A Profession on the Rise

We could start this article about the future of virtual assistants with a familiar phrase: "If someone had told me two years ago… I wouldn’t have believed it."

I wouldn’t have believed how quickly our perception of the workplace would change and how employers would come to recognize that many jobs can be done from home. The global COVID crisis changed us forever – it accelerated digitalization and laid the foundation for a new era of work.

By definition, virtual assistants provide administrative, financial, marketing, and other specialized services remotely via the internet. They usually work as freelancers, and their clients are mostly small business owners who need reliable yet flexible support.

Due to rapid technological advancements and growing changes in work organization, we’ve witnessed a kind of "Uberization" of jobs – shifting tasks from traditional frameworks into flexible, digital formats. As a result, the virtual assistant profession has emerged and grown – not only adapting to the market but actively shaping it.

How Virtual Assistants Are Influencing the Labor Market

Several key factors already demonstrate how virtual assistants are changing the rules of the game:

1. Flexibility

Employers and workers are increasingly seeking flexible work models. The focus is no longer on physical presence at the workplace but on the quality and timeliness of completed tasks. Virtual assistants work regardless of location or time zone, making them ideal partners in dynamic business environments.

2. Cost Reduction

By hiring a virtual assistant, employers avoid costs related to salaries, social contributions, sick leave, training, working conditions, travel expenses, and other overheads that come with traditional employment.

3. Globalization of Work

Virtual assistants can work from anywhere in the world and in any time zone. This expands the labor market beyond local boundaries, giving clients access to a global pool of experts and specialists.

4. Continuous Learning

Virtual assistants are constantly seeking better tools and more efficient solutions. Learning new digital skills, using advanced platforms, and process automation are all part of their daily routine. The future of this profession depends on their ability to adapt.

5. Transformation of Administrative Work

Traditional administration is quickly moving into digital formats. Paper archives are disappearing, and more companies are looking for specialized assistants who know how to use modern tools and platforms. Instead of hiring classic administrative staff, more and more companies are turning to virtual assistants who stay up to date with technology. Platforms like GoThrive have become known as places where employers can find educated and specialized assistants ready to meet the challenges of the new work reality.

What Is the Future of Virtual Assistants in Croatia?

Even in Croatia, the demand for virtual assistants is becoming increasingly evident, following global trends. The country is rapidly developing in the ICT sector, and digitalization is spreading across both public and private spheres. In the context of the Digital Strategy 2030, an increase in the share of digital services within the economy is expected – creating opportunities for virtual assistants with advanced digital skills.

Those who can manage projects, work in advanced digital tools, and offer specialized support will be especially in demand. However, for this optimistic scenario to become a reality, a shift in perception is also needed among some employers who are still not ready to delegate tasks in this way.

The good news is that platforms like GoThrive are already actively working on popularizing, educating, and professionalizing the virtual assistant profession.

Virtual assistants are not just a trend following the wave of digital transformation – they are one of its key drivers. Their role in the future will only grow more important, and their impact will become increasingly visible.

With over 20 years of experience in the real sector, Daliborka Janjić now works as a virtual assistant specializing in administrative support and digital services.

More information: https://viroom.hr