The Dark Side of the Outsourcing and Virtual Assistant Industry
Beejel Parmar
Outsourcing Consulting/Trainings + The Trusted Resource for Direct Hire Virtual Assistants & Exec Assistants ? Rates as low as $5ph to help w/ Lead Gen, Sales, Social Media, Bookkeeping, SEO, Reputation Marketing, etc.
Outsourcing and the virtual assistant industry have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering businesses the opportunity to hire remote workers from around the world to perform various tasks and services. However, while outsourcing and the virtual assistant industry can offer numerous benefits to businesses, such as reduced costs and increased efficiency, there is a dark side to this industry that often goes unnoticed.?
One of the biggest issues is the significant discrepancy in salaries between virtual assistants and workers in business process outsourcing (BPO) companies. In this article, we will explore this dark side of outsourcing and the virtual assistant industry and shed light on the salary disparities that exist between these two types of workers.
Fair Salaries for Productive Virtual Assistants
There is a fine line between productivity and salaries. In reality, well compensated employees are happier and happier employees are productive employees. The same is true when it comes to virtual assistants.
BPO vs Virtual Assistants
Compared to BPO workers that earn around $300 to $500 a month in developing countries like the Philippines, virtual assistants are often paid much less, even if they are equally productive. This is because the virtual assistant industry operates on a different business model, where the focus is on keeping costs low for clients rather than ensuring fair compensation for workers.
This discrepancy in salaries has become a growing concern in the virtual assistant industry, as more and more workers are being exploited and undervalued for their services. It is important for businesses to recognize that fair salaries are not only a matter of social responsibility, but also a key factor in maintaining a productive and sustainable workforce.
Creating Fair Opportunities fo VAs
To address this issue, some virtual assistant companies have started to implement fair compensation policies that take into account the skills, experience, and productivity of their workers. These policies include regular salary reviews, performance-based bonuses, and other incentives that help ensure that virtual assistants are compensated fairly for their hard work.
As the virtual assistant industry continues to grow and evolve, it is significant for businesses to recognize the importance of fair salaries for productive virtual assistants. By doing so, they can not only help improve the lives of workers, but also build stronger and more productive partnerships that benefit both parties in the long run.
Ideal Base Pays for Virtual Assistants of Varying Experiences
When it comes to hiring virtual assistants (VAs), one of the most important factors to consider is their base pay. The base pay not only reflects the value of the VA's services, but also impacts their quality of life and work motivation. Lately, there has been a growing concern over the significant discrepancy in pay between VAs and their BPO counterparts. Many VAs are being paid significantly less than they deserve, with some earning as little as $2 per hour.
To ensure fair compensation for VAs, it is indispensable to establish ideal base pays based on their experience and skills. According to one expert in the industry, the bear minimum hourly rate for a good livable wage for an experienced VA is $5 per hour. However, it is acceptable to pay less for new VAs who may not yet have the same level of experience or skills.
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For experienced and specialist VAs, it is reasonable to expect to pay higher base pays of $6 or more per hour. VAs who work in management positions, on the other hand, should be paid even higher, with a base pay of $7 or more per hour.
Better Working Conditions for Outsourced Professionals
One of the advantages of hiring home-based VAs is that they have more control over their work-life balance. Unlike VAs who work in call centers, home-based VAs can be there for their children, take them to school, and save time on travel. They also report improved mental health as a result of working from home, which can lead to better productivity and quality of work.
It is important to note that call centers often penalize and harass their workers, which can have a negative impact on their quality of life and work motivation. By contrast, home-based VAs are often more motivated and dedicated to their work because they feel valued and respected by their clients.
In summary, when hiring virtual assistants, it is important to establish fair base pays based on their experience and skills. By doing so, businesses can attract and retain quality VAs who are motivated to provide the best service possible. Additionally, businesses can support fair compensation practices in the virtual assistant industry and contribute to a more just and equitable work environment.
Beejel Parmar
CEO/Founder
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