Businesses can capitalize on the evolving nature of the office by striking a balance that combines virtual and physical workspace.

By Andrew Laing, contributor

A "work den" at Cisco's McCarthy Ranch campus in Milipitas, Calif.

Unless you have been on vacation for the past few years, you are probably aware that the workplace as we know it is rapidly changing. The 9-to-5 grind spent in an "official" office is giving way to the virtual work environment; the at-my-desk-by-8:59 is becoming the on-my-Blackberry 24/7, and the Starbucks coffee break has become the Starbucks "home" office.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Businesses can capitalize on the evolving nature of the office by striking a balance that combines virtual and physical work and space. This could ultimately increase productivity and lower costs without sacrificing company culture or individual motivation. More