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Differences Between Employees and Virtual Assistants
- Top Shelf Assistants Admin
- Apr 15, 2024
- 2 min read
An “employee” is an individual you hire as a permanent member of your staff to perform a specific service in exchange for wages or salary. In contrast, “virtual assistants” are self-employed, contract or freelance workers. They typically work remotely and perform specific administrative tasks.
Differences Between Employees and Virtual Assistants?
There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to adding either an employee or VA. The charts below help you compare the two options based on key aspects.
EMPLOYEE
Scheduling: Employer sets working hours and where they work. They work exclusively for employer.
Benefits: Employer may be responsible for benefits and insurance.
Payroll/taxes: Employer does the paperwork to track work, prepare payroll, and pay taxes.
Cost: Generally higher. Pay based on salary or wage, regardless of work completed.
Work Assignment: Performs duties as assigned.
Work Environment: Employer provides the needed tools, equipment and workspace.
Managing: Works under employer’s direct supervision.
Mentoring: Can be developed over time to take on more responsibility as needed.
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
Scheduling: Sets their own hours and determines where they’ll work. They may be working for other businesses at the same time.
Benefits: Responsible for their own benefits and insurance.
Payroll/taxes: Tracks their own work, submits an invoice, and pays their own taxes.
Cost: Generally lower. Pay only for time on task or project.
Work Assignment: Performs only contracted duties.
Work Environment: Uses their own resources to provide their own workspace.
Managing: Works independently and reports results.
Mentoring: Focused on the task contracted to perform so development opportunities are limited.
So which is better? The answer depends on your needs. If you require on-site staff at specific hours, you likely need to hire an employee, especially if you plan to expand the responsibilities over time. But if you need administrative support that can be handled virtually with a flexible schedule (and you don’t want the payroll hassle), then a VA might fit the bill. Feel free to call Top Shelf Assistants and set up a free consultation! We can text, email and chat on the phone.
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