Telecommuting and the Problems We Face

April 16th, 2011

It’s no secret that telecommuting is rapidly changing the business world as we know it. President Obama has even approved a bill giving government agencies 180 days to create telework programs for employees. Telecommuting is proven to save companies and the government billions of dollars a year which is why companies are quickly adopting telecommuting for their own employees. Metro Offices has been a leader in telework solutions for the Washington D.C. area for many years and can offer business owners some advice when it comes to communicating with telecommuting employees.

So what happens to office communications when your employees are all working from different locations? How do you keep communications clear and everyone on the same page? Sometimes phone calls, emails and instant messengers just aren’t enough. Well Metro Offices can help! We offer a program called Telework Plus which is essentially our telework services plus our virtual office services. It’s important that you gather your telecommuting employees together multiple times a year and our premier and accessible meeting locations around the D.C. area are perfect for team meetings.

You can also hold social, after work and holiday events for your entire staff. Many of these events can be held at Metro Office locations for your convince.

It’s important to keep trust alive and build relationships between co-workers and involving all of your employees in work procedures as well as casual events is the best way to do this. Without these things it can be easy for companies to sacrifice production and efficiency.

Contact us at Metro Offices and let us help you with your telecommuting solutions today!

Move Beyond The Competition With A Washington Virtual Office

March 25th, 2011

For many small business owners, tackling the numerous small details that are an integral part of running a successful enterprise is something that takes a great deal of time, and eats into the operating budget. In order to overcome both problems, more and more companies are considering the benefits of a Washington Virtual Office, which saves money and allows business professionals the much-needed time and energy to focus less on everyday tasks, and more on creating and growing their business.

The idea of the Washington virtual office is especially helpful to start-up businesses, since these companies are typically short on cash and on manpower. Hiring a receptionist or administrative assistant may be a necessity for virtually any company, but when funding is limited, salaries for additional employees are hard to come by.

Choosing to use a Washington Virtual Office rather than hiring front office employees is not only guaranteed to save you money, but in today’s difficult economic climate, it can make all the difference in the world on whether or not a start-up makes it through the first three years, while still showing a profit.

Start-ups that know from day one that hiring of additional employees isn’t something the company can afford often find themselves working around the clock in order to succeed, effectively carrying the workload of an additional two or three team members. Investing in a Washington Virtual Office shaves hours off of the daily to-do list, and allows a company to work more efficiently, and in a more organized fashion.

In addition, nothing puts more fear in the hearts of potential clients than dealing with a start-up so small that the owners serve as the receptionist. With the benefits of a Washington Virtual Office, you’ll impress clients with the idea that, although your company is new, it’s already got all the bases covered, and is poised for success. The advantages of a prestigious Washington D.C. address in a city known for expensive real estate can’t be overestimated, since the impression you’re leaving behind is one of a successful new enterprise that’s on the fast-track to success, and has got it all together, even in the face of a struggling economy.

If you choose to make a Washington Virtual Office an essential part of your business, you’ll quickly find that you have all the benefits of a fully-staffed corporate environment, a prestigious location most start-ups would never be able to afford, and the time and freedom to spend your working hours doing what you do best: developing your business.

Your virtual office includes daily mail sorting and forwarding services, a virtual receptionist, complete phone answering services, a guest office that’s always available on-demand for face-to-face meetings, a virtual club that’s easily accessible for all your business needs, and all the business support services you’ll ever need to help your company grow and prosper.

As a start-up in a particularly challenging economy, your task is already difficult and more than a little overwhelming. By making the benefits of a Washington Virtual Office an important part of your working life, you’re putting yourself in a unique position to enhance your chances of success, while simultaneously helping to save you time and lead more well-organized existence.

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.

DC Government Contractors Find Homes Away from Home through Virtual Offices

March 18th, 2011

When it comes to DC government contractors, anything that makes life on the road a bit easier and a bit more like home is more than welcome. A lifestyle that moves around from state to state, city to city, and even country to country is not one that’s heavily focused on stability and the comforts of home.

With transience the norm, even simple tasks like getting work done on time,  and in relative comfort and security, are less than simple. With more and more government contractors entering the workforce, and projects being completed more quickly than ever, adaptability is the name of the game. One of the best tools available to DC government contractors is the virtual office, offering the much-needed productivity tools and little touches of home that a busy life on the road demands, while also presenting options for short-term, no-obligation solutions that suit the lifestyles of such constantly on-the-move professionals.

Typically equipped with all the modern conveniences and benefits of the traditional office environment, a virtual office is appealing to modern D.C. government contractors from more than a standpoint of convenience. For many government employees, security and confidentiality are major concerns, making it less than prudent to work in commonly used hotspots such as coffee shops or cyber cafes.

Virtual offices are secure and private, and depending upon the level of security needed, are protected by key cards, access codes, and even boast private receptionists and administrative staff. Mail is processed through the address of a large, well-known office building, rather than through a P.O. Box, making it easier to comply with government regulations when away from home. Some facilities even offer highly-secure mail service, meaning only a limited number of administrative staff will have access to ingoing and outgoing documents.

In addition to the enhanced security that D.C. government contractors need, a virtual office offers distinct advantage to the traveling government employee. Flexibility is key, because with a virtual office, there’s the choice to work from the hotel, home, the office, or anywhere else you may desire. With a remote workspace, you’re in control of when you work and how you communicate with others, and you’re able to enhance productivity by making the commute only when it’s truly necessary, and during the hours it suits you.

You’ll also receive a comprehensive list of business and administrative support options that suit your busy lifestyle, and offer the flexibility and quality service it’s necessary for you to rely upon. As a D.C government contractor, this will free you from the burden of tasks that take valuable time and energy away from your work, and leave you with the peace of mind that comes from having a well-organized, efficient support staff in your corner.

The life of a busy D.C. government contractor certainly has challenges, in addition to a number of great rewards, but the benefits of a virtual office will help you establish the closest thing possible to a home away from home. Whether you’re in town for two weeks, two months, or even two years, this adds immensely to the value of both your time at work, and away from the office.

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.

DC Telework Reduces the Cost of Doing Business

March 12th, 2011

For those living and working in the Washington D.C. area, the worst part of the daily grind is the painstakingly slow commute, something that’s being remedied through the rising popularity of D.C. telework. The D.C. area has one of the most painful commutes in the United States, ranking only behind Los Angeles when it comes to the amount of time workers end up spending in their cars.

In addition, a majority of those who work in the District Of Columbia call cities in Maryland and Virginia home, areas in which housing may be affordable, but certainly isn’t cheap. If the average worker were able to regain the 90-120 minutes spent in the car each day, and were able to cut down on expensive gas bills, it reasons that both his productivity and financial well-being would improve thanks to the change.

It’s this way of thinking that’s convinced more and more companies to begin considering the benefits of DC telework, a choice that’s shaving hundreds of thousands of dollars each year from operating budgets and leading to happier, healthier, more financially prosperous employees. Contrary to popular belief, a majority of companies that have taken employees out of the office and are keeping them at home have found that productivity levels and quality of work has actually gone up.

When spared the headache of the daily commute, forced conformity to traditional office hours, the necessities of an office dress code, and the endless ways to alleviate boredom and waste time in an office environment, employees tend to flourish. When freed from the restraints and distractions of the traditional office setup, workers don’t become lazier, they tend to become more self-motivated, making the most of the hours they spend at work in order to have more time for other obligations and interests.

In addition, when outside distractions are removed, employees start the day feeling more energetic, focused, and ready to work, rather than grumpy and sluggish after fighting traffic just to get to the office each day.

Another benefit of D.C. telework is that while employees reap the benefit of having more freedom in scheduling and less micro-management, companies are taking advantage of the financial benefit that comes from employees who take fewer sick days, unscheduled personal days, or have problems with chronic lateness. The added hours a typical worker gains from avoiding D.C area traffic, combined with the freedom that comes from working at home, means that it is easier for most to create a better balance between work and home life.

The result, in a majority of companies that have made the switch, is that employees have noticed an improvement in both enjoyment and attitude toward time at work, as well as time at home. If greater balance leads to a happier, more productive lifestyle for workers, it also leads to a more positive, successful, cost-effective environment for companies.

In today’s difficult, recession-conscious job market, everyone has been forced to rethink traditional ways of doing business, and what just doesn’t work anymore. Many would agree that given the potential benefits, telework is truly the wave of the future, and D.C. is proud to be on the cutting-edge of this trend.

For more information on  DC Office Space, 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.

Pain at the Pump Paves the Way for DC Telework Opportunities

March 8th, 2011

The groan has been heard around the nation resulting from outrageous gas prices, making commuting to and from work a hardship for many DC Metro area employees. What can be done to lessen the financial burden without sacrificing productivity? The answer is DC Telework Solutions.

Studies have shown time and time again that with the right support and solutions, telework can be an extremely cost-effective way to keep businesses running smoothly while decreasing costs for both the employees and employers. Employees save when they can work from home or from a convenient on-demand DC office space; and employers save when they can decrease or even eliminate expensive traditional office space, as their employees work remotely.

It’s clearly a win-win situation for all people involved. In addition to cost-savings, employers who are using telework programs for employees have found that the employees are more loyal to the business, because they are satisfied with the flexibility telework offers. There is less need for sick days and personal days, because teleworkers can schedule their days in a way that is best for their appointments while keeping productivity high.

Rather than spending two or more hours on the road each day tackling the commute, employees who utilize DC telework services can get down to business right in their home office, or anywhere they have wireless access. Employees can access all of their vital work information through use of a VOIP platform. Having the ability to work anytime, anywhere significantly increases employee productivity and business productivity as a whole.

While working remotely is ideal for day-to-day work situations, most businesses also have a need to meet in a physical location, which is where Washington Virtual Offices and DC Executive Office Spaces provide much-needed solutions. Combined with Telework, these facilities offer the best of both worlds to business owners seeking innovative ways to increase employee productivity and continue conducting team and customer meetings as usual.

With the technology available in today’s business world, there is no reason for businesses to continue operating in the same old way- just because that’s the way it has always been done. New times call for new and better solutions. The top businesses today are zeroed in on finding ways to becoming more efficient while utilizing cost-effective methods.

So while the cost of gas is a frustration for all of us, the light at the end of the tunnel reveals itself in the form of DC Telework Solutions. For more information on DC Telework, DC Executive Office Spaces, FlexDesk and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

How Can VoIP Technology Benefit Your DC Business?

February 18th, 2011

When an important client calls, the last thing you want is for the client to receive a recording or, worse yet, a busy signal. The good news is with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) you don’t have to worry about these types of problems any longer.

VoIP allows businesses and teleworkers to have communication capabilities that help them to meet client and customer needs, regardless of how mobile or busy they are. By accessing Metro Office’s telework services, clients can have access to cutting-edge VoIP technology without having to deal with the headaches that can come with hardware hassles, maintenance and IT support. Metro Offices takes care of the technology details, while you enjoy the powerful communication capabilities.

Through VoIP service, clients have access to:

  • Call forwarding to an available person
  • Calls answered from a prestigious DC Metro office
  • Calls transferred efficiently
  • Call screening
  • Voicemail to e-mail
  • Follow me/Find me phone technology
  • All essential information anywhere there is wireless Internet
  • Unified Communications and a local number, even if your physical office is in another state.

VoIP technology provides increased flexibility and productivity—two biggies in today’s transitioning and mobile business world. With these innovative transmission technologies business owners and staff members can use the phone while simultaneously accessing all other essential programs and browsing the Internet. It is a multitasker’s greatest tool! Whether you are running business-related errands or are on vacation with the family and need to handle some business issues, VoIP makes it possible for you to take care of business anytime, anywhere.

Even with the numerous benefits available through VoIP, the technology is cost efficient, typically saving businesses a reported 30 to 50% of traditional phone bills. For a large corporation, this savings could be in the millions.

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

President’s State of the Union Address Highlights Telework Technology

January 26th, 2011

In last night’s State of the Union Address, the President of the United States discussed how technology is impacting our world, specifically the business world:  “The rules have changed.  In a single generation, revolutions in technology have transformed the way we live, work and do business.  Today, just about any company can set up shop, hire workers, and sell their products wherever there’s an Internet connection.”

It’s exciting to think about the potential technology brings to businesses from every industry. From DC government contractors and start-up businesses to privately-held companies and government agencies, technology such as Unified Communications, DC Telework Solutions, and virtual offices are making it possible for businesses and organizations to increase productivity and reduce costs.

Whereas it was once important to have a traditional brick & mortar business to be considered an established company, technology has truly transformed the way people do business. Not only is it no longer necessary to pay for permanent office space, these expenses have become a needless hindrance to maximum profitability and productivity.

Today’s technology enables business owners to have an entire staff working efficiently through home offices and other more convenient locations with the help of telework. Distracting office chit-chat and long commutes are eliminated, while employees have all of the tools they need to perform tasks as well as the much-desired flexibility to work from anywhere they have wireless Internet.

With this flexibility, the seemingly constant need for employee sick-time and personal time-off decreases because they can work around the things they need to do. Freedom from the cubicle goes a long way toward producing high employee morale and loyalty to the company.

Whether your business might benefit from DC Telework Solutions, convenient on-demand DC office space and meeting rooms or a combination of solutions, you can access the best technology has to offer through Metro Offices, serving the entire DC Metro Area (MD, Northern VA and DC).

Boost Employee Morale & Increase Productivity with DC Telework

January 24th, 2011

When DC Metro Area employers and business owners consider what they can do to improve their businesses, DC telework is emerging as a practical business solution. Not only is it a proven method to increase productivity, but DC telework solutions and related services are making worklife more flexible and appealing to employees and managers. This provides a much-needed boost in morale, resulting in happier employees who are more loyal to the company.

Long gone are the days when it was essential to have all employees at work under one roof—thanks to technology like FlexDesk and Virtual Offices. Employees can have access to all vital information they need to perform anywhere they have Internet access. Not only does this skyrocket productivity levels, but employee morale improves because they are no longer tied to an office building or cubicle day in and day out. They have the freedom to work in a variety of locations that are most comfortable for them, which has been shown to keep employees happier and more loyal to their employers.

Rather than spending an hour or longer during the morning commute, working parents can see their kids off to school and log-on to work to immediately begin their work day. In today’s fast paced business world, every moment counts and Telework is a way to maximize each minute of the day, saving precious time for employees and businesses alike.

With FlexDesk, employees can have the best of both worlds, working remotely and working in a professional office setting when necessary. They can take a quick trip to the nearest DC Executive Office location to access a private furnished office complete with color copy machines, VOIP, high speed Internet, fax line, meeting rooms and even Starbucks coffee—anything needed to accomplish important work tasks efficiently. With locations throughout the Metro DC area, employees save travel time and hassle and can get down to business.

How can you learn more about the benefits available to your business through DC telework and DC Office Space? Visit metroffice.com.

Washington Virtual Offices & FlexDesks Help to Expand Your Workforce

January 10th, 2011

It is now possible to expand your workforce for between $125 and $600 a month utilizing Washington Virtual Offices and FlexDesks®. There’s no need to spend big bucks on full-time office space, when you can increase your numbers and ramp-up productivity with affordable flexible workspace solutions.

Today’s top employees are seeking more flexible work arrangements, which is why offering these solutions will help you to attract the best talent from anywhere. Long commutes will no longer be a hindrance, because Metro Offices provides fully-equipped, professional workspaces throughout the DC Metro Area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia.

With FlexDesk®, clients receive:

  • Innovative Telework Solutions, featuring cutting-edge technology platform.
  • Access to a Metro Office workstation for 40 hours per month or the choice of 24/7 access for round-the-clock convenience.
  • Access to professional meeting rooms, as well as a variety of essential support services ranging from virtual receptionist services to an on-site managerial staff.

If growing your business is on your to-do list, these affordable solutions provide the flexibility and support necessary to accomplish the task. FlexDesk® and Virtual Offices can help you to obtain everything your business needs to function optimally without the hassle. Learn more about solutions available in DC, MD and Northern VA, including FlexDesk® and Washington Virtual Offices, at www.metroffice.com.

Washington Virtual Office: Top 10 Benefits

January 3rd, 2011

Whether you are a small business owner, corporate manager or a DC government contractor who doesn’t require full-time, permanent DC office space, then utilizing a Washington virtual office may be an ideal solution. You will instantly realize major cost savings when you are paying for office space only when you need it while maintaining or even improving productivity and professional image.

Consider these top 10 reasons many business owners opt for a Washington virtual office:

1. Professional Address

Nothing says “home office” more than a mailing address in a residential area of town. But leasing office space in the middle of DC’s commerce district is cost prohibitive. The solution? Washington virtual office space.

2. Constant Contact

You can’t always be available to take phone calls or schedule appointments… But your virtual receptionist can! Metro Offices provides a real live person who will answer the phone, forward your messages, and keep your schedule. It will appear as if you have a dedicated office staffed with professionals – even if you are working from home.

3. Meeting Space

Unless you have a boardroom in your office, scheduling a meeting with clients or shareholders requires you to lease meeting space at a hotel or conference center. A Washington virtual office space includes a well-appointed meeting room sure to impress anyone and meet your business needs.

4 Virtual Club Business Lounge

Need a comfortable space with high speed internet access and a phone? Simply step into our Virtual Club Business Lounge and settle in for a productive hour – or day – of work without interruption.

5. Space for Your Clients or a One-Time Rental

One of the best things about virtual office space is that it’s scalable. Whether you need a professional office for an hour, a day, or a week, you’ll be welcomed and easily accommodated. Perhaps you have an important client coming to town who requires an office for a short time. Your virtual DC office space comes to the rescue!

6. Easily Outsource Project Details

Entrepreneurs are great at multi-tasking and developing a wide variety of skills. But what about when you need a bit of help? Your virtual office comes complete with a cadre of business professionals who can design a website, notarize a document, write a newsletter, and so much more.

7. No Maintenance or Repairs

If you own a home, you know that when something breaks down or quits working, it’s your responsibility to fix it. Not so in your virtual office! Report a problem, then sit back and let the facility manager handle the problem.

8. No Deposits

Washington DC office space is in high demand. If you want to lease your own private space, you’re going to pay dearly for it in the form of a hefty deposit and many times, several months’ rent paid in advance. The inexpensive route is opting for a virtual office.

9. More Savings: No Overhead

Another budget-breaker for the small business owner is the overhead costs. Electricity, water, landscaping fees – all of these and more add expense to your monthly office allocation. With Washington virtual office space, you always pay the same amount, making it very budget-friendly.

10. Office Equipment

There’s no need to allocate your capital to buy office machines – they’re all there at your virtual office. Need to fax documents once a month? Why buy the machine when you can use the one down the hallway?

Virtual Washington DC office space is the ideal solution for so many entrepreneurs. For more information on Washington Virtual Offices, DC Meeting Rooms, Telework, Executive Office Spaces, FlexDesk and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

« Older Entries