Washington Virtual Office: A Way to Support Telework Programs, Promote Professional Image

August 30th, 2010

Whether a company is a home-based business, start-up business or organization of any size, having access to a Washington virtual office can help the company to increase flexibility and promote a professional image. On-demand access to DC meeting rooms and executive offices also provides necessary support to businesses and agencies moving forward with telework initiatives, offering a professional virtual office environment to make working remotely a successful experience.

Working outside of a traditional office is becoming more common as increasing numbers of businesses are trying to cut office space and related costs. Businesses can utilize a Washington virtual office only when they need it. There is no lease required. They simply reserve an office through an online reservation system, and the fully-equipped office space is ready for meetings, trainings or special projects.

Many employees prefer working in the on-demand DC office space rather than in their own home offices. The numerous perks and benefits of a Washington virtual office make it appealing to DC government contractors and workers in a variety of industries. These popular features include:

  • Mail Service
  • Prestigious business address for business cards, mail and website
  • Virtual receptionist to professionally handle meetings and inquiries.
  • Trained phone answering service
  • Access to DC Meeting Rooms for important client meetings and trainings.
  • Virtual Club with Wireless Internet, phones and a comfortable, professional business environment
  • Use of a guest office that is an Internet-ready, furnished, private office with access to all business support services; available by the hour, day, or week
  • Access to professional business support services to outsource daily tasks

When a Washington Virtual Office is Necessary

Perhaps the kids are home for summer vacation or a holiday break, and your home office just isn’t providing the professional environment necessary to accomplish important tasks. Or perhaps you desire an office location closer to your home, so you don’t have to fight the daily commute across the Metro. If you own a home-based business, you may want a Washington virtual office to give your business a prestigious business address and a professional location to meet clients.

A Washington virtual office meets a variety of business needs for managers, business owners, federal agencies and DC government contractors. If the goal is to become “office-less” or significantly reduce permanent office space, DC virtual offices can fill in the gaps. This style of on-demand office space is changing the way people do business and enhancing telework efforts.

An employee can choose to work remotely from home or the coffee shop one day, and reserve a Washington virtual office the next. The flexibility improves work flow and ensures workers have the tools and space when they need it most.

Make More Jobs Telework-friendly with Washington Virtual Office

Some managers and federal agencies are concerned that not all positions are telework-friendly, because they require face-to-face time with clients or use of certain technology. Utilizing a Washington Virtual Office enables teleworkers to meet with clients, managers and team-members in a fully-equipped office or meeting room in a convenient location.  With more than 34 locations throughout the DC Metro Area, it is easy to find a virtual office in a central location.

For more information on Washington Virtual Office, DC Meeting Rooms, Telework, Executive Office Spaces, FlexDesk and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

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Kathlene Buchanan is the president and founder of Metro Offices, one of the premiere, women-owned, executive office centers in the Washington, D.C. Metro area. With presence in 8 different locations throughout the capital area, Metro Offices offers a full range of innovative business solutions and advanced technologies to help businesses compete in today’s transitioning business environment. Buchanan has been in the industry since 1979, and Metro Offices has been operating since 1989 with locations in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 30th, 2010 at 6:04 pm and is filed under Articles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Important Part of the DC Telework Discussion: Real Telework Success Stories

August 27th, 2010

Do a Twitter search on the word “telework” and you’ll find all kinds of tweets, ranging from “Yay, no commute–I get to telework tomorrow” to “Managers aren’t buying into telework.” There are articles and blogs throughout the Internet discussing this topic of telework and how it will impact federal agencies and DC government contractors.

If you peel back the layers of misinformation about how employees can’t possibly have the technology necessary to do their jobs effectively or how managers can’t keep tabs on lazy employees, you’ll find the true stories of telework.

For example, Danette Campbell, Senior Adviser for Telework with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, was featured in a GovernmentExecutive.com article, sharing that the organization’s 13-year-old telework program now has more than 5,600 employees working successfully from home at least one day per week. She writes that PTO has created a workforce that can work seamlessly from remote locations with all business units now participating in the telework initiative.

Campbell suggests having the right tools and structure in place has enabled their telework program to be successful. She points to the following as essential pieces to the telework puzzle:

  • Appropriate eligibility criteria
  • Pilot programs
  • Collaboration tools
  • IT and non-IT training
  • Enterprise-wide policy and business unit guidelines
  • Clear performance measures, and labor-management partnerships

It’s these telework success stories that are beginning to emerge that will convince skeptical managers and agencies that telework can truly work as long as the right solutions are in place.

DC Telework Solutions are available to help agencies and DC government contractors make the transition to working remotely streamlined and successful, so that productivity can remain high and flexibility can increase.

To learn more about DC Telework, Executive Office Spaces, and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 27th, 2010 at 8:00 pm and is filed under Blog, Government Contractor Solutions, Virtual Work. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

5 Reasons to Consider DC Telework Solutions for Your Business

August 24th, 2010

Telework is more than a buzz word; in fact, it’s becoming somewhat of a revolution in the DC business world—particularly for federal agencies and DC government contractors who are being told now is the time to move forward with telework initiatives. While there is still resistance from some managers, the more managers and employees learn about effective and established telework programs, the more they realize that telework success is possible and probable if the right solutions and technology are in place.

Below are the top five reasons to consider DC Telework Solutions for your business, organization or agency:

#1 Achieve Increased Flexibility and Productivity

Case studies show telework increases productivity and flexibility. Considering there is no commute, no office chit chat, no office donut delivery, no jokes of the day from the office clown, it makes sense that working outside of the office with the right technology has the potential to ramp up productivity. Employees can work during peak performance times and have the flexibility to maximize the work-life balance, creating happier, more productive employees that ultimately benefit business.

#2 Cut Costs

Is it possible to support ten employees for $1000 a month? Yes, it’s possible with DC Telework solutions that combine the best cutting edge telework technology with on-demand access to professional office space.

#3 Gain a Competitive Edge

Companies and federal agencies that choose to incorporate telework solutions into their business practices put themselves at the forefront of what is progressive and current in today’s business world and their individual industries. Telework helps you to become an industry leader, which catches the positive attention of clients who want to work with businesses who are at the top.

#4 Obtain Affordable, Expert Support

DC Telework Solutions come with built-in support and services to help your business perform better. From trained phone answering services to essential admin support, the services are available to promote a professional image, improve customer service, and keep clients impressed with the way you do business.

#5 Answer the Call from the Federal Government

As if all of the benefits of telework are not enough, the federal government has delivered the message to federal agencies and businesses that telework is the solution to help promote green initiatives, improve DC Metro Area traffic conditions and cut costs in an effort to improve the budget. With the right telework solutions in place, making the transition from working in a traditional office environment to working remotely can be seamless and beneficial to all parties involved.

To learn more about DC Telework, Executive Office Spaces, and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 24th, 2010 at 4:50 pm and is filed under Blog, Virtual Work. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Take Steps to Create a Greener Business with Washington Virtual Offices

August 20th, 2010

As companies and agencies strive to take a greener approach to business, Washington virtual offices emerge as a proactive way to increase productivity, cut costs and boost environmentally-friendly efforts. Virtual office solutions provide everything businesses need to keep employees on task without footing the bill for unnecessary office space.

Businesses using virtual offices can even choose to go “office-less,” allowing employees to work remotely with on-demand access to professional executive office suites, meeting rooms and training rooms to meet all of their business needs.

Whether the business is large, small, home-based or a start-up, virtual office space provides a fast-track to green status. Lease only the office space you require and use virtual offices to fill in the gaps when necessary. There’s no need to have a conference room on-site when you can have on-demand access to fully-equipped, professional office space, meeting rooms and training rooms in convenient locations throughout the DC Metro Area.

Taking a greener approach to business and cutting out unnecessary office space appeals to employees and clients who appreciate efforts to protect the environment. Being a green business has become a status symbol that keeps companies, organizations and federal agencies on the cutting edge of business.

By utilizing on-demand DC meeting rooms, companies also enable employees to cut-down on gas consumption and greenhouse gas emissions—both are steps to make a positive difference in the environment.

Are you ready to get your business on the green track to business success? The business solutions and tools are available to make your transition seamless, so you can keep productivity and efficiency high.

For more information on Washington Virtual Office, DC Meeting Rooms, Telework, Executive Office Spaces, FlexDesk and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 20th, 2010 at 3:21 pm and is filed under Blog, Business Solutions. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

When to Use DC Office Space

August 20th, 2010

Whether your office is in your home, across the city or just not an ideal environment for an important meeting, on-demand DC office space is the perfect solution to establish a professional image and promote productivity while keeping costs low. It isn’t always possible to know in advance when you will need a meeting room or private office, but with instant access to DC office space throughout the DC Metro Area, arranging for an office when you need one is hassle-free.

Top business owners and managers are always on the look-out for new and improved ways to do business, and DC office space fits the bill for cost-effective and efficient business solutions. Having access to on-demand office space allows businesses to reserve the space only when they need it.

Consider these situations in which DC office space can provide the solutions necessary to benefit your business:

Home-Based Business

Having a home-based business has many perks; working from home in your pajamas may be at the top of the list. But on occasion the home office doesn’t provide the environment conducive to certain business tasks, including meetings with important clients. With DC office space, home-based business owners can reserve fully-equipped private offices any time they need them. Whether it is once a week or once a month, using an executive suite, virtual office or even shared office space can provide the flexibility and tools necessary to gain the competitive edge.

DC Government Contractors

Business and government contractors require a high level of mobility and flexibility as well as cutting edge technology, and DC office space meets these essential requirements. Government contractors can access strategically located offices through out the DC Metro Area to find an office location that is best for a specific project or client. With less travel and access to technology, state of the art office equipment and professional administrative staff, DC government contractors are free to focus on important assignments and client relationships.

DC Teleworkers

The freedom and flexibility available through telework are a great benefit to employees and businesses a like. Still, there are times when nothing can replace a face-to-face meeting or time in a professional office environment.  For times like these, teleworkers can easily access DC office space to fill in the gaps, providing a fully-equipped workspace in a prestigious DC Metro location. From a virtual club business lounge and DC meeting rooms to shared office space and private executive offices, DC office space takes telework to the next level, proving that working remotely does not have to mean the end of professionalism.

Start-Up Businesses

When you are trying to get a new company off the ground, it can be challenging to compete with the top dogs in the industry. DC office space levels the playing field by enabling start-up businesses to promote a professional image. New businesses can obtain a prestigious DC address for business cards and mailings and utilize phone answering services and trained administrative support to help establish a new company as a professional force to be reckoned with. Clients are more willing to trust a company that seems established, and with on-demand DC office space solutions businesses of any size can send the message that they are open for business and serious about providing the best services.

For more information on DC Office Space, Executive Offices, FlexDesk and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

# # #

Kathlene Buchanan is the president and founder of Metro Offices, one of the premiere, women-owned, executive office centers in the Washington, D.C. Metro area. With presence in 8 different locations throughout the capital area, Metro Offices offers a full range of innovative business solutions and advanced technologies to help businesses compete in today’s transitioning business environment. Buchanan has been in the industry since 1979, and Metro Offices has been operating since 1989 with locations in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 20th, 2010 at 6:10 am and is filed under Articles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Why a Washington Virtual Office is the Smart Choice for DC Teleworkers

August 17th, 2010

When a DC Metro area teleworker or other employee needs access to a fully-equipped office right away, Washington virtual office provides the professional environment necessary to keep productivity flowing. There’s no need to travel through a painful commute to get to the traditional office or make-due with a home office that is less-than-professional. Washington DC virtual offices provide all of the tools available in a permanent office, so working remotely can be more efficient and convenient than ever.

Perhaps your company or agency is considering the transition to an office-less organization. More and more businesses are realizing that a permanent office location isn’t always necessary to business. In fact, now more than ever, businesses have the tools and virtual office space available to them to conduct any work task away from the office.

Washington virtual office space is revolutionizing the way people do business and saving businesses money, as they can significantly reduce office space and office expenses when more employees work remotely. Fewer employees in the office mean less need for permanent space and office managers. It is even possible to cut out the permanent office altogether and have the entire staff working remotely through use of Washington virtual office, DC meeting rooms and Telework Solutions.

Imagine the real estate and maintenance costs that could be saved if the entire staff transitioned to telework. The good news is these savings do not have to mean a sacrifice in productivity. Washington virtual office space provides everything workers need to stay on task working efficiently. Whether workers need to host an\ important business meeting or training or just spend some time online with wireless high-speed Internet in a comfortable yet professional office environment, there are virtual office locations throughout the DC Metro, including Maryland and Northern Virginia.

For more information on Washington Virtual Office, Telework, Executive Office Spaces, FlexDesk and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 17th, 2010 at 11:34 am and is filed under Blog, Virtual Work. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Why Telework is the Ultimate Employee Benefit that Benefits Business

August 13th, 2010

While telework has many benefits for employees and has proven to be a great way to keep employees loyal to the company, it also brings numerous benefits to businesses. Companies and organizations can experience big cuts in operational costs, improve employee effectiveness and increase environmental efficiency.

Telework Solutions offers to the total package to DC federal agencies and businesses that are moving forward to answer the call from the federal government to increase telework efforts. The transition from working in a traditional office environment to working remotely can be challenging, but the right services and support cut out the trial and error and keep business running smoothly through the changes.

By utilizing innovative Telework Solutions, businesses have access to cutting-edge telework technology and on-demand, professional DC meeting rooms, which revolutionize the way business is done. Employees can use the technology, such as the VoIP platform, to work from the comfort of their homes, or they can reserve a convenient, private office in one of many available locations around the DC Metro Area.

Telework Solutions is a big, but simple step, toward making a company more efficient, productive and environmentally-friendly. If inclement weather or other crises make getting to the office impossible, having Telework Solutions as a part of business practices means there will be no need for business slow down. Workers will remain productive and customers will stay happy, even if the rest of the DC Metro Area is closed for business. Telework is the ultimate business continuity plan.

Among the business benefits to Telework Solutions are:

  • Unified Communications including VOIP with local number
  • Follow-me/ Find Me phone technology
  • Unlimited domestic long distance
  • Voicemail to e-mail
  • Telephone answering
  • Call screening
  • Membership to all Metro Office locations
  • Access to meeting rooms, Virtual Clubs, Lounges, FlexDesks, and Guest Offices at any Metro Office location

To learn more about Telework, Executive Office Spaces, and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 13th, 2010 at 8:20 pm and is filed under Blog, Virtual Work. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

DC Meeting Space Provides a Professional Environment for Meetings, Trainings

August 13th, 2010

When businesses are seeking something different than a hotel conference room for important meetings and trainings, on-demand DC meeting space is the professional alternative. The convenience of location and on-demand access provide businesses what they need to set-up and conduct meetings and other gatherings with ease and the level of professionalism clients expect.

There are a number of DC meeting space options available, but it is important to be selective in choosing the right space provider. Quality, personal customer service and on-site support are what make the experience of utilizing on-demand or instant office space successful. It is also essential to select a space provider that understands the DC Metro Area because they are actively involved in local business.

Choosing an owner-operated DC meeting space ensures that the ownership is involved in the quality of business practices and customer service. When you trust your important business meetings and trainings with another company, it is important to know the physical work space provider cares about your business and will work to make your experience a positive one.

Look for DC meeting spaces that offer the following services and equipment:

  • On-Line DC Meeting Space Reservations
  • Flip Charts
  • Web/Audio/Video Conferencing
  • Beverage and Catering Services
  • Dedicated Bandwidth
  • Ergonomic Herman Miller Seating
  • High-Speed Internet
  • Polycom Speaker Phone
  • Wireless Internet
  • On-Site Administrative Support
  • LPR Projector
  • Attendee Registration Support
  • High Resolution Overhead Projector
  • Color copiers/printers/scanners
  • White Boards
  • Kitchen/Lounge, vending, coffee, spring water

With these services, you can be certain your business will have everything necessary to conduct meetings, team trainings and client presentations. Whether your business is home-based, a start-up, or a company of any size, you will promote a professional image utilizing DC meeting spaces in prestigious office locations throughout the DC Metro Area.

DC Meeting Space is the Perfect Accompaniment to Telework Programs

More and more businesses and DC government contractors are expanding telework programs, and DC meeting spaces are a great way to work remotely yet have access to physical work spaces when necessary. No matter what industry you are in, there are times when nothing substitutes for a face-to-face meeting in a professional setting.

Rather than requiring telework employees and clients to commute across the Metro to a permanent office setting, hop online and reserve a DC meeting space designed to make your work easier and more productive than ever. With a few clicks you can instantly reserve any of 34 private offices, meeting rooms, training centers and virtual office clubs throughout the DC Metro, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. There are also 650 worldwide locations, so your business can meet with clients and employees anywhere, anytime.

For more information on DC Meeting Space, Telework Solutions, Executive Office Spaces, FlexDesk and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

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Kathlene Buchanan is the president and founder of Metro Offices, one of the premiere, women-owned, executive office centers in the Washington, D.C. Metro area. With presence in 8 different locations throughout the capital area, Metro Offices offers a full range of innovative business solutions and advanced technologies to help businesses compete in today’s transitioning business environment. Buchanan has been in the industry since 1979, and Metro Offices has been operating since 1989 with locations in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 13th, 2010 at 7:54 pm and is filed under Articles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

How to Create a Green Business with DC Telework, DC Meeting Rooms, Washington Virtual Offices

August 6th, 2010

Achieving a greener business is an objective of many companies and agencies, and telework is proving to be a way to meet such goals. From less required office space to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions during employees’ commutes, telework is a vehicle that facilitates important, greener changes in the way business is done.

Not only do environmentally-friendly business practices catch the attention of prospective employees and customers who care about nurturing the planet, but the greener business can also obtain tax credits and incentives from the federal and state government for energy efficiency and renewable energy efforts.

Taking the First Steps toward Green Business

It can be overwhelming for companies and organizations to consider a change in business practices in an effort to become greener. However, the effort doesn’t have to be an all or nothing strategy. By taking small steps and making earth-conscious choices day-by-day and week-by-week businesses can take strides toward the goal of a green business.

Enabling more employees to telework is a great place to begin. Telework, especially in areas like the DC Metro Area where traffic congestion is a major issue, enables employees to reduce gas consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. When the right DC telework solutions are in place, the result is more productive employees who spend less time on the road, polluting the air while fighting traffic, and more time focused on work tasks.

The move to telework also means businesses can significantly reduce or even eliminate permanent office space. With fewer employees in the office on a daily basis, companies no longer require large facilities and numerous work spaces. Instead, they can choose to use that money to support other areas of the business, while utilizing on-demand DC meeting rooms and Washington virtual office space at a fraction of the cost.

DC Virtual Offices Meet Green Objectives, Benefit Business

Washington DC virtual offices and DC meeting rooms offer the best of the best in professional office space to companies and organizations of all sizes. They are ideal for DC government contractors who require office space in convenient Metro location for meetings and trainings.

These on-demand physical workspaces are available through an easy online reservation system that helps workers to determine the best space and location for their purposes. With more than 34 locations throughout the DC Metro Area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia, it is easy to eliminate lengthy commutes for workers and clients by finding a professional spot in a central location.

The combination of Washington virtual offices and DC telework solutions covers all of the bases for businesses that want to make a greener impact on their environment. Less permanent office space means less waste. Businesses only use the on-demand DC meeting rooms when they need them and other times can work productively and efficiently from home or another convenient remote location. Innovative telework technology, including VoIP platforms, allow remote employees to access all of the tools and information necessary to complete essential business tasks anywhere they have wireless Internet.

Take the first step toward a green business by making greener choices that not only benefit the planet but also improve business practices. Protecting the planet has never been easier or more rewarding, and with the right telework solutions and physical workplace solutions in place it has never been more beneficial to business.

For more information on Washington Virtual Office, DC Meeting Rooms, Telework, Executive Office Spaces, FlexDesk and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

# # #

Kathlene Buchanan is the president and founder of Metro Offices, one of the premiere, women-owned, executive office centers in the Washington, D.C. Metro area. With presence in 8 different locations throughout the capital area, Metro Offices offers a full range of innovative business solutions and advanced technologies to help businesses compete in today’s transitioning business environment. Buchanan has been in the industry since 1979, and Metro Offices has been operating since 1989 with locations in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 6th, 2010 at 11:27 am and is filed under Articles, Business Solutions. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Top Three Tips for Managing DC Telework Employees

August 3rd, 2010

With the Federal government’s push to increase telework efforts, many managers are left wondering exactly how to effectively implement a telework program. One of the primary questions emerging is how to manage telework employees to ensure they keep productivity high. Below are three tips for managing DC telework employees to ensure business continues as usual, even as it is done remotely.

1. Choose the right employees and positions for teleworking.

Not every position is right for telework. While most jobs can be conducted outside of the office, there are some that require face-to-face interaction with team members or use of specialized equipment that is only available in the traditional office environment. In addition to considering the positions, evaluate employees’ work ethic to determine if telework is a good option. Employees who currently perform well in the office are likely to do well working remotely. However, those who require consistent guidance or assistance may need to be in closer proximity to management.

2. Provide necessary telework training and support.

Employees who are new to telework need the proper training and support when it comes to the essential technology they will use to work remotely. Metro Offices Telework Solutions are designed to help agencies and businesses establishing telework programs gain an understanding about how to transition employees from working in the office to working outside of the office. Whether employees will be utilizing VoIP technology, FlexDesks, or shared office space, the right training will get them started on the right foot and offer the support they need to keep productivity high from Day One.

3. Provide convenient DC virtual office space.

Although most job tasks can be conducted from home via telework technology, there are times when telework employees will require a professional office space for meetings, trainings and other business-related tasks. Employees can have on-demand access to fully-equipped office space in a convenient location. There’s no need to travel all of the way to the permanent office location for a meeting when there are more than 34 professional DC metro area sites available through simple online reservations. Whether employees need to have face-to-face meetings, teleconferences or just want to make copies of documents, they can find everything they need in these fully-equipped physical workspaces.

Telework is truly the new and improved way of conducting business. Federal agencies and other business can save time and money when more employees telework, and productivity can remain high and even increase with the right telework solutions.

For more information about Virtual Office Solutions, FlexDesk, Telework, Washington DC office space, and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 at 8:58 pm and is filed under Blog, Virtual Work. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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