6 Statistics That will Surprise You About Virtual Assistants
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FIND OUT: HOW MUCH DOES A VA COST?
As remote work has become more common and highly desired, businesses are utilizing the advantages that virtual assistants can offer. Even though the virtual assistant industry has grown quite rapidly, there are still many misconceptions about virtual assistants and the work they do. Here are some of our favorite things worth noting about virtual assistants—by the numbers:
There are about 25,000 Virtual Assistants in the USA
Additionally, there are 5,600 members of the International Virtual Assistant Association. This national organization offers continuing education and networking opportunities for the rapidly-growing industry. Virtual Assistants or freelancers can carry multiple titles; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 3.6 million administrative personnel in the USA and a portion of them work as virtual assistants.
59% of virtual assistants work full time
Virtual assistants have the flexibility to create their own schedule. They can choose to hold one contract for 15-20 hours a week as well as another contract for 20 hours a week, which allows them to work a full time schedule. The quality of work virtual assistants provide to their businesses is extraordinary. Virtual Assistants can create a schedule to focus on each business’s separate needs and ensure that each executive is supported to their standards while also enjoying the flexibility to earn a full time salary, if they desire.
Virtual Assistants decrease company costs by 78%!
When you hire an onsite employee, you provide wages, benefits, office space, office equipment, PTO, sick time, insurance, and more. When you hire a virtual assistant, you provide only their wages for the hours worked and nothing more. VAs are often contractors and provide all of their work equipment themselves (they mostly work remotely, remember?).
90% of businesses transitioned to remote work in 2020 and now 80% of businesses are looking at using a more flexible workforce
Work environments swiftly pivoted when the pandemic hit, and many employees became remote. This change allowed businesses to take a close look at how much could be effectively achieved while employees worked remotely. Businesses that transitioned to remote work saw a 13% increase in productivity per employee. When asked, 77% of employees admitted that working remotely would improve their performance. Now, more and more businesses are looking at hiring remote workers, freelancers, and virtual assistants!
Global Business Reports show a 29% increase in Freelance Workers and Virtual Assistants
It’s not just the U.S. that’s tapping more into remote work options. The virtual assistant world is growing globally as well. Many workers have admitted to considering quitting their current careers to have the option of working remotely. This means many educated and qualified employees are transitioning into becoming virtual assistants. This means more qualified people are available to support your business, if you decide which tasks can be properly delegated.
Small businesses and startups hire virtual assistants more commonly
You may assume that large corporations that have the large overhead utilize the luxury of hiring virtual assistants. However, startups and small businesses hire more virtual assistants than corporations do, mainly because VAs save them money, are proficient while working with limited hours, and provide much-needed skills to businesses and startups.
What are 3/5 skills that make for a great virtual assistant?
Great virtual assistants have excellent communication and problem solving skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to stay organized and prioritize tasks. Additionally, effective time management, attention to detail, and a capacity for multitasking are also important skills for virtual assistants.
What is the best niche for virtual assistant?
The best niche for virtual assistants depends on the individual virtual assistant's skills, interests, and experience. Some popular virtual assistant niches include administrative support, website and social media management, customer service and support, and project management.
What are your top 3 fields of virtual assistant?
My top 3 fields of virtual assistant are administrative support, customer service and support, and website and social media management. Administrative support involves providing general administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, managing emails, and managing data entry tasks. Customer service and support involves handling customer inquiries and providing customer support via phone or online chat. Lastly, website and social media management involves updating and managing websites, creating and posting content, and managing a business' social media accounts.
With these numbers in mind, we imagine you might be considering hiring a virtual assistant. Want to talk about it? Schedule a free consultation call with us now to get started.