A virtual office is a service that allows individuals to work remotely over the internet while still having a physical address in a desirable location. It is a part of the serviced office space industry. These spaces also provide other physical and digital services to users. Let us take a look at how virtual offices began, the services they provide and the benefits of using them.

Evolution

The first serviced office can be traced back to 1966 when a law firm rented out their excess office space. This section was used for amenities such as photocopying, answering phones and holding meetings. However, the term “virtual office” wasn’t coined until 1982, when it was used by John Markoff in the magazine ‘InfoWorld.’ This was a time when new technology was on the rise and the traditional office structure was being challenged. Fast forward to the 21st century and the inception of the internet, which made it possible to instantly share files, send messages and video call anyone. Today you can rent a virtual office in Mumbai and have the freedom to travel the world while still having a physical address in Mumbai.

Services

The services provided along with renting a virtual office are:

• An official business address in the area of your choice.
• Hiring an administrative assistant to schedule meetings, answer calls and organise your calendar.
• Booking conference rooms to hold a physical meeting with clients.
• A service to receive physical mail, scan the front of the envelope and have it sent to you as an update, then open and scan the contents, shred and recycle the item or forward-ship it to the address of your choice.
• Voicemail and phone answering services to manage incoming calls to the office.

Advantages

Some of the biggest advantages of renting a virtual office are:

• No time wasted on commute.
• Reduced overhead costs.
• Access to a worldwide talent pool.
• Increased productivity.
• Increased satisfaction amongst employees as they choose their work hours.

The flexible nature of virtual offices can be exactly what a growing business needs. It is the perfect solution for businesses that need to scale up, scale back or establish a presence in a short time. Virtual offices save time, effort and money and allow start-ups and young businesses to hit the ground running. To find a virtual office space for rent at a location that works for you, you can get in touch with serviced office providers like AccessWork and get unbeatable offers at a believable price.