subject: How Virtual Offices Are Changing Business Processes [print this page] The traditional office is a room or work area where employees work together. White-collar professionals can be found working in office environments. In the past, many large corporations maintained offices in central business districts. The central business district or CBD is the epicenter of economic and commercial activity in large cities. In order for companies to maintain a recognizable business addresswhich benefits the clients and enables companies to establish a clear market presencecompanies often choose to maintain office locations in CBDs.
However, with the increasing cost of rent in CBDs and changing business practices, many companies no longer regard permanent office space in CBDs as a vital necessity. How can companies maintain good business processes in a fast changing business environment? Companies can cut operational costs and adjust to changing market practices by making the transition to a Washington virtual office.
Technological innovations like the Internet, mobile communications, email, and multimedia are radically changing the way companies conduct business. Many businesses now outsource their work to departments that may be located in different cities or countries. At times, some professionals who perform services for the company may not even work from an office. They may choose to work from home. The speed and efficiency of modern technology has made outsourcing more feasible than ever before.
The use of telecommunications to transmit work-related data to centralized offices is known as telecommuting. Telecommuting facilitates business processes and outsourcing at cost-effective rates as they lessen organizational overheads. Many employees in companies that practice telecommuting are remote workers who perform their job tasks at home, away from the actual business facility. Close contact with coworkers and supervisors can be maintained via email, mobile devices, and multimedia platforms.
With new innovations in business processes, it becomes clear that the need to maintain a physical office space is fast becoming redundant. Many companies opt for virtual office spaces in lieu of traditional physical offices. A virtual office is a combination of off-site live communication and physical address services that reduce traditional office costs, while helping companies maintain a high standard of business professionalism.
Companies that practice telecommuting can conduct conferences and meetings via teleconferencing and videoconferencing platforms. Work documents can be transmitted electronically. Virtual offices like Washington virtual office provide companies with a prestigious physical address and phone number where mail and telephone calls can be forwarded. Conference and meeting rooms may also be rented for occasional meetings.
Virtual receptionists and assistants can work remotely using high-tech computer telephone integration software to process calls and receive work instructions from their superiors. Companies that utilize the services of a Washington virtual office can minimize their office expenditure, and maximize the benefits of telecommuting while projecting an image of business professionalism to the public.
