Virtual Assistant Services, or a full (or part-time) employee? Which is right for you?
Covid-19 has prompted dramatic changes to the traditional workforce, and to an ingrained office-based work culture. Businesses are being forced to evaluate their expenditure more closely than ever before, and in the face of imminent recession, cost-savings are needed where possible. The primary focus for business is how to survive and thrive in a modified world.
When you look at a company’s biggest overheads, they are usually staff and rental costs. The unavoidable adoption of remote working over the last few months has caused companies to review the necessity of office space. Could a more permanent, remote way of working actually be better for their business and bottom line? And with platforms such as Zoom and Skype proving just as effective as meeting in person, are we facing a complete shift in working practices?
As the make-up of businesses across the country change, we may also see a shift in the way businesses are ran. They’ll need as much flexibility as possible, which may lead more to consider virtual back-office services such as finance, marketing or Virtual Assistance.
What are the benefits of hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA) over a full-time or part-time member of staff?
Specialist skills
Using a Virtual Assistant (VA) allows you to hire different individuals with varying specialist skills as and when required. VA services allow you to source the best person for the job, on an hourly basis. Whereas permanent employees need to be trained and developed in order to continually diversify their skill set, which can be costly.
Flexibility
Uncertainty surrounding income and regularity of new or existing work requires a more flexible workforce solution. VAs can be brought in when additional resource is required and then released when things are quieter. Full-time and part-time employees do not allow business the same flexibility, you can’t pause a permanent contract. Arguably part-time employees can provide a degree of flexibility, but largely their work schedule is set. They may also be unavailable when you need them and you end up paying for idol time. You also have the associated hard costs such as employment benefits, desk costs etc. to consider.
Cost-saving
As a business, cost-saving is likely to be your priority. With a VA you are only paying for the actual number of hours worked rather than a full-time salary. Cost wise, you may find that the hourly rate of a VA is slightly higher compared to a permanent employee, but there is more than that to consider. When you factor in additional costs for the likes of employee benefits, training, holiday pay and sick pay, it can often work out to be more economically advantageous to use a VA.
Are there any causes for concern?
The main concern about using VAs tends to be around company culture and investment in the brand/ business. With the right training, and effort on both parts made to establish and maintain a close working relationship your VA should feel like a member of the team and this concern can be negated.
In an incredibly uncertain climate, future-proofing your business is vital, and having a flexible and cost-effective workforce is key. VAs are an extension of your existing team, available to bridge the gap when required without the ongoing financial burden of a full or part-time member of staff.
If you would like to discuss your Virtual Assistance needs and how we can help you and your business to thrive, contact our friendly team.