A virtual assistant is similar to a traditional, in-house personal or administrative assistant, except they work remotely and online. Also known as online assistants or virtual PAs, virtual assistants can help with just about any business-related or personal task if it can be done virtually. Virtual assistants are flexible and highly skilled, from scheduling and organisation to payroll and HR.
The role of virtual assistants is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. This is because the demand for personal assistants is growing but because the role is packed with perks for those who want to try out something different than working in a traditional role.
Being a virtual assistant in the UK offers workers better work-life balance, increased productivity, and more flexibility to work when and how they want to.
With the rise of the work-from-home culture thanks to the global pandemic and companies looking for ways to cut costs and grow teams, it’s no wonder being a virtual assistant is a popular job in the UK. Here are just some of the benefits virtual assistants can look forward to in their role.
Freedom and flexibility
Virtual assistants can work from anywhere and at any time. This gives them a massive amount of flexibility. They can create their own schedule, work the hours that suit them best, attend to personal matters when required, and take time off when they need it.
Rather than having to do things the way a company demands them to based on processes and procedures, virtual assistants can work the way they want to. Whether using Excel sheets to manage their time and track their hours or choosing how they want to communicate with their clients, being a virtual assistant gives them the freedom to run the show any way they like.
Working in a traditional office setting means working fixed hours with restrictions that prevent working freely. It’s no wonder being a virtual assistant is becoming such a popular job in the UK.
Working from any location
Being a virtual assistant means working from anywhere, as long as they have the equipment, software, and internet connection they need to work effectively. This is particularly appealing to those who love to travel or prefer to work from home.
The global pandemic has forced many to work from home and, during lockdown, plenty of people learned to love working from home. Over time, many people have found that they are far more productive and effective working remotely as there are fewer distractions, office politics, and restrictions.
Working from home means no time-consuming commute, no sitting in one spot the entire day with one lunch break, and no HR keeping a close eye on their every move. This is yet another reason why the virtual assistant role is becoming so popular in the UK.
Choosing who to work with
Virtual assistants are essentially running their own businesses – unless they work for a virtual assistant agency. However, many of these agencies do allow for high flexibility and autonomy. Virtual assistants can choose who they would like to work with.
Choosing their clients means virtual assistants have a say over who they work with. If there are industries or areas they are interested in or skilled in, they can choose to work with clients only in these industries. If they’re looking to learn a new skill or become more knowledgeable in a certain field, they can choose to work with clients who will help them do that.
Choosing who they work with gives virtual assistants the freedom to call the shots and only work on things that interest and stimulate them. This is another massive perk that makes the job so popular.
Start up costs and earning potential
Perhaps one of the main reasons why virtual assistant jobs have become so popular in the UK is that it is a relatively affordable business to set up. All a person needs is a good internet connection and reliable equipment. There isn’t much more required. Starting any other kind of business can be costly, and many people don’t necessarily have the capital upfront to do so.
Another attractive aspect is that the earning potential is limitless. Virtual assistants can take on as many clients as they would like to earn what they would like to earn. If they would like to work a little less and don’t mind earning less, they can part ways with one or two clients. If they’re saving for something big and need extra cash, they can take on a few extra clients.
Hiring a virtual assistant is a beneficial move for any company, and hiring managers and HR teams are realising this more and more. This is one reason why there is a demand for online personal assistants in the UK. Another reason why this has become a popular job is the freedom, flexibility, and earning potential that the role offers.
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