Hiring a virtual assistant (VA) can be quite a challenge. You don’t get to actually see them working in person. They’re just like traditional workers but they work remotely – in the comfort of their own homes. The problem most often comes in when a VA decides to ghost. Yes, there are VAs who just disappear from work without any notice. Why? Most of them had lost the motivation they once had during the early stages of work.
Motivation is key if you are working with a VA. Below are surefire ways to motivate your VA.
- Maintain open communication. Talking with your VA is vital to their good performance at work. Encourage regular communication. Get to know your VA. Their strengths and weaknesses. Ask about work expectations. Talk about possible challenges. Give out clear and concise instructions for a task. Set realistic deadlines. Give out helpful tips. Make them feel comfortable to ask you any work-related questions or problems. Help them learn more by sharing what you have learned, too.
- Support friendly collaboration between team members. Promote a healthy virtual work environment through friendships, politeness, and cheerfulness among team members. Study shows that when there’s healthy collaboration at work, motivation abounds and goals are achieved faster. Give VAs the idea that they can turn to their teammates for help as well.
- Give constructive criticisms and/or positive feedback for a job done. Help your VA perform better by giving out constructive criticisms for a job done that was not to your full satisfaction. On the other hand, if you liked what your VA has done for you, do not forget to voice out positive feedback. A kind praise goes a long way.
- Reward and recognize. For consistent good efforts and a job well done, reward your VAs with something that will surely put big smiles on their faces. Reward is often in the form of cash incentives, salary increases, bonuses, or discount coupons. If you’re short on the budget, however, it can also be in the form of learning and development opportunities. Even a paid extra time off will do.
- Be patient and a little bit understanding. Understand that VAs are humans, too. They, too, can experience personal problems that might affect work performance and attendance. Communicate with your VAs and don’t be inconsiderate immediately. Ask what the problem is. Give out appropriate words of encouragement to help motivate them further. Discuss a workaround when possible. Plan out what will work better for them and your company. Keep calm. You don’t want to lose a good and talented VA.