Even before the pandemic, many small businesses started turning to virtual offices to maximize efficiency and lower costs. Virtual offices are gaining greater importance as work continues to shift and evolve, enabling remote and distributed workforces, digital nomads, freelancers, startups, entrepreneurs, and downsized companies.
So let’s talk about virtual offices, what they are, and why they are more critical than ever in the post-pandemic world.
What Are Virtual Offices?
A virtual office offers the same services and amenities as a traditional, full-service corporate office. The most significant difference is that you don’t have physical office space to maintain.
At the most basic level, a virtual office package includes a professional business address, phone number, and mail handling. Depending on your needs, you can add more services, such as a live receptionist, live call answering services, voicemail to email, and meeting room space.
Despite its “virtual” nature, you can also access a physical office when needed. If you need to meet clients or use the space to work now and then, you can do that too. You can design a virtual office package that suits your precise needs for a predictable monthly fee. Even when you choose a premium package, the cost is a fraction of the cost of a traditional office lease.
Why Virtual Offices Are the Future of Work
Here are a few reasons why small businesses and entrepreneurs embrace virtual offices.
1. Reduce costs
Virtual offices provide a corporate environment’s perks without the massive overhead. Virtual office packages are pennies on the dollar compared to a traditional office lease.
2. Reduce health risks
With growing concern and awareness of health risks posed by exposure to Covid-19, a remote environment is often a worker preference. Virtual offices eliminate unnecessary direct contact without compromising efficiency.
3. Expand globally
If you’re entering new markets, you want to ensure your offices are up and running 24/7. A virtual office provides phone and mail services that address the need to be available when your customers need you.
4. Enable work-from-anywhere
Whether you run a business with subcontractors or field workers or you are a freelancer embracing the nomad lifestyle, a virtual office helps you cut the tethers that bind you to a physical place. Whether it’s about embracing your wanderlust or taking on remote workers in global locations, a virtual office ties it all together conveniently and affordably.
5. Reduced carbon footprint
We are all concerned with our environmental impact, as are our customers. Virtual offices reduce e-waste, keep vehicles off the road, and minimize energy and paper waste, keeping our world greener every day.
6. Maintain a professional business image
Running a business from home isn’t always the best look for a growing company. A virtual office provides professional amenities like a commercial address, phone number, and call answering to give your business a professional sheen.
Are you still contemplating a virtual office? Talk to us about it today! We’d love to answer all your questions and help you choose the right plan for your needs.
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