Virtual Assistant vs. Employee — What Are The Key Differences to Consider?

A virtual assistant and an employee are not the same. Though virtual assistants and employees carry out many of the same tasks, including administrative tasks, social media management, and content creation– as an entrepreneur and business owner, you need to determine which of the two are best for you and your business.

The Main Differences

One of the most notable differences between a virtual assistant and an employee is cost. Hiring a virtual assistant is less in terms of overall costs than hiring an employee. With an employee, you have to factor in several costs including hourly or salaried pay, healthcare benefits, sick leave, payroll costs, etc. With a virtual assistant, costs are much more straightforward. You and your virtual assistant agree on terms and you pay for the services they provide you. That’s that.

Another major difference between virtual assistants and employees is location, location, location! Virtual assistants work remotely, so they can be based anywhere in the world as long as they have their laptops and an internet connection. Though times have changed with the era of covid, employees are more often than not based in offices, or in close proximity to where your business is located.

Working hours is another difference when it comes to virtual assistants and employees. Though some business owners like for their virtual assistants to work regular business hours, regardless of where they are located, others are more flexible and work with their VAs on a flexible schedule. Do keep in mind that flexibility is not a one way street when it comes to working with a virtual assistant! VAs set their own schedules and may occasionally work on weekends or during holidays. In contrast, employees generally stick to a set schedule during regular business hours (your typical 9 to 5 working hours).

Virtual Assistant Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Virtual assistants have diverse skillsets. In addition to administrative tasks, they can also help with social media marketing, content creation, podcast management, and much more.
• Virtual assistants work on flexible schedules. You’ll only pay them for the hours they’ve worked or the projects that they’ve completed for you.
• You can contract a virtual assistant part-time/full-time, short-term/longterm, or on an as-needed basis.
• Virtual assistants use their own devices/equipment to perform their work

Drawbacks

• Virtual assistants work remotely, so you may not get daily communication with them.
• You are not able to track when/how your virtual assistant is spending their time, so you have to trust that they are being accurate.
• Your virtual assistant may need time to get up to speed with the technology you use in your business

Employee Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Interacting with your employee on a day-to-day basis builds more trust and allows for better communication
• Increased interactions with your employee also allows for greater productivity
• Employees are able to more quickly address any conflicts of mishaps that may arise throughout the day

Drawbacks

• Hiring an employee is a substantial cost investment
• If you lose that employee, replacing them is also a substantial cost investment
• You’ll pay an employee a fixed wage regardless of how much work they are completing

Which Option is Right for You and Your Business?

Now that we’ve looked at the differences between a virtual assistant and an employee, and the benefits and drawbacks of each, how do you decide what’s best for you and your business? It truly depends on the needs of your business. Taking all of the above into account, you must also consider your budget, goals, and how you’ll leverage a virtual assistant or employee.

As an entrepreneur and small business owner, a virtual assistant is definitely a great option! Connect with me to learn how Cleverly Simplify can help you and your business!