To virtual or not to virtual? That is the question. A lot of companies today are debating the merits of going into virtual teams or to stick
with their old brick and mortar based staffing. The decision is not to
be made lightly.
If a company looks at the pros and the cons, that's only half the picture.
Each organisation must look at the specifics of both economics long term
and also of HOW a change would be implemented. The dismal results others
have experienced as well as their eventual reversal of their decision
have counterbalanced the reports of huge successes with virtual teams.
First, let's make sure we are on the same page with what we mean by a
virtual team. A virtual team is a group of individuals, banded together,
striving for a goal held in common who don't work in a face-to-face or
real-time environment. They communicate via telephone, Internet, Intranet
(internal computer linked network), extranet (external computer linked
network), fax, etc. They may see each other once a quarter or less or
may NEVER meet in person. They can work in the same building or on opposite
ends of the globe.
If we now have a common perspective on what a virtual team is, let's look
at the pros of going virtual.
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On the plus side, from a company's perspective, there are many advantages
of setting up virtual teams. For example, AT and T studies indicate a virtual
team member is usually 25% more productive then their real time counterparts.
This is a HUGE boost for productivity-starved organisations and a major
competitive advantage. Compaq Computers found their sales people had a
jump of 30% when they went virtual.
Companies don't have to devote so much space to virtual teams as employees
either work from their homes or only use office space on a part-time basis,
allowing several employees to share and office, desk and equipment. This
can save large and small employers thousands as CBD space is at a premium.
Companies astute enough to think outside the box can hire Electronic Immigrants
to do work for virtual team members or even to become their virtual team.
Workers in Indonesia or India can work in Singapore, Hong Kong or Taiwan
without leaving home or checking in with customs and immigration.
On-line, there are no borders to cross and if they are operating in a
virtual team, savvy managers can take advantage of lower wage rates in
other countries to hire a myriad number of workers for a fraction of the
local rates. Again, making big profits for a smaller cost.
From the individual's standpoint, a virtual team can be a major step up
in lifestyle and fulfilment. Being able to plan your own day, work your
own hours and to spend time with friends and family as you wish is a major
benefit for most virtual workers. Because the work you do is usually electronic and project based, no one cares WHEN you do it as long as it gets done
and done well. As such, virtual workers may spend time with their children,
taking them to school and picking them up, caring for a sickly mother
or father and still be communicating with Brussels, Sydney, Singapore
or Kuching.
Virtual workers don't have to dress up to go to work and often enjoy wearing
jeans and a tee-shirt to work, being able to take a break or long lunch
if they choose and having the freedom to structure their workday as they
see fit.
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