Why Every Business Needs A General Administrative Virtual Assistant

As businesses in the US and UK continue to embrace hybrid and remote work models, the demand for general administrative virtual assistants (VAs) has surged. These professionals have become indispensable to modern organizations, handling day-to-day tasks with precision and speed—without occupying a physical desk.

This blog unpacks who they are, what they do, and how your business can benefit from hiring one.

What Is a General Administrative Virtual Assistant?

A general administrative virtual assistant is a remote professional who handles core office tasks such as email management, scheduling, customer support, data entry, report creation, document formatting, and travel coordination. They are essentially the digital backbone of modern business operations.

Unlike traditional in-house administrative staff, general admin VAs work remotely and are usually hired on a freelance or contract basis. This offers businesses cost savings of up to 78% annually compared to hiring full-time employees.

They’re ideal for small business owners, executives, startups, and even enterprise-level teams looking to reduce operational costs while maintaining efficiency.

Why Are Administrative VAs in High Demand?

1. Cost-Efficiency

Hiring a full-time admin assistant in the US costs an average of $45,600 annually. In contrast, virtual assistants—especially offshore or freelance—charge between $18–$35/hour, depending on expertise and region.

2. Access to Skilled Talent

More than 54% of VAs hold bachelor’s degrees, and many have prior corporate experience. Businesses gain access to talent pools that were previously limited by geography.

3. Productivity Boost

Research shows that businesses that hire virtual assistants report a 20–43% increase in productivity, mainly due to fewer workplace distractions and better time optimization.

4. Scalability and Flexibility

VAs allow businesses to scale operations without committing to full-time contracts. You can start with 10 hours/week and scale up based on workload.

Key Responsibilities of a General Administrative VA

A general admin VA performs a wide range of essential tasks. Here are the most common functions:

1. Calendar and Email Management:

Organizing schedules, responding to emails, and sending reminders.

2. Data Entry and CRM Updates:

Maintaining accurate records in platforms like Salesforce, Zoho, or HubSpot.

3. Travel and Meeting Coordination:

Booking flights, setting up Zoom/Teams calls, and creating agendas.

4. Customer Support:

Answering inquiries, resolving issues, and routing requests.

5. Document Handling:

Formatting, proofreading, and organizing internal reports and proposals.

6. Bookkeeping and Invoicing (basic level):

Managing spreadsheets, tracking receipts, and assisting with software like QuickBooks.

Many also cross over into social media management, market research, and e-commerce support, depending on the client’s needs.

How Virtual Assistants Are Changing the Admin Landscape

The rise of remote work and virtual tools like Zoom, Slack, Google Workspace, and Trello has changed how businesses view admin work. Traditional clerical roles are shrinking by 6% per decade, while VA roles are growing rapidly, especially in the UK and US service sectors.

Even in industries like law, real estate, and healthcare, general admin VAs are playing vital support roles—managing compliance documents, client records, and communication channels. As businesses prioritize digital transformation, the role of the VA continues to evolve.

Who Should Hire a General Administrative Virtual Assistant?

The answer: virtually every business that handles recurring administrative tasks. However, some sectors benefit more directly:

1. Startups & Small Businesses:

Limited staff, but high administrative burden.

2. Consultants & Coaches:

Focus on clients while delegating backend tasks.

3. Real Estate Professionals:

Offload document handling and appointment setting.

4. Legal & Financial Advisors:

Support for case management and data entry.

5. Healthcare Practitioners:

Managing patient records and billing coordination.

Outsourcing to a VA saves time and reduces burnout, helping professionals stay focused on revenue-generating or strategic activities.

How to Choose the Right General Admin VA

Before hiring, assess the following:

1. Skillset Match:

Does the VA have experience with your required tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Asana, Notion)?

2. Time Zone Compatibility:

Especially relevant for synchronous tasks or client communication.

3. Communication Style:

Are they proactive? Can they draft emails and documents clearly?

4. Data Security Knowledge:

Do they understand confidentiality and GDPR practices?

Many businesses opt to work with virtual assistant agencies to reduce hiring risks and gain access to vetted professionals.

Where to Hire: Freelance Platforms vs VA Agencies

You have two main options when sourcing general administrative virtual assistants:

When sourcing a general administrative virtual assistant, businesses typically choose between freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, or virtual assistant agencies such as TaskVirtual and Belay. Freelance platforms offer a budget-friendly approach with access to a wide global talent pool, but they often require more oversight and can suffer from quality inconsistencies. On the other hand, VA agencies provide vetted professionals, structured workflows, and dedicated support, making them ideal for businesses seeking reliability—though they may come at a slightly higher cost and offer less flexibility in customization.

If you’re seeking a balance of affordability, professionalism, and support, VA agencies are often the safer choice.

Why TaskVirtual Is the Best Choice for General Administrative VAs

When it comes to hiring a general administrative virtual assistant, TaskVirtual stands out for several reasons:

1. Expert Consultation on AI-Powered Efficiency

TaskVirtual doesn’t just offer admin help—it helps you build efficient, AI-assisted workflows using the latest productivity tools. This enhances your team’s output while lowering time-to-task completion.

2. Affordable Plans Starting at Just $3.12/Hour

Whether you need support for 10 hours a week or full-time assistance, TaskVirtual offers scalable pricing, starting as low as $3.12/hour and up to $14.99/hour for top-tier support.

3. Trusted by Hundreds of Clients

With 364 positive reviews and a 4.7-star average rating on major VA review platforms, TaskVirtual is a preferred partner for US and UK-based companies looking for admin help without overhead headaches.

4. Flexible Contracts, No Hidden Fees

You can start or pause anytime—no long-term commitments required. Their model supports startups, solopreneurs, and enterprise teams equally well.

5. Seamless Communication & Reporting

Clients receive daily and weekly reports, along with real-time communication via Slack, Skype, or email.

Explore TaskVirtual’s services here and get a free consultation to find the right general admin VA for your needs.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a general administrative virtual assistant isn’t just a convenience—it’s a strategic move. As more businesses in the US and UK prioritize cost-efficiency, agility, and global talent access, VAs are becoming an integral part of operations.

By outsourcing your admin burden to professionals who are educated, efficient, and affordable, you can refocus on what matters—growth and innovation.

If you’re ready to take the next step, consider starting with a VA from a trusted agency like TaskVirtual, where quality and affordability go hand in hand.