An article on eWeek tells on the varying practices and approaches several companes take when it comes to virtual office settings. Given that a growing number of firms have employees working at their own home or mobile offices, different rules also apply.
Since employees may be located in different parts of the country, or even across the globe, you can just imagine the difficulties in terms of logistics. Some provide all the equipment and hardware needs of employees, including the occasional tech support requirements (which are usually sourced out if the staff are not tech savvy enough). Some ask their employees to be responsible in purchasing equipment and other needs.
However, there is one thing in common among these different firms–they are all embracing the use of technology to make things more efficient. No longer would workers have to be located within the vicinity of the central office. No one would have to spend on transportation and commutes, and even lunch! And office rent is also minimized.
It’s probably an ideal situation for cost-savers. However, there are also the disadvantages.