While this creates an exciting, fast-moving environment to work in, as your team grows, it can also lead to communication breakdown and operational functions like HR and finance slipping.

And while lean budgets, remote locations and fast-changing models might mean you’re not able to hire a permanent role, perhaps a virtual assistant (VA) could be the superpower keeping your team together? VAs are often considered the domain of leadership roles only, but when you think about the structure, organisation and process they can bring back into your workplace - freeing up your team’s headspace for critical tasks at the same time – they could be just the ticket.

So how could bringing a VA into your team turbocharge your team productivity while minimising overwhelm?

Support your team’s time and energy

Virtual teams, team members running from one meeting to another, is this meeting in-person or Zoom? And breathe.

A VA can bring that sense of operational efficacy right across your team by taking on tasks they don’t have time for – or don’t want to do. Managing email, supporting team collaboration through updates and reminders, scheduling meetings, travel bookings, accounts, social media management - delegating these tasks to a team VA allows individuals to focus on critical business while fostering a sense of cohesion within your team’s culture.

Boost productivity

By streamlining key processes, automating tasks where appropriate and generally being across key areas of your startup, your VA frees up your team’s time, building that sense of trust, focus and productivity. Minimising overwhelm has the added benefit of enhancing your team’s wellbeing.

Expand your startup’s skillset

Startups move fast with constantly shifting talent and hiring needs. Because VAs bring such a range of skills with them, the right one can help you close any short-term skills gaps in your business. Need a social media manager? Or an HR assistant? Someone in customer support? Chances are your VA will have both the experience and skills to support these functions to support immediate needs. Many have developed specialist skills too should you need access to shorter-term support on a particular project, for example, are on a major recruitment drive.

Bring flexibility

Because VAs work flexibly you can scale the amount of support depending on business need. Time pressures in startups can be variable to say the least, particularly in times of product development, launches or fundraising. Having the ability to ramp up supportive, agile talent can change your team’s focus and effectiveness at these crunch times. Your VA partner will match you with the right person for your needs, who can flex this time to match your shifting requirements.

Cultivate a positive workplace culture

By supporting your team with the value-add of a VA – knowing they can delegate a piece of customer research, obtain a set of leads or handover the organisation of the staff party – your team recognises your investment in them, your commitment to minimising their feelings of overwhelm, and supporting well-being. Helping your team focus on their core strengths - and on the bigger picture - will also drive business growth, all while cultivating a calmer, more productive and happier environment - for everyone.