It is obvious from many sources that 'Virtual' offices and virtual professionals are on the rise. Is it really feasible though? Of course it can be done, but the question is more about the efficiency of it all!
Before we examine something as dry as efficiency, let's have a look at an issue that is a lot more fun: Lifestyle and quality of life. As the capability to work remotely from a concrete prison in a city center becomes easier, many people are opting to escape to a lifestyle that is more relaxed. They are choosing to have the freedom to work in an environment that suits their individuality rather than one that was created for a business.
If you think about the average business, you realize it is made up of a collection of people who are all individuals with different ideas about what is efficient, pleasant, appealing etc. What a central office environment does is put all these individuals in one place that, is by its it's very nature, requires a compromise by nearly everyone! The result: a lot of people who are unhappy with their environment. Is this conducive to productivity?
There have been many studies done on the issue of telecommuting and its effect on productivity. My conclusion, based on the research I have examined, is that there are jobs that are suited to telecommuting and others that are not. There are occasionally also increased costs, which mean that the productivity gains for lower level employees are doubtful. On the other hand, the productivity gains from higher paid employees and professionals can produce a major cost saving and improved results. In other words, telecommuting is not for everyone but if properly applied to the right people and the right jobs it can produce real efficiencies.
Okay, back to the main question. Are virtual offices really possible? We know the Internet has caused a major leap forward in our ability to easily communicate. Now much of the free world can get Internet access quickly, easily and reasonably inexpensively. The increased availability of broadband means that we even get relatively fast links to the world on the Internet! Access and speed make the use of the Internet for business and personal productivity possible.
There is another issue however. Old computer systems that were not built for the Internet are not always useable for the Internet worker. That means the business world basically had to start over reinvent itself to take advantage of the Internet. A whole new generation of internet-based personal and business applications has started to emerge to fill the requirement. Another major issue is the skills needed in an organization to deal with the increased threats to security and safety of data. Before the Internet, we worked in closed environments but now we need people who understand the more complex Internet environment where you are letting people in from the outside. Security and safety are now real concerns.
The issues we have been discussing have led many companies and individuals to migrate to third party outsourcing to acquire the systems and infrastructure they need. It is a logical solution that eliminates the need to have your own technical staff, expensive equipment and complex networks. For individuals and very small organizations, it is nearly the only practical solution. This is particularly true if you are frequently mobile and still require secure access to your information and need to communicate effectively.
There are some free or very inexpensive Internet-based services that give the individual access to a range of personal tools in return for accepting advertising. These systems are not particularly useful for business people as the applications they provide are not business strength. Also, the intrusive advertising is often not acceptable. Email is increasingly problematic. The flood of junk email most of us get, combined with the risk of viruses being delivered along with the email are making it less useful as each day passes.
Fortunately a few providers are emerging that offer powerful yet simple to use systems. While they charge fees, the advantages are significant. You get a professional, business-strength system to work with, and it is typically highly secure, virus protected, and continuously and automatically backed up. They offer the added advantage that you do not need technical staff and expensive computer equipment and networks. This approach normally returns greatly reduced cost and risk while offering unparalleled flexibility. You can usually grow or shrink your use as demanded by your business or personal requirements.
Studies are beginning to show that soon it will be difficult to justify maintaining expensive office space in the face of lower productivity and less satisfied employees. My clear opinion is that it is now possible to work from almost anywhere you like, produce better results, have a less stressful life and live your dreams.
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Ron Hughes is CEO of Adapt Information Technology, one of the longest standing Internet businesses in the world. He is also a public and seminar speaker and frequent contributor of articles on business subjects. Ron welcomes your comments on mailto:74129@mailin.wowgroups.com.
Visit http://www.wowdesk.com for information on how to have your own secure, personal office on the Internet.
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