Virtual Assistant or Part-Time Employee – Which Is Right for You?

Hiring a Part-Time Employee

Employing someone directly can feel like the most “traditional” option and for some businesses, it’s the right one.

However, it’s important to understand what comes with it.

What employing someone involves:

• Recruiting and onboarding

• Paying a salary

• Holiday pay and sick pay

• Pension contributions

• National Insurance

• Employment contracts and HR responsibilities

• Cover during holidays or absence

You’re also responsible for managing their workload and ensuring there’s enough work to justify their role.

The positives:

• You’re building an in-house team

• You get to support someone’s career

• You may prefer working with someone face-to-face

• It can feel more structured

That said, it’s a bigger commitment, financially and operationally, especially for smaller or growing businesses.

Working with a Virtual Assistant 

A Virtual Assistant offers flexibility without the long-term commitment of employment.

You’re not taking on an employee, you’re working with a professional who supports your business remotely, often on a monthly or hourly basis.

A VA can offer:

• Flexible support that scales up or down

• No employment costs or contracts

• No holiday or sick pay

• No need for office space

• Access to specific skills when you need them

Virtual Assistants are particularly helpful when:

• Your workload fluctuates

• You need admin support but not full-time staff

• You want support without added pressure

• You value flexibility

What About Communication and Trust?

One common concern is communication, especially if you’re used to working face-to-face.

In reality, many clients find that:

• Communication is clearer when expectations are set

• Regular check-ins work just as well remotely

• Tools like email, Slack and Zoom make collaboration easy

Like any working relationship, it takes a little time to settle in but once it does, the support can be seamless.

So.....which option is right for you? 

A part-time employee might suit you if:

• You need someone in-house

• You have consistent, full workloads

• You’re ready to manage employment responsibilities

A Virtual Assistant might suit you if:

• You want flexibility

• You’re not ready to employ someone

• You want support without long-term commitment

• You value calm, organised admin support

For many business owners, a VA is the ideal first step before hiring internally.

Final Thoughts 

You don’t have to do everything yourself to be successful.

Whether you choose a Virtual Assistant or a part-time employee, the important thing is recognising when support would make your life and your business easier.

If you’re exploring your options and want to understand how a VA could fit into your business:

👉 Find out how I can support you