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Work-life balance is the catchall to everyone’s problems. And yet, it seems to be an elusive balance that no one knows how to achieve.
As people strive to meet professional aspirations and personal goals, the risk of burnout is inevitable. With 83 percent of employees reporting that burnout negatively impacts their work (yet work causes their burnout) it seems like an endless detrimental cycle. Not only that, but burnout can cost organizations more than if they embrace a whole well-being culture instead of simply implementing well-being programs.
According to recent research, untreated workplace mental illness in the US costs $3.7 trillion. Building a well-being culture that includes well-being programs, educational training, virtual assistants, etc., can save a company millions of dollars.
Virtual assistants (VA) are one way to build a happier, balanced life in the workplace. “Virtual assistants are the secret weapon to any company,” shares Raquel Gomes, founder of Stafi. “Whether it’s for start-up business owners, top executives, or even executive assistants that have a lot on their plate.” VAs can provide any form of administrative, technical, or creative services.
While hiring virtual assistants might be unfamiliar territory to some, it holds tremendous potential for transforming how people work and live. By leveraging the benefits of virtual assistants, individuals, and organizations can improve productivity and efficiency and reclaim precious time for personal pursuits.
Benefits of a virtual assistant: Cost and productivity
One of the significant advantages of hiring a virtual assistant is the cost savings it can provide. Unlike traditional in-person assistants who require office space, equipment, benefits, healthcare packages, and other resources, VAs work remotely. Hiring VAs eliminate the need for physical infrastructure and reduces overhead expenses associated with hiring and managing on-site employees. Individuals and businesses can save up to 78 percent in operating costs by opting for a virtual assistant, making it a cost-effective solution.
Beyond the cost benefits, virtual assistants also contribute to increased productivity. “By delegating non-essential tasks to a capable virtual assistant,” notes Gomes, “individuals can free up valuable time and focus on their core job responsibilities.”
Freeing up time allows professionals to concentrate on strategic decision-making, creative problem-solving, and high-value activities that drive business growth. With virtual assistants handling routine administrative tasks, professionals can avoid getting bogged down by time-consuming activities that hinder productivity and innovation and impede their work-life balance.
Furthermore, VAs bring a wealth of specialized skills and expertise to those they assist and are often highly trained professionals who excel in areas such as marketing, graphic design, social media management, or customer support. By leveraging their expertise, individuals can tap into a broader skill set without extensive training or hiring multiple employees. This leads to enhanced efficiency and quality of work, ultimately boosting overall productivity by at least 13 percent.
Delegating tasks enhances workflow efficiency
The numerous tasks and responsibilities that people have at work — such as responding to emails, scheduling meetings, cold calling companies, and consistently updating on social media — can wear a person down. “This is where virtual assistants can step in,” suggests Gomes. “They can offer solutions that allow individuals to delegate non-essential tasks and prioritize their core job responsibilities.”
By delegating these types of tasks, the business owner or employee can focus on strategic decision-making, critical thinking, and activities that directly contribute to their core job functions. “For example, a lawyer and mom of two now have time to work on her cases that need her direct attention and her children, instead of wasting time researching or scheduling calls to get more information,” Gomes shares. “Virtual assistants give people their time back.”
Delegating tasks to a VA also enhances efficiency and workflow management. Virtual assistants are trained to adapt to different work styles and can seamlessly integrate into existing processes and systems. They can develop a thorough understanding of individual preferences and requirements, ensuring that tasks are completed accurately and promptly. This level of support allows professionals to focus on their primary responsibilities, trusting that delegated tasks will be handled with precision and attention to detail.
For example, project managers have to think about many different tasks. When using a virtual assistant, coming up with a workflow management system to delegate tasks helps increase their productivity by making goals clear, actionable, and achievable.
Using virtual assistants to improve a company’s culture
Improving work/life balance within a company has numerous positive effects on employee well-being. When individuals can maintain a sense of equilibrium between their work obligations and personal lives, they experience reduced stress levels and improved mental health.
This, in turn, leads to higher job satisfaction, increased morale, and enhanced overall employee happiness. Moneyzine recently stated, “Companies with good corporate culture report 4X higher revenues,” and that, “disengaged employees cost companies 18 percent of their annual salary.”
Considering that poor work-life balance is a deal-breaker for 57 percent of employees, it’s no wonder burnout is at an all-time high. Employees who feel supported in achieving work-life balance are more likely to remain loyal to the organization, reducing turnover rates and associated costs.
Moreover, prioritizing work-life balance aligns with the evolving expectations of employees, particularly the newer generations entering the workforce. Millennials and Generation Z workers place a high value on work-life balance, so organizations can attract and retain top talent by meeting these expectations, thus creating a competitive advantage in the talent market.
Virtual assistants offer a practical solution to the challenges posed by an imbalanced work-life dynamic. By leveraging their expertise, organizations can optimize their operations, streamline workflows, and allow employees to focus on tasks that align with their core competencies. The result is a more productive, satisfied, and motivated workforce that contributes to the organization’s long-term success.
Virtual assistants play a crucial role in pursuing a happier, more balanced life by empowering those they support to reclaim their time, reduce stress, and create space for personal pursuits. By embracing virtual assistants and prioritizing work/life balance, individuals can achieve a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, both personally and professionally.
