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While the concept of ‘virtual’ workspaces is still relatively new, they continue to grow in popularity at a remarkable rate. This is because they are an essential support system for remote teams. When you work remotely, you allow part of the workforce to operate outside of the office. In some cases, these are full-time employees, who have been granted permission to do their regular tasks from home.
In other cases, remote workers are part-time freelancers, who have been hired because the business doesn’t need or hasn’t got the room for full timers. Either way, there are some major benefits to be enjoyed if you can find your flexible side. Click here to check out the gorgeous virtual workspaces on offer in downtown Kuala Lumpur, where all the action happens.
This guide to the benefits of remote working and virtual offices will help you decide whether flexible routines are right for your business.
Saves on Floor Space
From a practical perspective, hiring a remote worker is useful, because it means that they don’t need an individual desk, workstation, or personal piece of the office, as is customary. If an employee isn’t operating from the office or they just check in from time to time, their presence costs you less. Technically, you can hire as many remote workers as you like and never actually expand, grow, or change the original office.
Virtual Offices Are Superb
Not all remote workers are registered with a virtual office provider, but it is strongly advised. There are some fantastic facilities in central Kuala Lumpur and they give freelancers the structure that they need to produce great results. It also gives you, the company owner, peace of mind, because you know that your team has access to a range of high-end resources (broadband, IT support, co-working environments), even if they are not present in your office.
Staying At Home Is Green
One of the benefits of remote work which tends to get overlooked is its impact on the environment. Allowing just one employee to take their work home saves an enormous amount of resources. They don’t commute to work and contribute to automotive emissions. They’re not relying on your heating and lighting. When you multiply this impact for a whole team of people, it becomes quite clear that remote and virtual work is the future of the business world.
Employees Achieve More
It sounds strange to suggest that letting employees work from home improves their productivity. Yet, behavioural experts believe this to be true. There are fewer distractions from co-workers (less chatting and clock watching) and people thrive when given the freedom to shape their own working environments. This makes sense because we don’t all excel in the same conditions. Remote work puts the power in the hands of the employee, who is expected to pick the routines, techniques, and strategies which best support their needs.
Freelancers Are Cost Effective
While you couldn’t hire a full-time employee and pay them less, because you’re asking them to operate from home, freelancers do tend to have lower rates. This is because they exist on a slightly different level to conventional workers. You have many of the same obligations towards them, but they are not counted as official employees. This means that you can get the job done at a fraction of the price, just by opting for an independent contractor.
Why Managing a Remote Team Is Easier Than You Think
Many businesses still shy away from remote arrangements, because they worry that employees will lose focus if they’re not being constantly monitored. Well, first things first, we know now that this is a myth. Remote workers don’t suddenly become less productive, just because a manager isn’t stood over their shoulder.
In fact, they tend to work harder, because they’re making intelligent choices about when and where is the best time to carry out tasks. Ultimately, everybody has different needs. If a person is a real night owl and thrives long after most have gone to sleep, why shouldn’t they be allowed to embrace it? The key to success is regular contact, clear targets, and a commitment to consistent performance evaluation.