The Future of Remote Working and Virtual Offices

With the digital age well and truly ensconced in the collective business psyche, a fresh breeze has blown through the antiquated concepts such as the old 9 to 5 and brought with it new modalities like ‘paperless’, ‘wireless’ and ‘ergonomic’ when referring to the modern office environment.  If you mentioned one of these to an office worker even 20 years ago you would probably have received a blank stare in reply.

At the forefront of this new wave of functioning is the virtual office which is revolutionising the workplace like nothing before it.  Virtual office services are creating the most flexible working environment for businesses and staff whilst enabling higher levels of output and employee retention and satisfaction.

For the uninitiated let,’s take a quick look at what a virtual or remote office holds for the future of business.  Imagine you are a small company wanting to create an impression of success but a high-end office with an impressive inner city address is well beyond your budget.  A virtual office enables you to obtain that distinguished address at a fraction of the cost. The facilities and options available can include:

• Prestigious mailing address
• Access to worldwide facilities
• Dedicated receptionist and a local phone number
• Access to a network of coworking spaces around the globe
• A range of packages to suit your business requirements

So what are the key areas where virtual offices have changed the modern office workplace?

Financially

The single most advantageous thing about a remote office are the bottom line savings. Even the most successful companies have to keep an eye on cash flow and with a start-up company, this is especially true.  Committing your business to a 3-year lease can be daunting so the benefits of a virtual office are clear.  Savings in rental, utilities, overheads, putting technology in place, phone systems and organising office furnishings can be massive.  With premium office space in the Philippines now anywhere up to Php 1,200 per square metre, it makes a remote office a tempting option.

Alternatively, some businesses find that they prefer to have their offices in the cheaper outer suburban areas but keep a virtual office in the inner-city for hosting board meetings, client meetings and overseas clients. This presents a successful and prestigious ‘face’ to their business.

Staff retention

The virtual office can also impact staff retention figures allowing staff to prioritise their lives and to work within a frame that suits them.  Imagine staff having the ability to work from home whether they be parents, the injured or disabled, mobile consultants – increasing their productivity and work satisfaction.  In the US alone, well over 80% of staff have said they would prefer to telework (work virtually from home) and the teleworker or telecommuter workforce is growing at a rate of 5.6% compared to 1.1% for the normal workforce. This flexibility also translates to fewer days off which means greater productivity.

Having a global presence would also allow you to access talent worldwide, creating a truly multi-national company.

Business Branding

Business is about Brand perception.  The appearance of success can have a direct flow-on effect to the success of your business.  Just imagine the cachet associated with being able to boast an office in New York, Paris, Rome or London.  In the modern office, branding is all about your online persona with distinctive names, logos and colours to give your business an identity. It has never been easier to build a perception of your company being a successful multi-national brand.

Considering the changing dynamic of the modern office, it makes good business sense to utilize the advantages that the remote office has to offer.  Whether you are a start-up looking to consolidate your foothold before committing yourself to a permanent office, or a business looking to present your brand as a global entity, a virtual office may just be the next smart business move for you.