Virtual Assistant

Employee

·      Possess extensive skill sets.  Like you, a VA can wear many hats.  In many cases, you are working with someone who goes beyond the traditional clerical role; you benefit from someone who has additional services and a varied toolkit of resources and expertise that she offers.  Many VAs have bookkeeping, web design/ maintenance, writing/editing and social media expertise.

·      The traditional on-site employee has a set job description that is administrative in nature.  "Other duties as assigned" does not imply that you will also get a web designer, blogger, social media marketing expert, etc. as a part of the package. You would need to hire each of those positions separately.

·      Continuous Education at the VA's expense. VAs are committed to staying abreast of technology and keeping their skills sharp.  AssistU certified VAs have educational requirements in order to keep their certifications current.

·      It's usually not a requirement for employees to attend classes and for those who do want to better themselves, it is at the company's expense.  New learnings are limited to the employee’s predefined role within the company.

·      A VA has invested herself in your business success and as an independent business owner understands what it takes to run a business.  She also pays her own taxes.

·      An employee focuses on tasks more than your goals and doesn't have the same kind of investment that a business owner has.  Also, you must pay employer social security taxes, collect and pay FICA taxes, you must pay workers' compensation insurance and you must pay federal and state unemployment taxes. 

·      Works from her off-site office or wherever work can be performed remotely, and pays for the energy and overhead for that office space.

·      You have an employee come to your personal home office if there is room, or an employee works at a business site where you make space for them, pay for their energy usage and you must comply with OSHA requirements.

·      Provides all of her own office equipment and furnishings (from the desk, chair, phone, computer, printer, fax, ink, software, office supplies and more).

·      You provide all furniture, equipment and supplies including costs for special chairs and ergonomic set up.

·      Pays for her own health, vision, and dental insurance.  As well as any other perks that may otherwise be offered by a company (Life Insurance, Aflac, Pre-paid Legal, Health Reimbursement Account, Flex Spending Plan, Employee Assistance Program, 401k or 403b, etc.)

·      The employer usually pays for a large percentage of medical, dental and vision care benefits.  The employer often provides a 401k, retirement plans, etc. and has to pay someone to administer the above.

·      Is a business owner, so you don't pay unemployment taxes or unemployment claims if the working relationship ends.

·      You pay unemployment taxes and are subject to lawsuits from disgruntled employees who are terminated.  If an employee files an unemployment claim your unemployment rate may increase for years to come.  You have legal responsibilities that include employee policies on working hours, sexual harassment, vacation and sick time, leave of absence, holidays, benefits, performance reviews, grievances, terminations, substance abuse and training.

·      Is paid for work completed, not a set 40 hour work week.

·      You pay for the employee's vacation time, sick time, overtime and holiday time off.  The employee earns the same wages (unless they're paid commission) whether they're productive or not and you pay for their smoke breaks, bathroom breaks and water cooler breaks.  You must comply with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) including minimum wage and overtime payment. You must comply with Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)

·      Is a problem solver and a sounding board (if you need one). She stands for the client and looks for solutions and marketing opportunities on behalf of the client constantly.

·      Employees can be problem solvers but it's not usually acceptable in a boss/ employee relationship for the manager to ask for her employee's advice or to vent about a problem she's struggling with.  It is an hierarchy, not a partnership.  There are even territory or turf issues in a company with employees.  

·      Has a vast VA network to refer specialized work to, rely on as backup for a prolonged time away from the office or get answers in order to move forward.

·      Often she is the only one who knows how to do her job so the work sits when she’s sick or on vacation.  The business can call in a consultant or temporary worker for projects that they don't have experience with, but it will cost additional funds above what the business already pays the vacationing employee and you don't always know the level of expertise that you’ll get.