The conventional way of working usually occurs in a physical space: an office. This is true today. But many companies are changing their policies as times change. The concept of flexible work is gaining popularity. This is triggered by progressive management strategies. What are virtual offices? Virtual offices allow employees to work remotely from a location they choose to do so. This could be your house, a coffee shop, or a park where you can use the Internet. Many start-up companies benefit from this option.

The main reason to choose a virtual office is the price. It is cheaper to work virtually than to rent space in the city. This is often the factor that drives startups and small businesses to go virtual. The concept of working from home is becoming more and more acceptable to many companies. This option is no longer looked down upon and is considered a lifestyle option that people can opt for. Employees may prefer this option when they move or have children or for other reasons that are better known to them. Some organizations prefer to work virtually initially and may eventually move to a physical space when they break even. Small businesses prefer virtual space as they may not be “business ready” to move from their homes or wherever they are operating.

Some companies may be geographically distributed in many countries. In such a case, a permanent office space is meaningless as the employees are spread all over the world. A virtual office works best here.

Every organization strives to make its employees happy. When employees are allowed to work virtually, it means they can spend more time with their family. Eventually, the flexibility of collaborating from home makes the employee happier and more productive. A virtual work style is good for people who want to work as consultants. For people who don’t want to move, working virtually is a good option. This is a win-win situation for employers and employees. A physical office can be a geographic limitation for a potential employee, but when allowed to work virtually, the employee can work from where they are.

Working virtually is a good advantage for people with limited or disabled physical abilities. They can work from home with all possible help and support from caregivers or family members. To facilitate virtual work, organizations need to establish good management practices and virtual office tools. Using the right tools will ensure that employees are motivated and will also improve employee productivity and management.