The Perfect Balance Between in Office and a Virtual Office

The digital nature of today’s business environment makes running a company easier than ever. But it also means owners face a wider array of complex decisions about employees. From virtual staffing to giving employees the option of working remotely, there are numerous ways to increase productivity through technology. The key is finding the perfect balance between in-office and virtual office work. 

You'll find similarities in the cities across the country that lead the way in increased virtual office work and work-at-home days. Successful companies know it's critical for senior staff to maintain an in-person presence in the office. This helps them provide leadership and oversight for daily operations. That doesn’t necessarily extend all the way down the food chain. Many staff members are capable of fulfilling their responsibilities without reporting to an office daily. 

There’s growing evidence that a shortened workweek will increase productivity and job satisfaction. Some companies allow their employees to work from home one day a week (ideally all on the same day). This allows staff to spend less time commuting and more time taking care of business. Live receptionists reduce the need for office staff and ensure that no business call ever goes unanswered, no matter where the receptionist is working. Creating a more flexible work environment also means an employee with an illness or sick child can still be productive. It's just one of the many benefits for allowing your staff to work from home.

The use of virtual office workers is not only good for employees, it also provides significant benefits to companies. Hiring virtual assistants can increase productivity without requiring any additional in-office resources. This translates into savings in technology and material resources, as well as reduced staffing costs (assuming these are contract workers). The company also saves money on office space. 

Many tech companies are relatively light on core staff. Maintaining a virtual office gives them the security of having a space available to accommodate their full team for meetings without having to pay the high overhead of a brick-and-mortar office space. A business can also maintain a physical address for receiving packages and correspondence.

Maintaining some virtual office staff saves your technology budget since most virtual team members supply and make upgrades to their own computers. The business can then focus on providing technology to core staff. The significant savings this provides can be passed on to clients. It also lets you enjoy greater profits which allows you to invest more in your employees. This type of positive feedback loop is beneficial to everyone involved: the employer, the employee, and the customer.

A general rule of thumb for finding the perfect balance between in-office and a virtual office is simple. By spending your resources wisely on services and staff who provide the most benefit, you can leverage your existing resources to create a business that's profitable, efficient, and staffed with loyal, contented employees.

About Francesca Singer

Francesca Singer is a freelance writer and DIY enthusiast who splits her time between Texas and rural France. When not writing or wrangling a toddler, she can be found wielding power tools or working in the garden.