sekretaria magazin 6/2018

VIRTUAL WORKSPACE A Reality Check on Non-existent Office Spaces Virtual offices are increasing and appear to be more than a trend. It may well be the future for many companies and their employees. V irtual work environments have been on the rise for more than a decade and there is no end in sight. In fact, rising fuel and real estate costs, as well as employees’ desires for more flexi­ ble work conditions and hours are forcing compa­ nies to shift further in this direction. Going virtual Millenials, those born around the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, have now entered the workforce and with them came the technology that has paved the way for virtual offices (such as video confer­ encing). As Millenials have begun their careers and globalization has emerged, the use of such technological innovations has become more widespread. Just a trend? No. Generation Z, also known as the Post-Millenials or the iGeneration, has grown up with smartphones, iPads and a level of connec­ tivity unknown to previous generations. iGens are beginning to enter the workforce now and with their influx the demand for virtual work spaces is expected to increase significantly. What are the pros and cons for employees? The most obvious benefit you have is the lack of a commute. This means you have more time for your private life: kids, a partner, aging parents or yourself. More time is always welcome in an era where the struggle to find work-life balance is never-ending and everyone is becoming more involved in home life, childcare and the care of seniors. As the virtual office says goodbye to clas­ sic working hours, the possibility of part-time em­ ployment has become a realistic option. Full-time employees can enjoy more flexible work hours, too (to a certain degree). For example, flexible working hours and more goal or task-focussed work arrangements, prevent you from having to take a day off to help at a school event or take a parent to the doctor. As long as the job gets done and goals are met, you can simply work those hours later without using any paid time off. As most communication will be non-verbal you must remain polite and clear at all times. Infor­ mation and emotions can be misinterpreted or misunderstood more easily than when you talk in person. So, if you think you misunderstood some­ thing or are upset, try to clear things up quickly and diplomatically. What are the pros and cons for companies? Companies can identify poor performers more easily, as each employee works more inde­ pendently. Businesses can also tap into the global talent pool and loyal employees tend to be happi­ er, healthier and more satisfied – they have a bet­ ter attitude toward work, take fewer sick days and are more productive. This means less turnover and higher profits. Combined with lower fixed- costs (e.g. rent and utilities), these savings can be passed on in more competitive prices (which increases demand and job security) as well as em­ ployee bonuses and incentive programmes. It is harder to create a company identity and team spirit in virtual offices and it is also more difficult to resolve conflicts once they arise. Thus, profits should be invested in team-building events – which are essential for developing trust, improving teamwork and exchanging ideas, as well as preventing or resolving conflicts. To pre­ vent employees feeling isolated, video conferenc­ ing capabilities are essential and the appropriate hard and software must be available. Virtual companies must be aware of increased cyber risks. These should be minimised by imple­ menting proper password usage, firewalls and data security measures. Such measures must be reviewed and updated regularly. How does the future look? Many, though not all employees and companies can profit from working in a virtual office. It can provide greater freedom, economic flexibility, a better quality of life and more job satisfaction and security. It is undoubtedly the office of the 21st century. ¶ Autorin: Louise Huber-Fennell VOCABULARY to rise steigen to shift sich verschieben/ (in a direction) verlagern savvy Köpfchen für etwas haben (zum Beispiel Technologie) a lack of der Mangel (an) something to commute/ pendeln, commute Pendelzeit to pursue jemanden/ someone/ etwas verfolgen, something etwas nachgehen to tap into etwas abgreifen/ something anzapfen turnover Fluktuation incentive Anreiz, Erfolgsprämie undoubtedly zweifellos 16 BUSINESS ENGLISH