**Hiring A Virtual Assistant Vs. In-House Staff For Small Businesses**
Increasing productivity while reducing expenses are the primary objectives of every small business owner. Traditional staffing methods might have been the answer in the past, but the landscape of employment is transforming at a breakneck velocity. The confusion swirls between hiring an on-site employee or engaging the professional services of a virtual assistant. In this scenario, who gets the upper hand, and why?
If you’re a small business owner, particularly in the [Independent Insurance Agent](https://www.iii.org/article/what-different-types-insurance-agents-and-brokers) industry, this guide will equip you with a deeper understanding of why hiring a virtual assistant could be more beneficial to your business.
**Understanding the Difference**
*In-house staff* are employees that physically work in your office, abide by your rules, and have clear job roles. On the other hand, a *Virtual Assistant (VA)* is a professionally trained remote worker who works from any geographical location who’s employed through an agency like [Agency VA](https://www.agencyva.com). They provide exceptional support in administrative tasks, finance & accounting, marketing, and pertinent operational tasks.
**Cost-Effectiveness: The Game Changer**
When comparing the costs, hiring a VA is undoubtedly a more cost-effective option. As per a study conducted by [Global Workplace Analytics](https://globalworkplaceanalytics.com/resources/costs-benefits), businesses can save approximately $11,000 annually for every part-time remote worker or VA hired.
The reasons are explicit: you don’t splurge on office space, equipment, and miscellaneous overhead costs. Moreover, you only pay for productive work hours; no need to worry about breaks, leaves, and idle time. Buying into an Employee of Record Service like [Agency VA](https://www.agencyva.com) dramatically cuts the recruitment, payroll, and benefits costs, compared to hiring locally.
**Quality of Work**
Quality of work is never compromised. Virtual Assistants are adept in their respective domains, trained rigorously under [Agency VA’s](https://www.agencyva.com) stringent training procedures. VA’s are diligent, and the output stimulates growth and productivity in your business.
**Flexibility**
One of the many advantages of VAs is their flexibility. In entirely remote setup, VAs can work around your schedule, providing support whenever required. This gives you access to talent across the globe regardless of timezone.
**Managing Remote Workers: Software to the Rescue!**
Gone are the days of micromanagement. With AVA – our dedicated remote worker management software – tracking work hours, productivity, and task management becomes a breeze. As per the [World Economic Forum](https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/04/workforce-future-coronavirus-covid19-pandemic/), embracing digital transformation and technology-centred management tool is the route to thrive in the post-pandemic business environment.
AVA’s comprehensive dashboard will provide you real-time progress updates, ensuring the smooth operation of your business functions.
**Incessant Support**
One of the many perks of hiring a VA is the seamless back-and-forth communication. They work in harmony with your existing team, ensuring your queries or needs are addressed promptly. This attention to detail can greatly benefit your customer service, increasing overall customer satisfaction.
**Closing Thoughts**
In a rapidly digitizing business environment, adapting to newer, cost-effective, and efficient practices is not an option but a necessity. Our [Agency VA](https://www.agencyva.com) not only provides Virtual Assistants suitably trained to assist your business needs but aalso helps effectively manage them with AVA.
Feel uncertain, or need more details? We welcome to schedule a meeting with our [team here](https://www.agencyva.com/contact), explore the possibilities, and witness the difference yourself! Remember, the future of workspace lies within the virtual & remote paradigm; embrace the change and get a step closer to your business goals.
Pave the path for your small business’s triumph by embracing the Virtual Assistant mechanism, backed-up by robust remote management software. The future of productive and efficient working is here, dare to embrace it?