Are you a startup entrepreneur or a freelancer who currently uses a coworking space? Have you ever considered switching to a virtual office? If you are looking for a reason to make a switch, then this article is for you!
What is a Virtual Office?
A virtual office is one of the modern office alternatives that provide flexible working arrangements. It does not matter where you are as you can work from any location. All you need is a stable internet connection and a device such as a laptop, desktop, tablet, or even a smartphone.
How is a Virtual Office Different from a Coworking Space?
Unlike a coworking space, a virtual office gives the vibe of a traditional office space. Most virtual office services come with various amenities depending on the service provider. These amenities include:
- Usable physical business address
- Business virtual mobile number
- Receptionist service
- Call handling service
- Parcel handling service
- Mail and Fax handling service
Some packages offer add-ons for physical facilities such as accessible meeting rooms.
There are more benefits a virtual office has to offer than a coworking space.
The Top 5 Advantages of a Virtual office
The following are the top 5 benefits of a virtual office that makes entrepreneurs and freelancers switch out of coworking spaces.
1. It Gives the Best Flexible Work Arrangement
You can work from anywhere as long as you have your device and an internet connection. This work flexibility feature benefits both the business owner and the employee.
Today, we are experiencing a growing demand for flexible jobs. Many professionals opt to choose a flexible job even if it has lesser pay. They want to work in a manner suitable for them to have a better work-life balance. This allows businesses to hire talented individuals all over the country. They can even outsource overseas.
This flexibility also allows the business to adapt to periods of adversity. One example of this is the COVID-19 pandemic. It gave many businesses difficulties in resuming operations.
2. It Makes the Business More Credible
One advantage of a virtual office over a coworking space is that it comes with a usable physical business address. It can establish legitimacy and gain the trust of your clients and investors. Also, since you are working from home, using your home address may look unprofessional.
3. It Offers Enhanced Customer Communication
Another feature of a virtual office that you will not have in a coworking space is the call and mail handling service. With this, it is guaranteed that no single inquiry will be left unanswered. All inquiries through call and mail will be attended to. You can also avail of a receptionist service for other time-consuming tasks. This can help you focus on more important things while giving the best service to your customers.
4. It is Cost-Effective
A virtual office requires no long-term contract, unlike having a tied contract for an office space. The operating costs associated with it are also lower. This gives your business a chance to generate more profit.
Business owners and employees can also save on fuel and commuting expenses as they do not need to go to a physical office when it’s not necessary. They can also enjoy more time to rest and spend with their family since they do not need to commute.
5. It is Eco-Friendly
As you keep saving on rent and utilities, you are also saving the planet. You don’t need to take your car to go to your office or coworking space thus reducing CO2 emissions. Typical office wastes which include paper wastes and disposable coffee cups are also greatly reduced.
What Type of Businesses Can Benefit the Most From a Virtual Office?
The following industries benefit the most from availing of a virtual office service.
- Freelancing
- Real-Estate
- Accounting and Finance
- Legal Firms
- Media and Advertising
- IT and Software Engineering
- Non-Profit Organizations
Times are changing and we can’t always predict when we will face adversity. You can still make the switch to a virtual office even if you belong to a different niche.
What is the Best Choice?
It is undeniable that a virtual office service gives businesses the best flexible work arrangement possible. Today, more and more businesses, big or small, have been adapting to unconventional work settings.
Virtual offices are great because aside from the benefits mentioned above, they make a prestigious business address more accessible. Whether you want a business address in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, or other business districts (without having to pay top dollar!), it’s not hard to find a virtual office that will suit your needs.