The Regus Group, a leading global provider of workplace solutions, is prospering from the current economic downfall. In these difficult financial times, with both Europe and America experiencing a period of recession, more companies are encouraging their employees to work virtually, providing them with laptops and handheld communication devices that are considerably cheaper than incurring costs on real estate property.
Virtual office contracts are increasing and appear to be today’s growing corporate trend. Corporations encourage their employees to be mobile by helping them set up home offices and securing virtual office locations, which in essence helps them to substantially save on commuting costs and improves productivity.
According to Mark Dixon, Regus Group CEO, “During these challenging economic times, employers are embracing flexible workplace practices as a key business strategy. Our Virtual Office programme is an ideal solution for this type of worker and is proving popular with businesses eager to reduce facilities cost.”
Jan Karl Farrugia, Malta’s Regus General Manager stated, “Malta has hopped on the bandwagon by opening virtual offices in Swatar which has been proving to be a huge success.” It is remarkable to see how many “home-workers” in Malta have opted to base themselves in these virtual offices.
By doing so, they conduct their business in first-rated premises that offer all the comforts and high-standards of a typical professional working environment.
Alan Aitken, managing director of Fairmont Group Limited, who is a client of Regus Malta said, “The infrastructure for modern business and office requirements are changing as we become more international. Regus meets our office needs anywhere in the world, so we have a presence wherever we need it.”
Striking a balance between home and office
Since more companies are encouraging their employees to work remotely from home, there are times when employees need a central office to meet clients.
Regus virtual offices serve their needs by establishing a professional business address and utilise a support staff without the expense of hiring and managing full-time assistant – practicality at its best.
In addition to basic, but necessary, office equipment like fax machines and copiers, Virtual Office users have access to day offices, meeting rooms, business lounges and videoconferencing studios. They also have the opportunity to network with other professionals in a business environment quelling the fear of isolation as they adjust to a new work style.
Based on Regus calculations, companies can save up to 60 to 80 per cent on their real estate costs by implementing flexible workplace strategies. Virtual Offices are playing a major role in how businesses support employee needs. Consequently, Regus reports a trend of increasing month-on-month demand for the product.
Maltese businesses that require
an international presence
Virtual offices benefit companies looking to trim property expenses.
They also serve as a resource for businesses interested in testing new markets without taking on additional costs and risk, especially in foreign territory.
Malta’s virtual offices offer foreigners and locals the facility to pursue new business opportunities without the excruciating real estate expense. Second to payroll, real estate is a company’s second largest fixed expense. Increasingly, real estate expenses will come down for businesses that adopt flexible working practices and this newly-saved capital can be re-directed back into the business
Jesmond Saliba, managing director of Corporate Identities, commented, “The flexibility that the Virtual Offices offer to businesses was fundamental in helping our company in the early stages of the internationalisation of its operations.
The different options, the fact that it allows for businesses to focus their start-up investment on crucial aspects of operations and the possibility of scaling-up, made Regus a natural choice. Another crucial element in our process of choosing an option for the Milan operations of Corporate Identities; was the choice of prestigious locations of the various offices the Regus Network.”
For more information call Regus on 2546 6666