Today, we live in a world where most work can be done at your kitchen counter. As a result, business owners must confront the all-too-common question: How do I know if my employees are actually working?
The answer lies in VA time tracking software. In this article, we’ll go over the considerable benefits of recording work time. But first, we need to discuss the importance of the virtual assistant (VA) and the types of tracking applications.
WHY OUTSOURCING YOUR WORK IS CRUCIAL
HOW THE VA AROSE FROM THE PANDEMIC
Covid-19 was the catalyst that launched the virtual assistant. This was due to the rapid growth of remote work. Consequently, a revolution around our workplace beliefs ensued. Work stopped being a place we went to. Much like doing the dishes, work simply became a regular habit we did at home.
When employees started working in the shadows, employers had to pivot to make sure their team was being productive. As a result, digital time-tracking became incredibly popular. Also known as “the virtual time card,” it’s the most efficient solution to ensuring productivity.
VA TIME TRACKING SOFTWARE
Keeping track of work hours is essential for a healthy employer-employee relationship. As an employer, providing the best apps for your virtual assistants is critical. It shows your support for their organization and efficiency. The more on top of their game they are, the more stress they take off your workload.
Here’s a rundown of six time tracking apps that have great reviews.
TOPTRACKER
CLOCKIFY
MYHOURS
TOGGL
TIME DOCTOR
In addition to time tracking, Time Doctor has features to prevent employee idling. It also includes a variety of integrations with other popular desktop tools.
HUBSTAFF
Hubstaff will automate your virtual assistant’s timesheets. This will help you pay them accurately and save you the headache of logging hours manually. It also generates productivity reports. These provide a detailed look into your VA’s work habits.
The work tracker you end up with will likely result from trial-and-error tests. But don’t overthink it. Whatever platform you choose, it’ll be an asset to your work relationships.
Heightened transparency
Every work-related action performed by the VA tracks in real-time. Thus, there’s really no way of getting around transparency. VA time tracking software provides peace of mind by giving employers a breakdown of their virtual assistant’s work.
Increased productivity
Productivity is one of the most notable struggles employers have dealt with since the birth of the pandemic. Tracking applications promote productivity by acting as a personal time management assistant.
Your VA will be able to get a clear picture of the length of time certain tasks take. They’ll also be able to see how many breaks they take between projects. Because this software sheds light on time use, it can also function as a blueprint for streamlining efficiency.
HOW TO MEASURE THE KPIS FOR VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS
Employers shouldn’t overlook the importance of metrics when it comes to productivity. Here are ways to evaluate your virtual assistant’s performance with VA time tracking software.
Use automated monitoring software as opposed to manually collecting performance data. This will ensure there’s no room for human error.
Compare your VA’s historical data to their current activity levels. You can do this by analyzing the software’s generated time reports
Time tracking applications calculate productivity levels in percentages. So, you can compare the quality of the VA’s completed tasks against the time spent.
Lack of Privacy
When your virtual assistant accepts your employment offer, they consent to monitoring practices. These practices have become the new normal in our remote work culture. However, many VA’s still feel exposed while they work. This is because they know at any moment their boss can check in to see what they’re working on in real-time.
Increased Anxiety
Working alongside the tick-tock of a desktop timer can provoke an anxious response. It can make a VA feel rushed and judged while they work. This stress-induced reaction is very distracting. As a result, it may lead to a decrease in productivity.
You can help your VA combat inefficacy with the Pomodoro technique. This technique consists of working in set intervals to avoid burnout.
But, if your virtual assistant still isn’t able to fight the stress of the clock, they might attempt to circumvent the system.
WAYS TO CHEAT VA TIME TRACKING SOFTWARE
Due to laziness, insecurities, or distress, your VA may look for ways to trick employee monitoring software. A common trick is attaching a battery-operated toy to the mouse. This is used to create realistic movement. This can be a clever strategy if the VA time tracking software records movement and idle times.
However, employers can install a screenshot feature to prevent VAs from successfully using this trick.
SCREENSHOTS ARE YOUR LOYAL ALLIES
Of all the types of employee monitoring, screenshots are the best preventive measure for catching crooks. This is because they capture random moments during your VA’s recorded work time. These live snapshots give insight into what programs your virtual assistant is using during work hours. They’ll also tell you whether your VA is idle at any given moment.
But, implementing screenshots can be difficult because many VAs report feeling inappropriately watched as a result.
It all comes down to trust
At the end of the day, workplace monitoring policies are centered around trust. This is why it’s critical to have an open conversation with your virtual assistant about recording work time. It’ll lessen any awkwardness and promote a culture of honesty.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The benefits of VA time tracking software contribute to more and more employers taking advantage of virtual assistants. If you’re constantly playing a game of catch-up, outsourcing a virtual professional is your best bet for thriving in our digital world.
