As more business entrepreneurs are becoming aware of the presence of virtual assistance. The number of start-up virtual assistant companies are increasing as the demand for virtual assistants arises. A virtual assistant company offers various virtual assistant services that could cater all the remote works of a business.
Do you want to know the difference between hiring a virtual assistant vs a regular employee? Certainly, business owners now make time to read online debates as to which is better. This topic is likely to be more and more relevant these days.
Here are the deciding factors that you should know about hiring a virtual assistant vs a regular employee:
1. Business cost and salary
Hiring a virtual assistant can minimize the overhead expenses like internet connection and device equipment unlike hiring a regular employee, because you need to provide the workspace, equipment, supplies and the like. Also, you can save workspace rental charges.
Also, a virtual assistant is paid on a per hour basis or a fixed monthly rate depending on what has been agreed upon. Though a virtual assistant in sales may earn from commissions as well.
While a regular employee may enjoy the perks of a 13th-month pay, holiday pay, sick leave pay, paid vacation leaves, and other bonuses. On the other hand, these bonuses come as an additional expense on top of the salary of a regular employee.
2. Geographic Location
Hiring a virtual assistant can be from anywhere in the world which is unlikely for a regular employee, because your business will be limited to hire within the vicinity of your location.
A virtual assistant works remotely and sets tasks to accomplish, while a regular employee reports to the office and handles all tasks in person.
3. Working hours
Hiring a virtual assistant will let you pay only the hours of work unlike hiring a regular employee whom you pay for an 8-hour day with or without tasks. Also, a virtual assistant works on holidays and can even extend on weekends as needed.
Although, there are some kinds of businesses which require physical presence and more than the eight (8) hours of work of a regular employee. A virtual assistant may also be required to work according to the client’s time zone.
4. Skills and Experience
Hiring a virtual assistant is like having a specialized skilled worker to help you and your business.
Virtual assistants continue to upskill using their own digital resources, while most regular employees have no time and you are set to provide additional training if needed.
5. Employment terms
Hiring a virtual assistant will let you have flexible employment terms such as part-time, short-term, long-term, and project-based. Unlike hiring a regular employee, it could be contractual, probationary, or regular employment alone. Both will have contract agreements but of different terms. The virtual assistants contract is between the independent contractor and the company, while the regular employees will have the employer- employee contract.
6. Communication
Hiring a virtual assistant will let you only communicate remotely, unlike in hiring a regular employee you can have face-to-face meetings anytime within the working hours prescribed. Although, there are Zoom and Google Meet applications to help you have a video meeting with your virtual assistants.
Sometimes, time may be the communication barrier for virtual assistants despite having a number of messaging platforms online. For example, your virtual assistant is situated in Manila, Philippines and you’re in New York City, so there will be a 12-hour time difference. If it’s 5am on your location, it’s already 5pm to your virtual assistant.
7. Government mandated tax and fees
Hiring a virtual assistant won’t let you do this job, unlike hiring a regular employee because you are solely responsible to transact and pay. Virtual assistants are freelancers and directly reporting to government offices by themselves, while regular employees just rely on you.
Now, which option do you think is right for you and your business? Given that the virtual assistants vs regular employees both have its advantages and disadvantages, but at the end of the day it will still depend on the nature and needs of your business.
And if you are now sure to hire virtual assistants as it’s a more convenient and cost-effective decision for you, CONTACT US today and we’d be happy to offer NCDS virtual assistant services to you and your business.