There’s good reason to believe that remote work is the way of the future, in one way or another. So, with remote work on the upswing, does that mean brick-and-mortar offices are becoming obsolete? Well, yes and no.
Offices Aren’t for Everyone
There are plenty of reasons why offices work. They allow for collaboration and help foster a workplace culture that becomes a building block of your brand. But offices also come with a multitude of drawbacks, especially for smaller businesses. It probably comes as no surprise to the seasoned entrepreneur or small business proprietor but renting an office space is expensive.
Traditional rentals typically lock in tenants on a six-month or yearly basis, and there are tons of overhead. As an office tenant, it is your responsibility to stock the space with your own furniture and office supplies—and much like the office itself, these items do not come cheap. So, with a heavy financial burden and minimal flexibility, is a traditional office rental really the right choice for your small business?
The Way of the Future
If you like the perks a brick-and-mortar office provides but don’t like the substantial bottom line, there are other options out there for you. Have you considered adopting the virtual office model? You might be surprised by just how beneficial a virtual office can be for your small business.
So why make the switch?
1. No commute
Perhaps the most obvious perk of a virtual office is that there is absolutely no commute to work. You can simply log in and start your day. Not only does this leave more time and energy for your team to be productive, but it also cuts out the costs of transit (and the environmental impact of a daily commute).
2. Minimal overhead
Forget the expenses of renting, furnishing, and maintaining a brick-and-mortar office building. The only cost associated with a virtual office is the monthly payment plan. You can pick and choose the services you want and get a discounted price when you bundle your plans.
3. Adds legitimacy
Working remotely is great, but it’s challenging to maintain an air of professionalism when you’re FedEx-ing work packages to your front door and trying to host meetings at your kitchen table. With a virtual office, you can access services like a physical business address, phone line, and meeting rooms, lending your business legitimacy and professionalism.
4. Increased accessibility
The best part about a virtual office is the flexibility and accessibility it offers you and your team. Unlike with a brick-and-mortar office, you aren’t beholden to strict operating hours and can access services from almost anywhere. Whether you’re at home, on the road, or in a different country, your virtual office can serve your needs in a jiffy.
5. Greater freedom
With a virtual office, you can work where you want, when you want, and how you want. Because of these increased freedoms, you and your team can independently choose the methods that work best for you, resulting in happier, healthier, and more productive employees who can govern their own work schedules.
The way you run your business should suit your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. There are so many reasons to choose a virtual office… what’s yours?
