Today, virtual assistants are highly sought-after and they are employed by thousands of companies worldwide. While the popularity of virtual assistants in Australia and around the globe may still be relatively new, the history of this now-common profession is still exceptionally fascinating!
In this article, we’ll be discussing the evolution of virtual assistants and how VAs are helping modern businesses achieve their goals!
The Beginnings
We cannot talk about the first virtual assistants without talking about in-house personal assistants and similar roles such as secretaries. This type of work was popularised in the 1900s and the industry was first dominated by men. Technology kept improving and so did women’s access to the workplace. Soon, the assistant industry was mostly occupied by women.
The Invention of the Internet
The invention of the internet is what first made working from home a viable option. Now that assistants could work to perform certain tasks from a remote location, the phrase ‘virtual assistant’ started being used to describe certain roles. Some tasks that VAs would do during this time included basic bookkeeping, and answering emails.
The 90s
The 90s was when the internet became more widely used and there was a major boom in the invention of new technology and online applications, making remote work more and more accessible and convenient. While in-house positions were still the norm, remote work was definitely on the rise and this continued throughout the early 2000s.
Lockdown
During the lockdown of 2020, many people began working from home. This was a major turning point for the virtual assistant industry as business owners soon saw the benefits of remote work and how much could be accomplished without having all employees under one roof.
Virtual Assistants Today
Today, virtual assistants are massively popular around the world. They help businesses and individuals with admin-related tasks from a remote location. This is beneficial as you do not need to supply them with a workspace or any equipment, thus saving you money. They provide streamlined services so you can focus on the aspects of your business that matter most.
Have you been thinking about hiring a virtual assistant in Australia? Here at Virtual Assistants Australia, we are experts in helping businesses and individuals outsource virtual assistants. Learn more about how we can help pair you with the perfect VA for your needs. Have any questions? Feel free to contact us today and we can start the conversation!
