A virtual workplace is one which is not set in any specific location and is not restricted by geographical boundaries. The proliferation of the internet on a global scale has seen a rise in businesses whose team members are from different countries and still manage to work together seamlessly. This was previously unthinkable, but nowadays, it is becoming the norm. There are various reasons for businesses to operate virtually. Below are 5 reasons why the virtual workplace is becoming the new norm.
1) You save on overheads
Rent and utilities are often some of the biggest expenses for a business, but if all of your employees work remotely, then you pretty much solve those problems. Businesses are realising that the flexibility and lower costs that come with a virtual setup (as compared to traditional offices) are too good to pass up. If ever physical meetings are required, there are many coworking spaces that offer meeting rooms for rent by the hour, which can be easily booked using conference room scheduling systems.
2) The Covid-19 pandemic
Many businesses have had no choice but to have virtual workplaces in order to survive. The Covid-19 pandemic has forced many businesses to close their physical offices or restrict the number of people in the workplace. Social distancing rules have forced many to require their employees to work from home to prevent overcrowding in the workplace. While this has had a negative effect on many businesses, others have begun to thrive and realise they never needed physical workplaces.
3) You have a bigger talent pool to choose from
Why should a business be restricted by the available talent in their area? This can have a brain-drain effect on towns and cities where their best talent moves to places with better job prospects. This in turn discourages businesses from setting up in these towns and cities, as the choices for talented jobseekers are limited. A virtual workplace does away with this concern and allows businesses to hire employees from every corner of the world. With such a huge talent pool to choose from, a business can be sure to find employees that suit their requirements and budgets. This also benefits workers who have a bigger pool of jobs to choose from and can overcome barriers such as their location.
4) Diversity can be advantageous
Chances are, if your team is from one specific area or region, their expertise will only be limited to the culture and lifestyle in that area. Creating a team from all walks of life and from different areas will add some cultural diversity to the workplace. This is not always an advantage, but there are aspects that can make this perpetually advantageous. For example, different mindsets working towards the same goal will give a business different perspectives to look from. Problem solving may come easier with a diverse group of minds working together, instead of just a few who have been taught to think in a similar way. Increased diversity is surely one of the more important reasons why virtual workplaces are becoming more popular.