Are you living a busy life?
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in productivity and revenues, it’s also brought an increase in stress. Work overload and social distancing have made a lot of people’s lives quite hectic.
To cope with heavy workloads, some professionals decide to hire an assistant. There are many benefits of hiring personal assistants to help with work and home life.
However, not everyone realizes these benefits. Some people even consider a professional assistant a dream rather than a realistic option.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of hiring a personal assistant to help with your heavy workload.
Table of Contents
What Is a Personal Assistant?
A personal assistant can assist with a variety of tasks such as arranging appointments and running errands. They can also provide emotional support and be a second opinion when making important decisions. Yet, an employer needs to be sure that the person they have chosen is ethical, trustworthy, and competent.
Additionally, a delegation of tasks can take time as the employer needs to clearly outline the expectations for each task. The employer also needs to be mindful of the boundaries between work and personal life. They need to ensure that their assistant does not overstep them.
The Benefits of Having Your Assistant
Having your assistant can be a great time-saver. They can help free up your time and energy so you can focus on the important things. Not only can they manage your calendar and remind you about important tasks, but they can also take care of many administrative tasks. This includes booking flights and hotels, researching, preparing presentations, and handling correspondence.
They can even act as a personal shopper, taking care of errands and finding unique items for you. Personal assistants will often also be willing to provide moral support and advice. Also, they act as a sounding board during tough times. As a bonus, you can often find such services online and hire a professional who you can trust.
The Drawbacks of Having an Extra Employee
While having someone to help with the daily chores can be beneficial, it can be costly to hire and train someone. In some cases, they might resign shortly after in pursuit of a better opportunity. The cost associated with having another employee can include both salary, employee benefits, and taxes which can add up.
Managers are also responsible for ensuring that their employees are trained. They need to be taken care of, as well as make sure their work remains as efficient as possible.
Additionally, this lack of consistency can lead to having to constantly re-train a replacement to carry out the same basic job tasks. This makes it difficult to foster a working relationship of trust between the employer and their assistant.
Strategies For Making the Most of Your Assistant
An effective strategy for making the most of your assistants is to hire appointment setters. They can help you manage and coordinate meetings. They will also help you match the needs of your clients with the services you offer.
It’s also important to have an open dialogue with your assistant so you both understand the current state of the tasks and the desired outcome. In addition, make sure to be concise and direct when assigning tasks. Always ensure to provide realistic and achievable deadlines.
Finally, be generous in acknowledging your assistant’s efforts, and celebrate successes and accomplishments. Doing this will foster a positive dynamic between you and your assistant. Both of you will also help your team reach greater heights. Monitor their performance and provide feedback so that the work they provide is satisfactory.
Weighing the Expense of Hiring a Personal Assistant
While the expense may initially seem high, it is important to weigh the costs involved. This includes the salary and training of the assistant. As well as their travel and equipment expenses. More benefits such as insurance, sick days, and other job security should also be included when making the decision.
Additionally, one should also account for what they would be able to achieve with the remote assistance of an extra pair of hands. Whether it is extra time to focus on personal goals or extra responsibility in the office.
There are typically two pricing models for personal assistants; an hourly rate, or a fixed monthly fee. The hourly rate option is more budget-friendly. It allows employers to only pay for the services their assistant provides when needed.
On the other hand, a fixed monthly fee provides the employer more control over budgeting. It also allows the assistant to take on more responsibility. Both options should include a comprehensive list of tasks and services the assistant will be expected to perform.
Understanding the Safety Risks Associated with Hiring an Assistant
Safety risks can include anything from physical harm to accessing data/information that shouldn’t be shared. Employers should make sure to perform a thorough background check and that they are properly licensed and insured. It is also important that the employees are adequately trained in workplace safety procedures.
Employers should also ensure that the personal assistant is not handling any confidential or sensitive information. There should be protocols in place for dealing with any suspicious or strange requests from their assistants.
Ultimately, employers should take the necessary steps to ensure their assistant is safe and secure. That’s the best way to protect their business from any potential legal or financial issues that may arise from carelessness.
To Hire or Not to Hire: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Personal Assistants
Hiring personal assistants offers many conveniences and can increase your productivity. However, it is critical to thoroughly consider the pros and cons to ensure that the financial and time investments align with the desired outcomes.
Overall, if you have the resources and need help, personal assistants can be the perfect solution for your busy life. Take action now and explore the possibilities that a personal assistant could offer you.
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