You are currently viewing Standing the Test of Uncertain Times: Six Reasons Virtual Offices Will Stick Around in Post-COVID Era

Standing the Test of Uncertain Times: Six Reasons Virtual Offices Will Stick Around in Post-COVID Era

With the world moving one step closer to herd immunity, the decision to herd remote employees back into their 6’ x 6’ cubicles may feel like a step in the right direction. However, as the countdown to return-to-office plans begin, employers should brace themselves for the jolting shock of employee backlash, whether it be in the form of disgruntled survey responses, formal complaints, or possible resignation letters. For those perplexed by this widespread resistance to water-cooler gossip and catered lunch-and-learns, take a second look at the unparalleled benefits of WFH life.

From mid-day workouts to flexible schedules to a far more manageable morning commute, these perks of Virtual offices will leave WFH superfans kicking and screaming during their 40-minute trek to the office. Despite popular opinions, these benefits are not reserved for the employee alone.

With virtual offices in place, like those from iPostal1, employers can rake in savings on office equipment, manage employee productivity from the comfort of recliners, and improve employee retention tenfold. Not to mention, employers can build a presence in a new location with the help of a virtual office, boosting sales and expanding customer bases. 

While employers, industry-wide, initially shrugged off stay-at-home orders as a temporary shift in business operations, overlooking the clear-cut benefits of remote work would do captains of industry a major disservice. If anything, this mob of disgruntled employees refusing to swap their bunny slippers for business-professional loafers is a sign that employers will have to adapt to this remote work standard or pay the price. 

For those skeptics who believe remote work is on its way out, consider the reasons why virtual offices might be here for the long haul. 

Why virtual offices are successful

When employees spend time commuting from home to the office each day, their free time feels virtually nonexistent. Virtual offices eliminate the need for the daily commute, allowing employees the flexibility to take a slower approach to their morning or even pick up kids from school without fear of traffic overflow.

Happy employees make good employees

Studies show that happy employees are more productive. To reach productivity goals, employers will need to provide a more relaxed environment for burnt-out employees. As the world returns to pre-pandemic normal, the workplace looks very different. As a result, CEOs of major companies are acknowledging the benefits of working from home, too.

Running an office is expensive

From electricity to paper supplies, virtually everything that happens in an office building costs money. However, virtual offices are run off-site or in smaller buildings, which means the overhead is significantly lower. 

When employees no longer need office supplies, furniture, and other business expenses, the choice to remain virtual will give business owners’ profit margins a much-needed boost. 

Work-life balance

In the 21st Century, employers have become aware of the need for a work-life balance that allows employees to take care of personal matters without risking their standing. Virtual offices will enable that flexibility, so when an employee needs to attend an appointment or other event that would take them out of the office, they can make the hours up throughout the day. 

Fewer absences

Although star employees cannot avoid illnesses and routine appointments, these mid-day interruptions are productivity killers and cost the employer money and time. When employees can work from home, they work through a common head cold or make up the lost time from appointments without disrupting workflow.

Diversity

When an office allows employees to work remotely, the pool of employee resumes grows. Before the pandemic, employees in rural areas would not be considered for positions within a large company because they could not commute or would not relocate. With a virtual office, top talent can fill open positions across the globe, enabling employers to hire the best of the best.

Environmental Friendliness

The COVID-19 pandemic is not the only crisis dominating casual discussions. Environmental awareness has been climbing since the 1980s, and as the drive to become an environmentally friendly business grows, virtual offices offer a positive solution.

The lowered use of electricity, paper products, cleaning solutions, and the pollution caused by commuting make a virtual office a more environmentally sustainable model.

Virtual offices are here to stay

It is hard to believe that in 2020, employers and employees panicked when office buildings were closed. But in just a few short months, the adaptation to virtual offices catalyzed a day-and-night transformation of modern office culture—one that will redefine the careers of generations to come.