As more companies go remote, alternative forms of video conferencing tools are being created to help remote and hybrid teams thrive together no matter where they are geographically. A new game changing product on the market is a virtual office. You must be thinking: what is a virtual office space, what are the advantages of a virtual office and how does a virtual office work? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you better understand this new virtual space and see if it’s right for your business.
The term virtual office or virtual workspace is becoming more and more common nowadays. Both terms essentially mean the same thing: a technology software that allows remote, hybrid or distributed teams to foster collaboration, connection and company culture through a virtual platform. Virtual offices bridge the gap between working remotely and the inclusiveness of being in a physical office.
You must be wondering how a virtual office is different from a video conferencing tool, such as Zoom, Skype or Google Meet. What those three video conferencing softwares have in common is that they all provide the basic and essential function of communicating online for work, which is being able to speak with a colleague through video. Although they provide the basic tool, employees need more to stay engaged and not feel a sense of “Zoom fatigue”.
To understand a virtual office in simple terms, imagine being in a physical office where you can walk over to a colleague if you have a question, bump into your teammates on the way to a meeting, take a break in the common area, knock on doors when you’re walking into somebody’s office, have brainstorm sessions on a whiteboard or even decorate your desk. Now imagine that entire office structure on your desktop. If you still can’t picture it, here’s a reference picture below.
Basically a virtual workspace is software that allows your employees to engage in ways that feel like a physical office rather than feeling like their lives are run by virtual meeting after virtual meeting. Collaboration, team building, and general socializing happen serendipitously rather than in rigid and formal meetings.
Remote, hybrid or distributed business can benefit a great deal by using a virtual workspace. Let's break down the pros and cons of being in a virtual office.
There are numerous advantages to virtual workspaces, but let's just stick to the top 3.
Although the disadvantages of a virtual office are hard to come by, there are a couple that companies sometimes face.
How do you know if your business is right for a virtual office? Many companies that are remote, hybrid or distributed may be ready to take the leap into the virtual office world. See if you fit into one of the following categories:
Setting up your virtual office is easier than it looks. Here’s how we recommend starting your virtual office journey:
Got questions? No worries, we are here to help. Just schedule a demo with a member of the team.
Once you’re up and running, you’ll be able to start bringing your team together to build a positive company culture. The great part about having a virtual office is that you never have to worry about finding the URL for a meeting. All your meetings, events and hang outs happen on one link. If you need help to kick start your team building, here’s an article on hosting a virtual offsite.
Is a Virtual Office Right for Your Business?
Here are some questions to think about when deciding on a virtual office.
For more commonly asked questions, check out the help center.