subject: Cut Costs And Run A Virtual Office Using Business Laptops [print this page] Many big companies have realised that they can cut running costs by employing staff who work from home. The advancements in technology have made it possible and thanks to this, office running costs can be eliminated in many cases. It can cost colossal amounts of money in rent, rates, utilities, consumables and servicing or cleaning costs to run offices. In reality, the only equipment required by a homeworker is a phone and a computer. A desk top will be sufficient for employees who are working from one place and laptops will be all that your mobile team members require. The leading telecom giant BT were one of the first companies to catch onto employing homeworkers over a decade ago.
It is possible to run a virtual office with all employees being connected, involved and kept up to date by one of the many, available means of communication. Important memos can be emailed and meetings can take place via conference calls. File sharing is simple and easy ensuring maximum access to important information that may be required. It is simple and easy to run a virtual office which eliminates the need for an actual office altogether. Employees will require equipment to keep them connected such as a desk top or laptop, possibly a printer, definitely a broadband service and mobile broadband to accompany the laptop. A smart phone will be essential and if making a large amount of telephone calls from home a phone line and a dedicated homeworking telephone. With a telephone system designed for homeworkers it is possible for calls to be connected to other departments and other colleagues elsewhere.
By operating a virtual office and employing staff to work from home you will be saving money in operating costs however it is also advantageous to the employees. Traffic is a big problem for everyone, especially during rush hour. Getting to work can take a long time especially in the city centres, when you finally reach your destination you are faced with expensive parking and in some areas toll charges apply. Fuel is very expensive meaning that it can cost a fortune simply getting to and from work. Home working suits people from all walks of life. Flexibility is one way to get the most out of your employees flexibility can be provided when employees are homeworking as they can manage their time effectively. The home-life balance is the secret to success and this may be possible when employees work from home.
