Why do i need a virtual office?

Virtual Office , Workspace

The notion of virtual offices have traced foundations during the era of industrial revolution when executives and professionals started investigating alternative ways of supplementing income by making maximum use of real estate costs and other expenses . This is where the present work space design ideas especially working from home have directly borrowed from. The notion is a transformation of the conventional office suites .

So what is a virtual office ?

A virtual office refers to an workspace that enables a business to have a physical address and other services related to office needs in the absence of a lease agreement and organizational staff. This means that the professional can work remotely from anywhere and still enjoy the benefits of having a an addrees,meeting rooms ,phone correspondence services and even a chance to do video calls.

Why should i consider a virtual office?

Virtual offices have been in the rise especially after Covid-19 pandemic and they are here to stay. Many businesses had no idea of the benefits of virtual offices until it was the only alternative during the lockdown period and for some , It proved more economic and suitable for their business operations. Some of the advantages of virtual offices are :

1.Commitments -With virtual offices you will have no long -term duties or commitments that cuts down the risk of taking long-term rent agreements for the period you will be in need of the office space.

2. Support staff- Office packages when it comes to virtual offices mostly have extra features like a business support system that will assist you in tackling simple tasks like phone correspondence and waiting rooms for your guests.

3. Its flexible – virtual offices enable you to work form anywhere by the simple action of logging in . This type of office is however suitable for businesses that only need internet connection.

4. Boosts business brand – Businesses that have a business address together with the virtual office makes your brand appear more trustworthy and professional and legit.

5. Talent accumulation. -A virtual office removes the restriction of hiring staff according to where your are located and in some instance s enables a business grow their operations without having to increase their office space. This grants the business owner the opportunity to hire the greatest minds as the talent pool is not restricted to location.

6. Friendly costs – The cheaper cost of acquiring virtual offices is one of the main upsides. This is because you are able to pay for executive suites for your business without cashing out large amounts for rent. This reduces the operational costs for your business consequently leaving revenue that can be diverted to other departments of the business.

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Coworking spaces for improved productivity?

Coworking , Workspace

With the rise of coworking spaces, Kenya is catching on with some businesses embracing the idea of working in a shared workspace with other professional who are doing the same. Coworking spaces are now becoming popular alternative to the conventional office because they come with many disadvantages that would otherwise not come around easily if at all when working in a traditional office. So how does coworking spaces increase productivity among employees?

You will get happier employees

75% -90% of coworkers are in favor of the personal connections formed at coworking spaces. The employees get a chance to engage with different types of people and those also similar to them. This goes a long way in increasing their sense of belonging,joy and company that directly results in increased productivity. 

Consistent exchange of ideas. 

When you think about coworking spaces, think buzz sessions involving exchange of ideas and continuous learning. When working alongside individuals who are of one mind ,you get a chance to draw on their knowledge whenever you are in a situation that needs other approaches. This is because although you may be similar in  thought, some of the professional you will meet are skilled in areas that you may not be and with different talent too that may be useful to you at that moment.

Work-life Balance 

When talking about work-life balance ,it refers to the ability of a business to put  hierarchy between individual professional pursuits. Employer strive to maintain a work life balance for their employees in order to minimize stress levels and good mental health.

Collaborations

Coworking spaces enable businesses have creative collaborations between each other. Since this spaces are not only composed of business owners but different professionals from all walks of life, some may decide to put heir heads together to work on  project that serves both their interests . This results in increased productivity.

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Working in the Virtual World

Virtual businesses are becoming ordinary with globalization ,evolution of technology and work life balance.  The telecommuting practice of working independently from the conventional  in-field work environments in locations that are connected digitally to a principal office is slowly picking up in Kenya. However there are upsides and downsides and here are some of them. 

Advantages 

  1. Cost reduction –The long term lease agreements for commercial properties has conventionally been the most extravagant expense when it comes to business funds allocation. A virtual office can help your business save on these operating costs with basic virtual offices going for hourly sessions up to a month.  
  2. Physical address – The virtual office package comes with a physical address which makes your business look more professional. It is  possible to use your home address for business purposes ,it may negatively impact how potential clients perceive you. A professional physical address will make you more trustworthy as compared to the latter. 
  3. Free customer service aid– In the virtual office package is also the free service of a receptionist in some office suites while others provide yo with office equipment like phone with a reliable number that your clients and prospectives can reach you. 
  4.  Flexibility –Virtual offices allow for flexibility in how the business runs when it comes to employees. Virtual offices will allow your employees to work from anywhere which is likely to raise their morale and productivity in the process. 

Disadvantages. 

  1. Tangible assets – With virtual offices although convenient when it comes to cost will impede you from acquiring tangible assets like office equipment and your own commercial property. Although most businesses have a long term goal of eventually acquiring property to set up their business, the comfort of a ready office will not encourage you to briskly acquire them even if the business is capable.  
  2. Distractions – The main advantage of on-site jobs and employees is that there are less distractions as the businesses set up a conducive environment for them to work productively. Take for instance a working mum , the chances of having to work productively for hours on end without frequent detours is minimal when they are required to work onsite as opposed to working virtually. 
  3. Company culture -The conventional office ,makes it a lot easier to create and reinforce a  solid company culture. Virtual offices on the other hand make it challenging for remote employees to blend with the company’s culture. This is because they do not meet with each other and the new additions to the staff do not get the chance to foster long working relationships that in turn unites them to work towards one goal.
  4. Minimal Access – The 8-5 working culture is used by management to restrict office use which may extend in to weekends. What this means for you is that you may not be able to access the premises beyond certain times and also over the weekend. 

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Is a shared work space worth it ?

Coworking , Workspace

Shared work spaces are working spaces that are usually for rent by business that are working remotely or any other person who may not have a main office. Along with the boom of virtual offices in Kenya, shared office spaces is also on the rise with many individuals now venturing online for online gigs, and small business and startups that require official addresses and minimum expenditure. So what are some of the benefits of shared work spaces?

1.High quality infrastructure. 

In this era when technology is taking over businesses , there are no offices today that are able to run their daily operations without a good internet connection . When you rent a shared work space, you get to enjoy the furnished offices already equipped with internet and other fundamental services like customer service and telephone correspondence. You may even go head to hire your own receptionist if your budget allows who will receive your guests.

2.Perfect location

Shared office spaces that are usually up for hire are conveniently located near the CBD (Central Business District)which is near all public transportation centers and commercial and leisure centers. This goes along way in giving your visitors an easy time finding your office.

3. Networking opportunities

Shared work spaces allow for collaborations and exchange of ideas and knowledge with the other professionals you are with. This is because over time, individuals working in this shared work spaces begin to work hand in hand despite the fact that they are working for different organizations or business entities . These professional get the opportunity to connect with each other and form a network of professionals that offer support and a pool of ideas to deal with the daily problems encountered when running a business.

4.Flexibility

Aside from the conveniently hourly to monthly payment solutions that are usually available for individuals looking to rent shared office spaces , some go further to rent out seats to entrepreneurs that are just starting out. Therefore, business are flexible when deciding to choose to save money by only paying for space that they use and work from anywhere.

5. Affordable Cost

Shared offices spaces are affordable as they save you the hustle of getting into long-term leasing agreements in the case where your business requires minimal office activities.

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