The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we work, forcing companies to re-think effective ways to communicate and keep business flowing. As strict measures meant employees were required to work from home, peer-to-peer software platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom rose in popularity.

While staff makes their return to the physical office space, the working landscape has changed. The issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic ushered in new ways of working and innovation. Considerations such as continually changing travel restrictions, a safe and short commute time, and healthy office surroundings are now crucial. In Asia Pacific, companies are reviewing working arrangements which led to the growing popularity of the satellite office concept.
 

What is a Satellite Office?

A satellite office is a branch of a company which is physically separate from the businesses’ main office. Although decentralised and physically apart, they focus on interconnectivity. Satellite offices can range from one to hundreds of employees and can be geographically dispersed across a country or abroad. In countries such as Japan, satellite offices are becoming more popular as new work styles evolve. Formerly a rigid business culture, Japan largely switched to remote communication during the pandemic.
 

Asia Pacific Satellite Offices of the Future

As businesses consider new ways of working due to the COVID-19 pandemic, satellite offices covid solutions include flexible working spaces with good IT infrastructure to ensure effective remote coworking with other regional offices. After mastering the art of video calls, it’s important to ensure teams can meet well online. Satellite offices are business ready and consider new working arrangements such as separate screens, anti-bacterial stations and such like. Providing optimal facilities and amenities is key when considering new office space, and a satellite office can meet these demands. They can be fully-furnished to client specifications swiftly, Wi-Fi connected, and ready to go. As well as being cost-efficient, companies can set up regional offices to scale across APAC, from Hong Kong to Japan, with the same satellite office provider.
 

Satellite Office Benefits

Working remotely doesn’t always mean working from home, but as we become more familiar with online communication, satellite offices offer regional solutions whereby staff can physically attend with co-workers, whilst communicating online with other company branches.
Benefits include:

• Shorter Commute Time:  Satellite office solutions include offices which offer shorter commute times as employees become less eager to travel on public transport. Staff may live locally, having formerly commuted to work, or a company may have identified a new geographical area to explore. 

• Lowered Health Risks: With less time spent on public transport and fewer staff within an office, health risks are lowered.

• Happier Work-Life Balance: The pandemic taught us that work-life balance was out of sync. Every company dreams of highly productive workspaces and flexible office space providers offer the ability to test the waters in terms of increased productivity. Companies in Japan are now trying working styles which would never have been considered before, including split satellite office use and working from home. This working style allows employees to feel connected to others, which can increase productivity and mental health.

• New Regional Opportunities: As Asian companies consider office space closer to employee homes, new business opportunities within regions can also blossom. A satellite office address in an area previously not considered as a viable business option could potentially offer new opportunities. Connecting with local consumers and engaging with new communities brings both expansion and local support.

• Productive Meeting Places: Whether the aim is to use a satellite office as a place for staff to converge or to meet with potential clients, they are more cost-effective than regular offices and can be adapted to your own company's business needs. 

It's fair to say that working life may never return to the 100% central office-based model. Companies who excel are those that can pivot during challenging times and consider what currently works for them. Productivity is essential to any successful business, so, if staff experience increased health and inspiration by working closer to home in smaller groups, then ultimately companies will benefit. Major investment in office space is now ineffectual. A satellite office, meaning a more cost-effective and business-ready environment, is certainly a highly productive business solution for Asia-Pacific in a post-pandemic era.