It is a common misconception that virtual assistants are the preserve of entrepreneurs and small-business executives. However, some of the world’s largest firms have turned to the remote assistant model. Why? Well, because it makes sense.
Proactive executives
In 2012, Global management consultant McKinsey carried out a study, which found that the average employee spends 28% of their day on low-value reactive work, such as reading and responding to email. McKinsey now employ a host of remote assistants to provide administrative support to executives below partner-level.
Lower recruitment and training costs
According to Upwork, hiring and onboarding talent in the traditional manner takes an average of 43 days, whereas it takes just three days in the virtual world. Large companies are reducing both their hard costs (salary and no recruitment fee) and soft costs (training and management time) by hiring remotely.
Flexibility and cover
With a virtual PA, you only pay for the hours you use. They are responsive to fluctuations (both increasing and decreasing workloads) and can work for more than one executive in a company at one time. In addition, using a service like FYXER, minimises disruption with regard to cover. We have a team of Fyxers who can seamlessly step-in during periods of holiday, sick or parental leave, so companies are never caught short.
No physical space needed
For many companies, office space is an issue. Based either outside of cities or in places where rents are high, space can be at a premium. With remote assistants, not only is there no need to pay for desk space, but physical set-up costs, such as a computer and headphones, are also removed.
Skills
With the in-house assistant model, an executive is tied to the abilities of one person, but with the remote assistant model, companies can diversify. FYXER, for example, was the first UK-based company to employ a bank of professional assistants working out the same HQ, meaning that a company has access to a whole team of skills without having to look elsewhere.
A trusted partner
In smaller businesses, an executive may hire a virtual PA as an alternative to a full-time employee; large companies are no different. When team leads find they are at full capacity, they may consider making a junior or senior hire. However, the same benefits (delegating tasks; more time to focus; less stress) can be achieved by having a trusted partner, such as a Fyxer, for a fraction of the budget.
Getting ahead
In large companies, there are layers of management and responsibility. In order to progress, those at the top of the executive pyramid are looking at those in the middle: who is the most efficient? Who brings the most to the company? Who is showing initiative?
Middle-level executives are therefore turning to remote assistants as a way of getting one step ahead. By outsourcing non-critical tasks, they are able to free up their time and make a bigger impact, boding well for their future promotion prospects.
Efficiency
Ultimately, it all boils down the remote assistance buzzword: efficiency. Every company, from a lemonade stand to a multi-national, strives to be more efficient, so it should come as no surprise that companies great and small have hopped onto the remote assistant bandwagon.
“It feels as if I’m getting 15-20 hours of my personal time back, giving me back my sanity. Do I feel less stressed? Yes, one million percent.”
After an initial discovery call, we will put forward a proposal and ask for you to give us the go-ahead. Once the contract is signed we can deploy your bespoke team of Fyxers within 24-72 hours.
After our discovery call we create a team from our pool of talent that is matched to your particular needs. One advantage of working with FYXER is that you gain a team with multiple skill sets, experiences and capacities, working across different time zones.
In your kick-off call with your Account Director and lead Fyxer we will discuss current priorities and urgent tasks, also confirming the style of communication and working that best suits you. Once we are set up on your systems your Fyxers will start owning tasks on day 1.
You will have a dedicated Fyxer who leads the day to day delivery of work for you, supported by a team of Fyxers, matched to your specific needs. Our account management team will be your main point of contact and trusted advisors at every stage of working with FYXER.
Because you will have a team supporting you, it means when your AD or any Fyxers are away, there is always someone that is familiar with your needs and the specific support you receive from FYXER. This ensures you receive a consistent level of service.
We create a communication and management structure tailored to what works best for you. You will have regular and open communication channels to confirm tasks and priorities with your Fyxers, this usually involves a combination of Slack, email and calls alongside more structured weekly stand ups. Each month you have a monthly meeting with your Account Director to cover strategic priorities, feedback and any new projects or areas you need help with. Once onboarding is complete, your Fyxers use your systems so will be executing tasks and owning workstreams in the background whilst you get on with the important stuff.
Data security and confidentiality are of the utmost importance to us. We use secure, encrypted software which gives you the ability to share sensitive data, whether personal or business, safely and securely with FYXER. A fundamental pillar of your relationship with FYXER is having total trust that any confidential information you share with us will be treated as such.
We do meet clients in person regularly, however we pride ourselves on our ability to work remotely and the majority of our relationship will be remote.
We have working hubs in cities including New York, San Francisco, London, Manchester, Cape Town and Doha and local partners who can deliver in person tasks in other major cities across the world.
Our support extends across executive, business and personal tasks. Read more on our services page. However, if you need help beyond our regular services you can discuss this with your Account Director and we will create a bespoke solution.
