. Workers are no longer constrained to desks all day, allowing for efficient work to be completed from virtually anywhere.
High Morale and Productivity
Surveys show that nearly 70% of workers are happier working from home, while only a small percentage of workers enjoy working full-time from an office. This can be attributed to the generational switch in the workforce, or simply because people enjoy having the freedom to move about. Either way, happy employees generally equal productive employees.
The Future of work
While the traditional office space is not going away for good, the concept of a virtual office is transforming the reality of the workplace. As more people strive for a better work-life balance and businesses see the resource and capital benefits of remote workers, the virtual office will continue to rise. Contact Intelligent Office to discover all that a virtual office can do.
