No doubt you have heard of the terminology virtual assistant. Perhaps you agree that it is a working concept, or maybe you think it is just another fad that has come into being in the last few years, jumping on the bandwagon of the likes of cloud working, social networking, tweeting and following.
You would never consider utilising a virtual assistant right? They are too expensive, too unknown, and do not offer that much benefit, you say. But you would consider hiring a temporary or permanent administrative assistant, or human resource support? That of course makes sense. Onsite staff are evaluated for the amount of work they offer, recruited through regular channels, and their pay is budgeted into the books.
But what about costs? It stacks up pretty quickly. Employer’s National Insurance Contribution, Auto-enrolment Pension, Employer’s Liability Insurance, costs associated with running a RTI compliant PAYE payroll system, and equipment for the employee to conduct their role effectively (think office space, desks, chairs, IT equipment and ongoing IT support, software licences, desk phone/mobile phone, central heating, air conditioning, training courses, company car, the list goes on!). Have you also considered family friendly rights such as maternity and paternity pay? How about holiday pay (including bank holidays)? But what happens when employees are unwell? Remember, for those that meet the qualifying criteria they are entitled to sick pay.
You may look to agencies to provide temporary support, but that is also an additional cost. Let’s also not forget background checks. Like criminal record checks or medical checks that need to be undertaken and that written statements of employment particulars (terms and conditions of employment) are needed. And we have not even begun to talk about the dreaded employee relations: for employees who are not or cannot perform to the required standard!
When you start to weigh up all the costs, as well as the amount of time needed within the various areas of the employment cycle, utilising the service of a virtual assistant begins to appear a lot more worthwhile. They can be hired through safe channels, and you decide on the number of hours required. You determine the length of engagement, only pay for hours worked or for the task(s) required, and you do not need to provide any equipment for the virtual assistant to conduct their role. Too easy! You will need to be mindful that just like an employee, they may require access to certain systems in order to fulfil their role. However, this is one small necessity that is more than outweighed by the flexibility and cost savings that working with a virtual assistant can provide.
Why not try DS Virtual Solutions for your HR support and administration needs. You may be pleasantly surprised.
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