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What are the Benefits of a Virtual Office Space?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

For many people, working from home provides a cost-saving alternative. Small to large businesses can operate out of a local home, or big companies may save money on bricks and mortar buildings by having employees telecommute. While the advantages of telecommuting are just beginning to be explored in full by many businesses, there are still some benefits to having access to office space. One solution is virtual office space.

It should be clear that virtual office space is actually a physical, and usually not a “virtual” or online space. One thing companies may run into when starting up is that things like post office boxes may signify they’re not as professional as they should be. Conducting all work in telecommuting fashion can rob a workplace of its professional appearance, and meetings at home may suggest the company is not as well funded or organized as required. Since companies may still want to give a professional appearance even though they all come to work in footy pajamas (at home on their computers), they may occasionally require office space, and a physical address.

Telecommuting allows workers to conduct business nearly anywhere in the world.
Telecommuting allows workers to conduct business nearly anywhere in the world.

There are now numerous companies that rent virtual office space, usually for fairly low prices, far less than it would cost to rent an office full time. These spaces can have conference rooms, full kitchens, and in general, professional looking meeting spaces when clients need to show up at an office. They also avoid the issue of people needing to conduct any mailing or shipping business with post office boxes, which can give a company a much more stable appearance.

A telecommuter works out of his home.
A telecommuter works out of his home.

Depending upon area and needs, cost to rent virtual office space can be less than or a simply a couple hundred US Dollars (USD) per month. This still saves a great deal of money by not having to maintain an office building, but provides a permanent and physical location when business needs to be conducted in person. Some of these virtual office space locations also offer phone services, though employing a receptionist or a virtual call service elevates expenses. Instead, many people simply have calls rerouted to their home or main location, or pick up messages left on answering machines throughout the day.

Telecommuters can work form any location where there is internet availability.
Telecommuters can work form any location where there is internet availability.

There can be some disadvantages to virtual office space. These can include having to share the office with many other people who also use the space. People may need to attend meetings to determine when and if they can schedule time to use the office. Costs to rent are usually kept low by maximizing number of companies that make use of the space. Still, many agree having a virtual office is a cost saving measure that might help make a business seem much more professional.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

JordanSmith

Thank you for describing the advantages and disadvantages of virtual office. You listed sharing as being a disadvantage, but it can result in a symbiotic relationship.

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    • Telecommuting allows workers to conduct business nearly anywhere in the world.
      By: Pix by Marti
      Telecommuting allows workers to conduct business nearly anywhere in the world.
    • A telecommuter works out of his home.
      By: a4stockphotos
      A telecommuter works out of his home.
    • Telecommuters can work form any location where there is internet availability.
      By: arenaphotouk
      Telecommuters can work form any location where there is internet availability.
    • People who work in a virtual office space might be able to determine their own work schedule.
      By: DenisNata
      People who work in a virtual office space might be able to determine their own work schedule.