Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and corporate America are looking into a new way to operate their business and are moving some of their employees from a large office setting to a new and less expensive ‘at-home’ office. Improved technologies have made possible for the work that was once performed in the office now to be done at home.

Although to some Alternate Officing, Virtual Office and Corporate Identity plans are considered to be a ‘new trend’ and even called “ the way of the future”, these services are not new in fact, they have been around for a long time packaged in different ways and under different names. Usually available through upscale, well-located Executive Suites/Business Center facilities they provide the at-home office professional access to a well-appointed office, conference rooms, videoconferencing and the kind of technology and office support they do not have available at their home office.

The ‘at-home’ office works especially well with individuals working in certain fields.  Professionals in the sales field or individuals in professions requiring frequent traveling, welcome the opportunity to work a flexible schedule, when and how they want. The Virtual Office programs allows them to work “Virtually” anywhere without sacrificing their professional image.  It is important to note that not everybody is suited to work from the ‘at-home’ office environment. Structure and the need to establish a routine with regular working hours is imperative in order to balance an organized working environment within your home environment.

Although the jury is still out on the benefits of working from home, having a flexible schedule, being at home to greet the kids and working in a more casual atmosphere are only a few of the benefits for those migrating from the standard office setting to the at-home office and entrepreneurs and corporate alike have taken notice and welcomed this ‘new trend’.  However, maintaining a professional image and corporate identity represents a challenge. Equally important is to pay close attention to networking opportunities and remaining visible to other company employees and others in management positions.

For some, making the transition from an office environment to the at-home office, is a huge change that requires modifications to work habits, so the Corporate Identity Plans, Virtual Office Services or Alternate Officing can provide the right balance, the flexibility of working from home and the structure of working in the professional environment of a Business Center, paying for the time and services you really need at reasonable prices, without long-term commitments. The ‘Virtual Office’ plans support the at-home business persons need for a corporate identity while allowing the freedom to work “VIRTUALLY’ anywhere.

Angela Abbasi is Vice-President of Business Center International and the Virtual Office Center

BCI is a family owned and managed business center with 21 years experience in the executive suites industry.

From time to time we come across an article that we like to share with our clients. Thefollowing is a thought-provoking article written by Kathryn Whitbourne, of ‘PINK’ magazine with quotes from one of our clients. Food for thought!

With Earth Day this month and the economy like it is, many employers and employees are looking for ways to “go green” as well as ways to save money. Allyis Inc. asked their employees how they can become a “greener” company. Many employees suggested the ability to work from home, leaving employers to answer the questions “what would be the impact to business, and what would it mean to clients”.

Challenger, Gray and Christmas, an outplacement consulting firm, conducted a poll on telecommuting as a cost effective solution with the results showing 57% of HR executives viewed telecommuting low on the list, with the most popular solution being a four -day work week.

This leads us to the question of “why is telecommuting seldom used when this is what the employees want?” John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray and Christmas responded “with companies struggling to turn a profit, managers want everyone on the front line.” Challenger also warns employees that telecommuters need to be careful not to be “out of sight, out of mind.”

When the decision about layoffs presents itself, managers find it easier to give a telecommuter the ax over an employee with whom the manager has a personal connection.

The truth is that not every employee has the discipline to telecommute. Some employees need to be able to talk over cubicle walls and exchange ideas. Employees and employers need face-to-face time in order to keep business and that relationships productive.

Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. is the nation’s first, oldest and premiere utplacementconsulting firm.

Founded in the early 1960s, the firm’s primary goal is to assist displaced workers making the transition to reemployment. It has a proven record of success, conducting fully individualized programs and one-on one consulting for each individual who participates in the process.

Challenger, Gray and Christmas has been a Business Center International client since5-15-96

The Telework Act defines telework as a flexible arrangement for employees to perform the duties, responsibilities and other authorized activities of their position “from an approved worksite other than the location from which the employee would otherwise work.”

Enter Teleworks Plus
If you are impacted by the Telework Enhancement Act, Business Center International offices is ready to assist you. With our location in Innsbrook Corporate Center, TeleworkPlus gives every staff member the ability to work remotely from any location, any day, any time. Our telecommunication platform gives each employee complete accessibility to communicate through any internet link. And, when it makes sense for staff to come together to collaborate, troubleshoot or coordinate projects, Business Center International has over 4 conference and training rooms in the Innsbrook location. Our site is an entire, state of the art Office Center, always ready for use.

As a leader in the telework movement, Business Center International works alongside employers to create a custom mix that addresses their specific needs and objectives. Whether it is essential for your teleworking staff to come together periodically to review workload or they need the support of our virtual assistants, Business Center International can respond.

  Innsbiz was created to support the Innsbrook small business community through information, relationships and resources.  We plan to offer several events throughout the year to promote visibility, networking opportunities, and professional development.

The Innsbiz mission is to exchange ideas and develop activities to specifically assist Innsbrook businesses with 100 or less employees.

Some of the benefits that come with being a member of Innsbiz are the opportunity to participate in the Innsbrook Corporate Games as well as having your company name on the Innsbiz website that is linked into the I-Times here in Innsbrook.  If you would like  more information about  Innsbiz, please contact Teresa Hale at Creative Services 804-217-8308.

We will also like to invite you to be a part of our Innsbiz Linked-In group.