Remote Work Becomes Mainstream: The Advantages of Virtual Versus Onsite Assistants
Like it or not, we are now living in a world where we are working virtually. Positions once defined as onsite full-time equivalents (FTE’s) are now being replaced with remote working subcontractors. Even the nonprofit industry has made the shift, realizing that not only do remote workers fit the current landscape they are also more efficient, flexible, and cost-effective.
According to the LinkedIn 2020 Business Report, remote work has become mainstream. Once considered a “perk,” remote work is quickly becoming a priority for many. More than 40% of millennials, who now make up the largest generation in the workforce, say flexibility to work from anywhere is a priority when evaluating job opportunities. And companies are taking note; Amazon, CVS Health, and American Express all boast a significant number of remote work opportunities.
And now that there are more remote workers, technology is addressing some of those areas that were once covered by onsite administrators, such as opening mail, answering phones, monitoring email correspondence, coordinating materials to be printed and mailed to name a few. Banking online has become commonplace. Options for cloud-based communications have increased. Zoom and other virtual meeting platforms have made it possible for us to “function face to face” without having to be “seated side by side.”
That’s why our Nonprofit Virtual Assistants (NPVAs) are an ideal choice for nonprofits. Our assistants are seasoned remote workers. They’ve chosen to build a professional career in the virtual world, so they are more adept at managing a remote work style that will be helpful to you and your organization.
Many groups we talk to insist that they need onsite support – someone who can work in the office with their leadership and volunteers. What have learned through this pandemic is that we can maintain, and in some cases even accelerate, our businesses and our nonprofit organizations by working virtually. And there is evidence that the shift can be a positive change:
An increase in virtual event and meeting participants since travel has been eliminated as an attendance factor.
Efficiency in work production due to a limited amount of distractions and the ability to schedule work time when it is best for the assistant.
Geography is no longer a deciding factor in job selection. According to a survey by staffing agency Robert Half, 60% of managers making a hire expanded their search geographically to include a wider candidate pool.
An increase in cost savings. Virtual assistants are independent contractors – they can be hired for long-term service, or project related tasks, giving the nonprofit options that decrease staffing costs.
Flexibility in building staffing structures that work for nonprofits that full-time employees cannot easily replicate, and that eliminate the need for expanded HR services.
Nonprofit Virtual Assistants can provide a cost effective and efficient solution to filling vacant administrative positions. NPVAs did not simply move “from an office setting to a remote setting”, these professionals are trained, certified and experienced virtual assistants who are vetted in best practices and nonprofit management. They can more than “fill the gaps.” They can provide flexibility and targeted expertise to help nonprofits adapt to and succeed in a remote work style.
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