A virtual workspace is essentially a cloud-based software where users can access various work applications and work-related files at any time and from any corner of the world. Instead of physical hardware, a virtual workspace demands an active internet connection for a successful setup. Because this type of platform doesn’t necessitate face-to-face interaction, it is ideally suited for –
- Freelancers
- Hybrid or Remote Workers
- Entrepreneurs
- Small Businesses
When the COVID-19 pandemic made its presence known, remote work became a norm – a trend that’s here to stay. Now, businesses don’t require a brick-and-mortar location to be able to provide goods and services. And that is how we came to embrace the idea of a virtual workspace.
Due to their numerous benefits, virtual workspaces have become an ideal choice for startups, small-and-midsized enterprises, and even large organizations. Companies lacking the capital for a professional corporate setup can leverage a virtual workspace to create a systematic and organized environment for remote workers. This approach also allows remote workers ample opportunities to interact with co-workers and clients.
How are Virtual Workspaces Helpful?
Working remotely during the pandemic isn’t just about survival for more firms. Because remote work has proven to be quite effective in the last few years, it has become the new normal.
With the right platform and the right people, it is possible to effectively manage the shortcomings of remote work and increase productivity at the same time. Some of the reasons why more people and organizations are investing in a virtual workspace are discussed below –
Better Collaboration – Virtual workspaces are equipped with tools that make it easy for team members to collaborate on projects, regardless of their physical location. When the world’s best minds come together, it ignites more innovation and creativity.
Lower Costs – From an employer’s point of view, virtual workspaces are way cheaper to operate and set up than a brick-and-mortar office. Compared to the costs incurred in leasing or purchasing a physical office, equipment, and furniture, the cost of a virtual workspace is a steal.
Increased Productivity – Easy access to user-friendly tools can significantly improve work productivity. Virtual workspaces make it easier to get work done and allow workers to track the status of their tasks and contribute meaningfully in real-time.
Greater Flexibility – Users get the opportunity to work from anywhere and at any time. They can work on the go, in the comfort of their home, or even at a coffee shop – all they need is a stable internet connection, and they’re sorted.
Faster Scalability – It’s easier to contract or expand your team when you have a virtual workspace. It is often not the case with a physical office because it demands investment for additional chairs, computers, and tables for new employees.
How to Look for the Right Virtual Workspace?
When thinking of getting a virtual workspace, you must consider a few things:
- You must curate a list of all the features, including video conferencing, file sharing, and project management tools, that you need.
- You want a platform that’s easy to navigate and use.
- It should also be easy to set up.
It would help if you had a virtual workspace that would stay in power and can manage all your work-related tasks efficiently. When you find one, you must consider the last thing – price. Though virtual workspaces are worth the investment, they shouldn’t exceed your budget.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can shortlist virtual workspace providers that suit your work and type of business. Let’s take a quick look at some of the popular options in the market –
Google Workspace – Equipped with Gmail, Drive, Sheets, Docs, Calendar, Slides, and much more, Google Workspace is perfect for businesses of all sizes because it’s free. However, you have to shell out some bucks for additional storage.
Office 365 – With productivity tools such as Outlook, OneDrive, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word, Office 365 is one of the ideal cloud-based workspaces in the market. However, it can be slightly pricier than other virtual workspaces.
Hive – As a cloud-based platform, Hive comes with various productivity tools, such as video conferring, file sharing, task management, and so on. This platform can help keep the entire virtual workforce focused on the task through reminders, built-in chat, and automation.
Wrapping Up
By choosing a robust virtual workspace, you or your employees can embrace the life of a remote worker, just like you would in a physical office. These tools allow organizations to bridge the gap between workers from all parts of the globe.
However, a virtual workspace is a significant financial investment, which requires thorough research to understand which platform is ideal for your kind of work. Thus, make sure you do your due diligence to extract the maximum benefits of having a virtual workspace.
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