Should you hire an employee or outsource to a Virtual Assistant?

You’ve reached a point in your business where you need additional support but now face the dilemma whether to hire an employee or outsource the work. Hiring an employee may seem like the obvious choice, but before you decide whether this is the right option for you, check out our list of key benefits to outsourcing to a Virtual Assistant.

Remove an HR headache

Hiring an employee results in a significant amount of time being spent creating a job description, advertising, reviewing CVs, interviewing, creating a contract, setting up systems, purchasing equipment, dealing with payroll, national insurance, pension, absence management, annual leave requests, training etc. Everything that comes with being an employer! But also think about what you could have achieved during the time you have spent recruiting for the position.

Virtual Assistants are self-employed and other than an initial meeting, signing a contract and delivering training/overview of your business and processes, there are no ongoing tasks to deal with.

Flexible support when you need it

Running a business isn’t a 9-5 job. Virtual Assistants work flexibly and can often provide support outside of ‘normal’ office hours. Support when you need it!

Only pay for the hours you need

When using a Virtual Assistant everything is timed to ensure you are only paying for the time they are physically sat working. If you hire an employee, they will need to have a break and comfort stops throughout the day. A Virtual Assistant will still take these breaks, but you are paying for the time they are working!

Save money

Virtual Assistants are self-employed. Other than paying for their time, there are no other associated costs involved. Hiring an employee means you must think about payroll, tax, NI, pension, benefits, equipment, licenses, training, desk space etc. Why not check out our cost comparison and see for yourself how much it really costs to hire an employee versus outsourcing to a Virtual Assistant.

Commitment to quality

Virtual Assistants are business owners and can appreciate the obligations that come with wanting to provide a high level of service. Their own reputation is on the line, so you can expect to receive a high standard in the work carried out.

Skills and Experience

As a business owner, you wear many hats. When you decide you need some support, the chances are you will recruit someone to take on the administrative burden. However, you may find that their skill set, and experience is limited in what they can help you with. There are different types of Virtual Assistants who specialise in different areas, but you are likely to find there will be a lot more you can delegate to a Virtual Assistant. Don’t forget they are also a business owner and will have experience in customer service, finance, marketing, sales, strategic planning, as well as the general day to day tasks that come with running a business.

Ongoing training

Here at VASS, our team of Virtual Assistants are committed to continuing their professional development and keeping up to date with the changing demands and trends. However, this is organised and funded by our team, with the benefits of their training being passed down to our clients.

If you would like to discuss the many benefits of outsourcing to a Virtual Assistant, email us now on hello@wearevass.com to arrange a free consultation.