The Future of the Virtual Office

Switching from serviced offices

The truth is we’ve caught on to the fact that environment matters. We’ve realized that being “paid to sulk in front of clunky computers” doesn’t benefit anyone. The archaic thought of paying for a serviced office is like throwing money down the drain. It’s an opinion that Performance Strategist Laura Garnett shares — she argues our choice of environment is an important part of the success equation.

The way we think about work has changed. As Vox notes, “work is fun, fun is work”, which has led people to find corporate office potential even in high-end restaurants. And that’s not the only benefit. Switching from a serviced office to an imagined desk space of your choice could save you hundreds of pounds.

Getting to grips with the gig economy

The way in which work is delegated is shifting and our physical environment should follow. The gig economy sees work “atomized down into micro-tasks,” as we begin to prioritise individual skill over the need for traditional job roles. As the newer generation desires a more dynamic and varied workspace, we inch closer to the possibility of a four-day work week, thanks to advancing technology and increased job satisfaction. Experts are also confident that 5G mobile connectivity will speed up work processes and enhance the virtual office experience.

All of this allows us to envision a virtual working world by as soon as 2030, and it’s already been more than set in motion, with 48% of Americans who have transitioned to virtual work benefiting from a culturally diverse workforce. The gig economy is all about creating a corporate culture that appeals to the millennial generation and beyond.

All-access consumption

The appeal of the gig economy doesn’t stop at its workers: it’s also suited to the all-access consumers who have challenged brands for the past decade. People enjoy remote access to some of the most regulated services today, including banking. For example, using a chatbot to connect with customers is now the norm for Bank of America users. 

Flexible, automated services are on the rise, with further proposed changes in the hospitality sector. Hilton Hotels has recently announced its flexible refunding policies for all-hours cancellation. If our customers are no longer wanting to call us during the 9-5 routine, why are we still sitting by the phone?

Digital technology fixes this, allowing 0800 numbers to be diverted from your landline to mobile device, so that your customer service department can shrink to the size of your iPhone. It’s time to say goodbye to restrictive, expensive serviced offices and hello to the virtual office of the future.

Further reading:

• How to Design Your Home Office for Better Productivity
• The Essential Guide to Securing Remote Access
• Mobile Learning for A Modern Workforce