Advantages & Disadvantages of Virtual Offices

Traditional offices require employees to commute to a certain location where they can interact with themselves, customers and equipment to produce goods and services. Virtual offices eliminate the need for a central location in accomplishing the same tasks. Yet, while aware of this new method of working, many companies are still wary of implementing it.

Savings

Because virtual offices eliminate the need for a central location, a company avoids leases, construction, maintenance, and repairs on a physical building.

Convenience

By working from the comfort of their own homes, workers do not have to commute. They become more productive when they're able to multi-task with both work and home activities.

Environment

By eliminating the commuting of cars occupied by one passenger, virtual offices help the environment by preventing automobile pollution and reducing traffic.

Accountability

Because managers cannot see their subordinates in the same location, they have no idea if the employees are actually working and have no way of physically imposing tasks.

Interaction

Working from different, virtual locations reduces social interaction and eliminates the advantages of face-to-face communication, such as being able to read non-verbal cues.

Distraction

Rather than concentrating on work, telecommuters can be easily distracted by child care, personal phone calls and other household tasks.

References

• Virtual offices from the University of North Carolina