virtual.

My office doesn't have fancy art, cubicles or even a coffee machine. One day I'm looking out the window of a downtown coffee shop. The next, I'm sitting in a head office boardroom at a meeting. In the evening, I am most likely that girl you see having pint in the corner and looking connect with an awesome restaurant in Vancouver.

Some say it's not "stable"...but I wouldn't have it any other way.

I alawys knew I wasn't going to be behind a desk. The beauty of being a journalist and social media specialist is you're always on the go - the news and content doesn't come to you.

According to Forbes, those who work from home (or virtually) are "13 per cent more productive, happier in their jobs and less likely to leave their office-bound peers." The Loop Team is truly unique in this realm, and like any "office" environment there are things that work and don't. Here's how to combat them:

PRO - Schedule flexibility

Life doesn't just happen between 9AMto 5PM. Between meetings, networking and staying on top of social trends (along with colleagues in various timezones) our company never sleeps. We have the flexibility to work within parameters best for our professional and personal lives.

For example, last month I handled social media and communications while waiting between rehearsals at a dance studio early in the morning and late at night.

CON - Lack of trust 
Since you're not in a physical office, it means you can spend as much time as you want on Facebook, right? I've had several colleagues express a disconnect within a team because they aren't all sitting in a room (and others have felt like someone hasn't been pulling their weight)

Fix it: Be social

At Loop HQ, we’re focused on setting goals and realistic expectations as well as understanding other commitments. This boils down to communication. Take advantage of social media – share the successes of other employees, help out when applicable and provide feedback instantly.

PRO - Best of the breed employees 

As opposed to settling with a hire based on a specific region, the Loop Team comes from a plethora of backgrounds and physical locations. Having a diverse range of employees gives you multiple points-of-view and give realistic feedback about business in their area

CON - Miscommunication

Some of the best relationships and team building can be done on informal coffee trips or hanging out at the water cooler in a traditional office. You can quickly learn what your colleague's non-verbal mannerisms are when things are going well (and when they're not)

Fix it: Assigning interdependent tasks and strong one-on-one relationships

Gives employees small goals to collaborate and work on together, especially on a deadline, will naturally increase communication and interaction. As well, strong one-on-one relationships with your team leader establishes trust, opens the door for questioning and collaboration and increases trust overall within the team.

PRO - Metrics are essential 

I'm stealing this one from Rob Kelly - "My experience is that in a virtual office has an interesting bi-product: you will need to utilize metrics even more than usual (she you won't be able to see as much in-person proof of the results."

In our case, the numbers peak volumes. You can't waste a day behind a desk pretending to work. The only person you're fooling with that is yourself.