A virtual office or a traditional office? This debate between these two office solutions has been going on for some time. The business world is constantly evolving, in terms of new technologies and best practices, making it even harder for entrepreneurs to make their decision.
Indeed, there are no perfect solutions, it all depends on each one’s needs. This is why it is necessary to assess both options, namely the main differences between the virtual office and the traditional office, in order to make an advised choice.
Physical Space vs. Flexible Space
The first element to consider, and probably the most determining one, is physical space. Virtual offices do not have the same access to space as a traditional office.
A traditional office is, after all, an actual office – a real place with walls, floors, desks, meeting space, a reception area, and so on. This undoubtedly brings employees closer together. On the other hand, this option leaves little flexibility, as you are often tied to a long-term lease, not to mention the many hassles when the time comes to move.
Virtual offices, on the other hand, do not have a private space for every occupant. Employees work just about anywhere – at home, in the library, in cafés or in shared office space provided by their virtual office provider. In fact, the virtual office is more like a mailbox, phone and email service in a physical building, giving you a business address and the affiliated services to keep your business running. This option is particularly advantageous for companies that pool talent from around the world, but some may not appreciate the fact that it does not promote face-to-face contact. In addition, you can expect to invest a little more in management software, webcams, training of employees in the use of electronic tools, etc.
Expenses
Traditional offices are certainly more expensive than virtual ones, because you enjoy private physical space. Yet, with a virtual office, you only pay for the services, either as a flat fee or on an a la carte basis, depending on your needs. This significantly reduces operating costs and also offers great flexibility, which can be ideal for small businesses or companies with a large number of employees on the road or spread around the world. Since this option does not allow access to physical space, holding meetings with employees and customers requires a little more logistical effort, as you will need to rent a meeting room from your virtual office provider every time.
Management
Management can be a challenge in both traditional and virtual offices. In a traditional office, managers can simply monitor employees working, and often assess their performance based on the amount of time they spend at the desk.
On the other hand, in a virtual office, staff is more dispersed and it is impossible to manage them directly. Beware! This does not mean, however, that employees are less productive when working remotely. You simply have to adapt the way you manage. You simply need to ensure that team members receive their short- and long-term goals in advance and they will be accountable for achieving those goals within the prescribed timeframe, regardless of where they work and their work schedule.
So Which Option is Best for You?
Both types of offices offer great advantages depending on your needs. If you are considering moving to a virtual office, give us a call. In addition to a virtual office, Nuage B provides a shared workspace, virtual support and meeting rooms for businesses. Call us today to see how we can help you become more profitable and reliable to earn the trust of your current and potential customers!
