by Lucy Maguire

Created on: September 19, 2010   Last Updated: July 15, 2011

Virtual office services define a new, growing industry whereby companies outsource duties, roles or contracts, which may previously have been undertaken within an office environment. Services provided in this manner range from administrative and clerical roles, to web development, design and marketing. Outsourcing may be restricted to existing employees choosing to work in a mobile capacity, or can be a recruitment method to

employ freelance individuals for specific jobs.

Outsourcing has become a popular method for businesses to utilize the expertise of professionals, at a fraction of what it might cost to hire them on a temporary or permanent contract. Outsourcing often occurs when a company experiences unprecedented levels of business, interest, or workload, and needs completion of it within a limited time frame. This type of duty delegation also happens when a company's current workforce are unable to cope with high customer/ client demand.

In response to this new method of recruitment, a plethora of online agencies have been set up, which operate globally. Such agencies specialize in the provision of additional assistance to companies needing temporary, or long-term work conducted on particular projects, strategies or drives.

Virtual Administration Services:

A "virtual assistant" predominantly characterizes an individual who provides administrative assistance in a remote capacity. This assistant may be employed within a freelance, or contracted capacity, and is generally responsible for the provision of administrative support to a fixed employer, at a fixed location. A virtual assistant may also be employed as a remote worker, undertaking the same duties from another country or continent.

A V.A often undertakes the duties that any normal Personal Assistant or Office Administrator would be responsible for. These include word-processing, minute taking, copy/ audio-typing, responding to communications, call handling and general data entry. The evolved virtual assistant acts as an initial point of contact to a fixed or mobile employer, strategically planning every requirement for travel, organizing events, and liaising with clients.

Virtual administrators enable employers to free up space within the office environment, as most V.A's work remotely. Additionally the employment of a V.A can be more cost-effective on the basis that the freelance individual does not necessarily work in the same country as the employer, therefore minimum wage limitations do not apply.

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