{"id":889,"date":"2020-03-11T18:04:50","date_gmt":"2020-03-11T18:04:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/circlehub.net\/?p=889"},"modified":"2020-10-15T18:07:33","modified_gmt":"2020-10-15T18:07:33","slug":"11-key-benefits-of-a-virtual-office","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/circlehub.net\/staging\/11-key-benefits-of-a-virtual-office\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Key Benefits of a Virtual Office"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While physical offices were once the norm, flexible workspaces are now becoming a favored option for non-traditional businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of these alternatives is a virtual office. These spaces provide organizations with a physical address where employees may come in to use utilities, machines, and other services when necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But how many people even use virtual offices?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a study by uSamp<\/a>, 65% of its 1000 respondents <\/strong>work for a company that allows its employees to work remotely<\/strong>. Many of them come from small companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This observation isn\u2019t entirely surprising. Freelancers and startups typically prefer a flexible work plan that allows them to work outside of the typical workspace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You know what\u2019s shocking, though?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

69% of the respondents from large companies said that their workplace allows employees to work remotely.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that large of a market, why are these virtual offices so successful? What pulls people toward these services? Let\u2019s look at the key benefits of a virtual office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Provides a Physical Address<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\"Man<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Many freelancers often have problems when it comes to providing a physical address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is that an issue?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For one, many of these individuals work from home. Would you be comfortable handing out business cards with your home address stated on it? <\/strong>Would you feel safe with your house pinpointed on a map on your website? We didn\u2019t think so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, clients may not feel as confident seeing an obscure address <\/strong>on your business card either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A virtual office allows you the perks of having a physical address. Such would allow you to continue to work comfortably from your own home without worrying about your safety and that of your loved ones. Likewise, the location on your card and website can instill greater credence in your clients<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The address your virtual office provides is part of your corporate identity<\/strong>. It gives a greater sense of legitimacy and professionalism <\/strong>to your organization or startup. The option of having a physical space ready also allows you to meet with clients face-to-face so you can better understand their needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtual office providers may also be part of professional groups, allowing you to connect or network with other businesses and organizations. For instance, <\/strong>CircleHub<\/strong><\/a> is an official member of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allows Greater Flexibility<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

A common issue with traditional workspaces is that it can be somewhat confining. Employees have to come to a specific location and work within a set time frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtual offices provide flexibility<\/strong> in two ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. When <\/strong>you work<\/li>
  2. Where <\/strong>you work<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Firstly, you have control over your schedule when it comes to this alternative arrangement. Organizations that adopt this set-up often value meeting targets over following a strict work schedule. As long as you finish the important tasks, you can work whatever time you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What does this mean for you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your work schedule no longer dictates what you can do outside of your job<\/strong>. This benefit is especially appealing to those who have families. You\u2019ll be able to pick up your children from school, attend activities, and spend more time with your loved ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Secondly, you also have the authority to choose where you work. If you need to travel for personal reasons, your job will no longer hinder you from doing so. You can continue whatever tasks you need to finish, no matter where you find yourself<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Similarly, working outside of a stuffy office can help your creativity. People who work remotely also often work from cafes, as well as co-working spaces<\/a> where they can collaborate with other individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Increases Job Satisfaction<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
    \"Woman<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    As mentioned earlier, workers look toward flexibility when it comes to working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When employees have the freedom to choose where they work and what schedule to follow, companies can see an increase in job satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Remote workers believe they have greater autonomy, are less stressed, and have a sense of work-life balance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Raises Productivity<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    Those who haven\u2019t tried alternative working arrangements worry that distractions outside of the office may affect productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Are their concerns well-founded?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A study from the journal Personnel Psychology<\/a> shows that employees from IBM believed they were more productive<\/a> <\/strong>when doing their jobs from a virtual office. They also held the opinion that there was higher morale <\/strong>within the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As mentioned earlier, companies that make use of virtual offices focus more on their targets than requiring their employees to work certain hours. They put more value on output rather than time<\/strong>. You can then concentrate on doing your actual job instead of staying in the office on a schedule, where you may end up wasting time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Close-up<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Lessens Costs<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    One cost that traditional offices have to consider is rent<\/strong>. This expense would either mean acquiring property\u2014which can be especially tedious\u2014or renting from a landlord. Physical space can be a significant expense. As more and more businesses open, prices tend to rise because of increased demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Do you know what else they have to worry about?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paying for utilities<\/strong>. Water, electricity, and internet bills can become expensive as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How is a  virtual office beneficial in this situation?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Typically, these providers can supply you with all of these services under a single fee<\/strong>. You pay for a virtual office without having to worry about rent, utilities, and other overhead costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To start with, you may not even make use of the physical space. As you and your employees work remotely, you won\u2019t have to pay for electricity, water, and other things they\u2019ll be using up. Many of these people will be working from their own homes or in a cafe somewhere else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Provides Virtual Assistants or Receptionists<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
    \"Close-up<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Speaking of costs, you know what else you can save on?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A receptionist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In a traditional set-up, you\u2019d have to post a hiring ad, read through resumes, and screen applicants. Then you\u2019d need to train the new hire and pay their salary. Sometimes, receptionists don\u2019t even work the entire time they\u2019re there as calls and clients may not come in very often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A virtual office can make things more efficient for everyone:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Many providers will offer the services of a virtual assistant or receptionist<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How will they handle your calls and mail, you ask?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Providers often let their clients train or instruct the assistant on how they want their calls and mail handled<\/strong>. They may ask the receptionist to forward calls or simply take messages when necessary. As for mail, most companies ask the office to deliver it to their respective homes. You can also decide to pick it up if you live nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s more efficient in the sense that they may take calls for different organizations that are clients of the virtual office provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Makes The Business Environmentally-Friendly<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    Another benefit of virtual offices is that it\u2019s more eco-friendly<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But why should businesses consider being environmentally-friendly anyway?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s about sustainability<\/strong>. Not only does it allow your businesses to save more, it helps the planet, allowing us to continue operating our companies for a long time<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here\u2019s how a virtual office is more eco-friendly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n