How Productive is a VA in a Day? You Might Be Surprised.
If you’ve ever wondered what a virtual assistant (VA) gets done in a typical workday, prepare to be amazed. The productivity of a VA often surpasses that of the average employee, and we want to show you exactly why that matters for your business.
We randomly picked a timesheet from one of our VAs, Gabby, who primarily handles bookkeeping and admin tasks for multiple clients. On the day we reviewed, Gabby worked five productive hours for clients, while also managing some internal tasks. Let’s dive into what she accomplished in those five hours.
What Does a VA Do in a Day?
Gabby worked with several clients in one day, each requiring a different set of tasks. Here’s a quick snapshot:
Client 1 (Creative Services): Inbox management, Xero reconciliation, setting up bank rules, updating cash flow, handling PAYE payments, attending a client meeting, and more.
Client 2: Inbox management and Xero reconciliation.
Client 3 (Consultant): Managed multiple inboxes, liaised with accommodation providers, handled Xero reconciliation, and organised a project-related visit.
Client 4 (Tradie): Managed inboxes, Xero reconciliation, processed payroll, set up iPayroll, and communicated with the client’s insurance company.
Client 5: Payroll processing, payables, and debt collection.
Client 6 (Law Firm): Inbox management and Xero reconciliation.
That’s just a glimpse. In five hours, Gabby managed a mountain of tasks across a diverse client base. Now, compare this to the productivity of a typical employee.
The Reality of Employee Productivity
A recent UK study revealed that the average employee is productive for only 2 hours and 53 minutes of an 8-hour workday.
Shocking, right?
That means business owners could be paying for over five hours of unproductive time every day. Scrolling social media, distractions, and non-work-related tasks are some of the main reasons behind this lack of productivity.
When you hire a VA, you pay for the exact hours they work. In Gabby’s case, her five client hours are fully productive, meaning businesses are only paying for valuable, completed work—not for idle time.
Why VAs Are More Efficient
Unlike traditional employees, VAs are task-focused. They juggle multiple clients, which makes them masters of time management. Distractions are minimal because they’re laser-focused on getting tasks done efficiently.
Plus, you’re not paying for their time off, sick days, or time spent browsing the internet. Every hour you invest in a VA is an hour of focused work that moves your business forward.
The True Cost of an Employee vs. a VA
It’s easy to think an employee is cheaper based on their hourly rate, but you’re also covering the cost of unproductive hours, holiday pay, and other hidden expenses.
In contrast, a VA’s hourly rate might seem higher, but you’re only paying for the hours they actively work on your business. No downtime, no wasted money.
Why This Matters for Your Business
If you’re still weighing up whether to hire a VA or an employee, it’s crucial to consider where your money is really going. With a VA, you know exactly what you’re paying for—productive, efficient work that drives results. And the best part? You’re not tied to paying for hours spent on distractions or non-work-related activities.
So, what’s your next step?
If you want to make the most of your investment in support, it’s time to consider how a VA can help your business thrive. You’ll pay for the work you need without the hidden costs that come with traditional employees.
Want to learn more? Check out our quiz to find out what type of business support is best for you:
