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What is a Virtual Workplace?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

The virtual workplace has varying definitions, but principally refers to a working environment that may not have a central, specific location in which all employees come to work each day. Rather than having a physical bricks and mortar location, this type of workplace usually depends on technology like Internet connectivity and other resources such as telephones, conferencing software, and faxing from multiple locations, which are often employee homes. In other words, a network of employees from diverse locations makes up the company and the workplace is not a real, single location.

Some companies have a traditional workplace environment, but also allow some employees to telecommute. All or a portion of the time, work could be completed from a place of the employee’s choosing. Other organizations lean almost fully toward the virtual workplace.

A virtual workplace often depends on the Internet.
A virtual workplace often depends on the Internet.

Some websites employ writers and editors all over the world. Each writer works from home or if they have a laptop and WiFi access, they can write at the beach, in a library, on a park bench, or riding a bus, to name just a few options. The virtual workplace is all of these individual places combined, connecting to the company server.

There are reasons why the virtual workplace can be exceptionally attractive to companies and not such a good idea for others. Companies definitely save money by not having to rent or purchase office space, and pay for utilities. These costs become the responsibility of the employee, though some employers compensate a small amount for additional electrical bills, Internet connectivity, or phone charges or workers. Creating a virtual workplace is only feasible in certain industries and can’t work well in businesses where customers need direct and face-to-face support or in many forms of manufacturing where employees are needed for hands-on work.

When working in a 'virtual workplace,' one can work remotely from any location at which there is internet availability.
When working in a 'virtual workplace,' one can work remotely from any location at which there is internet availability.

Some businesses are also concerned about worker productivity in the virtual workplace. There are ways to log employee hours, depending on type of work, but in many cases, managers feel worker production could suffer. Even if people work collaboratively through each workplace, some business owners are concerned about lack of team effort, which might motivate individuals. Early studies on companies that use virtual workplaces suggest worker productivity isn’t negatively impacted.

People who work in a virtual workplace don't have to spend money on expensive business attire.
People who work in a virtual workplace don't have to spend money on expensive business attire.

Workers in a virtual workplace have concerns and benefits. Work can be isolating, and some people miss the social environment of a traditional workplace. People are often told not to take their work home with them, but the dividing line between home and work can be unclear. Some employees have trouble remaining motivated and get easily distracted if they work from home. For other workers, this arrangement is ideal, particularly if they have flexible hours, and they appreciate avoiding commutes or saving money on a work wardrobe.

People who work in a virtual workplace often have the luxury of setting their own hours.
People who work in a virtual workplace often have the luxury of setting their own hours.

The trend toward creating the virtual workplace is growing. The potential savings for companies and the convenience for employees both spur growth. These benefits are matched with evolving technology, which is increasingly rendering many bricks and mortar workplaces superfluous.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

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    • A virtual workplace often depends on the Internet.
      By: auremar
      A virtual workplace often depends on the Internet.
    • When working in a 'virtual workplace,' one can work remotely from any location at which there is internet availability.
      By: arenaphotouk
      When working in a 'virtual workplace,' one can work remotely from any location at which there is internet availability.
    • People who work in a virtual workplace don't have to spend money on expensive business attire.
      By: Foxy_A
      People who work in a virtual workplace don't have to spend money on expensive business attire.
    • People who work in a virtual workplace often have the luxury of setting their own hours.
      By: DenisNata
      People who work in a virtual workplace often have the luxury of setting their own hours.