Virtual Assistant Day takes place every third Friday in May. This year, it falls on May 19. This day is all about expressing gratitude for all that virtual assistants do. Often the unsung heroes in the workplace, virtual assistants provide clients with managerial, organizational, and personal assistance services, typically on a freelance basis.On Virtual Assistants Day, we recognize the dedication, tenacity, and hard work of virtual assistants around the world. One of the day’s goals is to raise professional knowledge of the benefits of using a virtual assistant. The efforts and hard work of virtual assistants are also recognized on this day. Read on to learn more about virtual assistance, a valuable industry.
History of Virtual Assistants Day
During the 1940s, the rise of virtual assistants began a long and complicated transformation. What we currently refer to as the virtual assistant sector was born in the secretarial services industry. After the shorthand method was developed by Sir Isaac Pitman, secretarial work became alluring. When religious conservatism still prohibited women from working in the office, Pitman launched the first school for secretarial services, which admitted only men. With the introduction of the typewriter, women’s admittance into the secretarial services was made possible.By the 19th century, technology had evolved to the point that it enabled economic transactions even thousands of kilometers away. In 1996, life coach Thomas Lenard and Anastasia Stacy Brice coined the term “virtual assistance.” Brice embodied this new job market by working from home for an international client. She used the internet to deliver services and referred to herself as a ‘virtual assistant,’ which became the definition of a growing and exciting career.Christine Durst, a virtual assistant pioneer, published “The 2 Second Commute” in 1995. Describing it as a revolutionary way of working from home, Durst encouraged professionals to use the internet to follow their passions and earn a living.On this day, virtual assistants are recognized for their hard work and dedication to their profession. The Alliance for Virtual Businesses normally sponsors the event, which is conducted in conjunction with the Online Virtual Assistants Convention each year. The event is organized by the Alliance for Virtual Businesses, a group made up of virtual business experts. Its primary goal is to raise awareness about virtual assistants’ services among business owners and managers.
Virtual Assistants Day timeline
Sir Isaac Pitman devises the shorthand method, ushering in the secretarial services industry as a viable business.
A significant amount of technological progress occurs to the point where the internet is born, which enables transactions to take place even when people are thousands of miles apart.
Author of “The 2 Second Commute,” Christine Durst, is recognized as the pioneer of this industry.
In a casual phone conversation, Anastasia Stacy Brice and life coach Thomas Leonard coin the term, which later defines the job she does.
Under the umbrella of the AssistU organization, the virtual assistant business is elevated to a higher level of professionalism.
Virtual Assistants Day FAQs
Is there a high demand for virtual assistants?
Today’s industry is growing and moving away from the need for administrative support and toward a need for assistance with technology and systems that operate their businesses, which is why virtual assistant services have become increasingly popular.
In what ways do virtual assistants help people?
They are highly trained and experienced individuals who can help with a wide range of duties like organizing appointments, responding to emails, managing social media accounts, interacting with customers, entering data, and doing bookkeeping.
How many hours a week is a virtual assistant expected to work?
Hours might range from 10 to 75 or more.
Virtual Assistants Day Activities
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Film a tribute
Making a video montage is an excellent solution if you and your coworkers can't make it in person to express gratitude to a virtual assistant in person. Images, text, and even music can be incorporated into your design.
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Send an electronic card
One of the easiest ways to show your gratitude to a virtual assistant is to send them an e-card. You can have your team write personalized messages and send them to the virtual assistant to celebrate the day.
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Send a gift card
Consider sending a gift card to your virtual assistant. A good way is to send a Starbucks gift card or reimburse them for their coffee expenses.
5 Interesting Facts About Virtual Assistants
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Cost effective
When compared to a full-time employee, virtual assistants can save businesses up to 78% in operational expenditures.
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Diversity in the workplace
Virtual assistants come from all around the world, bringing a wide range of experiences and perspectives to the table.
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Experienced professionals
Many virtual assistants are over the age of 35, and they bring a wide spectrum of expertise and experience to the table.
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Different types of virtual assistants
Various varieties of virtual assistants are available, each tailored to a specific sector.
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Flexibility
Working as a virtual assistant offers the most freedom and flexibility — people who prefer to work from home can but others choose to use coworking spaces for their business needs.
Why We Love Virtual Assistants Day
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It maximizes your work efficiency
It may sound simple, but it's worth repeating: if you hire a virtual assistant to take care of your daily responsibilities, you'll have more time to focus on the things that will have the greatest impact on your bottom line. While some tasks may be vital, they don't aid the growth of a company. An effective outsourcing strategy using a virtual assistant will help you free up some of your precious time.
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It gives room for flexibility
Growth-oriented businesses face the difficulty of maintaining profitability while increasing the number of staff members. Virtual assistants allow organizations to meet their administrative needs via outsourcing without making a long-term commitment. It is also common for them to operate on a contract basis, which reduces a significant financial burden associated with employment.
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Top-tier professionals are utilized
With virtual assistants, you have access to the best talent available. With many of the top personal assistants making the jump to becoming virtual assistants because of the advantages it provides, there is a large pool of skilled virtual assistants available for hire.
Virtual Assistants Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 20 | Friday |
| 2023 | May 19 | Friday |
| 2024 | May 17 | Friday |
| 2025 | May 16 | Friday |
| 2026 | May 15 | Friday |
