Virtual office versus actual office… which one is better?
In today’s business world we are connected at all times through laptops, tablets and phones. This means we can do more and more work remotely. The ability to work from just about anywhere in the world is certainly desirable for many business owners.
However, a physical space is still considered by many professionals as a mark of credibility and stability. Delray Executive Suites, located in the heart of beautiful Delray Beach Florida, provides the idea solution either way.
With top-notch support staff, a virtual office situation will work seamlessly with your home-based office. And, the beautiful spaces at Delray Executive Suites makes it a desirable place for professionals needing a physical office.
There are four areas to take into consideration when choosing the right option for your business: structure, commute, distractions, and setting. In this post and in the next week’s post, we’re going to take a look at the pros and cons for each situation beginning with the virtual office scenario.
Here are the pros and cons of a virtual office.
Structure
PRO
You can work when it’s convenient for you, and you can be flexible with your personal schedule. If you get more done in the early morning hours before others rise or late after the family has gone to bed, a virtual office can be a good situation. A virtual office situation allows you to take advantage of your own personal rhythms to maximize productivity.
CON
The line between your personal and professional life can get blurry. Work/life balance can end up being too difficult for some at-home workers. There is a tendency to either work too much to prove you’re not slacking and have a hard time putting work away. On the other hand, the freedom to meet a friend for lunch or take time for personal interests can compete with deadlines.
Commute
PRO
With no commute, you save time, reduce stress, save money on gas and vehicle maintenance, reduce your carbon footprint, and you can work in your pajamas if you so desire.
CON
Walking from the bedroom to your dining room table may not be enough of a transition to put your mind into work mode. Leaving home to go to work can trigger your brain to switch gears. Working from home requires discipline to make the mental transition without any outside stimulus.
Distractions
PRO
You have more control over distractions when you work from home. You can turn off your phone, turn off notifications and get down to business. You are not at the mercy of a chatty co-worker stopping by your desk or sales people dropping in unexpectedly.
CON
Family members, friends, pets, and household chores can end up being distractions. But more importantly, isolation or a lack of outside influences can be too much for some people to handle. The need for human contact can make a home office lonely and depressing.
Setting
PRO
You have the final say in how your space looks and feels. You can set up and design a space that encourages creativity and productivity. In your own space, it’s likely you’ll be more comfortable than if you have to adjust yourself to a space that was designed by someone else.
CON
You have the responsibility for setting up your own work area. You can sit in bed to work if you want to but, does that doesn’t necessarily help you be as productive as you want to be. Setting up an efficient work space in your home that promotes productivity can sometimes be intimidating.
The bottom line is that if you are disciplined, prefer a lot of quiet while working, and have the desire to design your own personal work space, then a virtual office may be a good solution for you.
Delray Executive Suites is your virtual office ally. We’re here to provide live phone answering services, allowing you to work without distractions while still offering excellent customer service to your clients. With a well-appointed conference rooms and meeting spaces at Delray Executive Suite, you have a professional place to meet with clients when you need it.
High-quality equipment and additional clerical support is also available any time, allowing you to present a polished image in everything you do.
Call Delray Executive Suites today and find out how we can help you make your virtual office as productive and efficient as possible.