Virtual vs. In-House Assistants: Which is Right for You?

If you feel like you’re spending too much time juggling administrative tasks rather than focusing on high-level strategy, then it might be time to hire an executive assistant. Research shows that hiring an assistant can save you up to 15 hours a week on repetitive tasks so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.

You may ask yourself, which type of administrative assistant is a better fit for your business? Over two-thirds of US business owners have hired a virtual assistant since 2021. However, some companies may benefit more from having an in-house assistant. This blog will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision.

You can also schedule a free no-commitment consultation with Darleen Priday, Peachtree VA’s Director of Business Development, to assess your needs and explore the best options.

Defining the Criteria for Comparison

To effectively compare virtual and in-house assistants, we'll focus on the following criteria:

1. Cost-effectiveness
2. Hiring and onboarding process
3. Productivity and work quality
4. Flexibility and scalability
5. Communication and collaboration

This article will cover criteria 1 & 2. To see a full breakdown of the criteria, click here.

Virtual vs. In-Person Assistants: Pros and Cons

Cost-effectiveness?

Global Workplace Analytics reported that hiring virtual assistants instead of full-time employees can save your company up to $11,000 annually by eliminating expenses related to office space, equipment, and salary.?

Virtual administrative assistants are often contractors compared to their full-time in-person counterparts. This means you only pay virtual assistants for the hours they work, as opposed to paying high overhead costs, which typically add 25-40% of an employee's salary in benefits and other expenses.

Hiring and onboarding process

The hiring process for in-person staff takes an average of 42 days to fill a position. The talent pool is also limited to the local area, which may restrict access to specialized skills.?

Peachtree VA’s hiring and matching process takes a fraction of that time. Once we onboard our clients, the matching process for an assistant takes 7-10 business days, which can be crucial when immediate support is needed.?

We find the talent, so you don’t have to! Our in-depth hiring process ensures our US-based virtual assistants undergo skills assessments, interviews, reference and background checks, and sign NDAs to ensure we hire top talent nationwide.?

Factors to Consider When Choosing

When deciding between a virtual or in-person assistant, consider:

1. The nature of your business and required tasks
2. Budget constraints
3. Work culture and team dynamics
4. Long-term growth plans
5. Technology infrastructure and comfort with remote work

While virtual assistants offer compelling cost savings, productivity, and flexibility advantages, the best choice ultimately depends on your specific business needs. An in-house assistant might be more suitable if your work requires a physical presence or frequent in-person interactions. However, a virtual assistant can be an excellent choice for many businesses, especially those comfortable with remote work and seeking cost-effective, flexible support.

To determine the best option for your business, consider scheduling a free consultation with an expert who can assess your specific needs and help you make an informed decision.

Schedule a free consultation today!

**********

This article was originally published on peachtreeva.com/blog. Read the full blog here.?