In the modern business landscape, companies are constantly seeking new ways to streamline operations. One decision many businesses have considered is opting for a virtual receptionist. There are many pros to hiring one over a traditional receptionist. Though its still crucial to understand their cons. In order to help you make an informed decision we have gathered both the pros and cons of each option.
Traditional Receptionist
Traditionally, companies have hired in office receptionists to manage the front desk operations and handle inbound calls, appointments, calendars, and customer inquiries. Lets consider the advantages and disadvantages of this option.
Pros:
Physical Presence: One of the biggest advantages of a traditional receptionist is the fact that they will be physically present in your office. They will be the first face visitors see. They will create a welcoming and professional atmosphere for your business.
Cultural Integration: Having an in office receptionist is great because they will easily assimilate to the company culture. They will get the chance to interact with you and your workers, making them a part of the team.
Security: Having a traditional receptionist means having someone at the front desk at all times. They will be able to monitor the office and know who is coming in and out of the office. They will almost be like a security guard because they will see it all.
Cons:
Costs: Hiring a traditional receptionist means having to provide a salary, benefits and potential training expenses. This can become costly to a small business or start up with a limited budget.
Space and Equipment: A traditional receptionist requires office space and equipment such as a computer. This can be an issue if there is not much space available in your business or if you don’t have the budget to invest in additional equipment.
Limited Availability: Traditional receptionists tend to work during regular business hours. That being 9-5. So outside those hours your clients will not receive assistance.
Virtual Receptionist
A virtual receptionist is a remote worker who handles all calls, customer inquiries, appointments, and calendars. Much like a traditional receptionist but all online. And because they do remote work there are some enticing advantages to hiring them. Let’s delve into these advantages and then consider the disadvantages too.
Pros:
Cost-Effective: Compared to a traditional receptionist, a virtual receptionist will be much more cost-efficient than hiring a full time office employee. That is because you only pay for the services you need. You won’t have to worry about paying a salary. Similarly, you will also save money on investing in equipment. These professionals tend to already have a computer they use for work.
Minimal Training: A virtual receptionist is usually a seasoned worker already trained in customer service, call handling and other receptionist tasks. They are already skilled in their trade so this reduces the need for extensive training on your end.
Geographic Flexibility: Virtual receptionists can work for a business located anywhere in the world. So if your company has many offices, remote workers, or global clientele, this makes it an ideal solution for you.
Cons:
Lack of Physical Presence: As it says in the name, these professionals work virtually. Although it can be great in some ways there can be drawbacks if your business requires on-site support
Limited Cultural Integration: The downside to a virtual receptionist is the fact that they won’t get much interaction with other team members and clientele. It’s hard to build a meaningful connection through a screen so unfortunately it could be hard for them to really feel part of the team.
Potential Miscommunication: Misunderstandings can occur in remote work environments. No face to face communication can cause this. Though this can be mitigated with clear instructions and training.
Conclusion
As we have discussed, there are pros and cons to both options. Traditional receptionists are good in some ways and virtual receptionists in other ways. Consider your businesses unique needs and priorities to make the right choice for you. Virtual Office Assistants is here for you if you have any questions about our virtual receptionists. We can help you figure out if this is the right choice for you. Give us a call at (619)343-2622 or get in touch with us through this form.