You need administrative help, but you are torn between hiring a secretary and working with an independent secretary. Both options have their advantages; the right choice depends mainly on your workload, your budget and whether you need someone physically present.
The comparison at a glance
| Criterion | Employed secretary | Independent secretary |
|---|---|---|
| Commitment | Employment contract, notice period | Flexible collaboration agreement |
| Volume | Fixed (full-time or part-time) | Adjustable to your activity |
| Cost | Salary + social charges + extra costs | Only the hours worked |
| Workstation | To be provided and equipped | None |
| Physical presence | Yes | No (100% remote) |
| Training | To be planned | Experience available immediately |
| Absences | Leave and sickness to manage | Organised in advance |
When is an employed secretary the better choice?
Employment remains the best option in certain situations:
- you need someone physically present at reception (waiting room, handing over documents, taking payments on site);
- your administrative workload permanently justifies a full-time or half-time position;
- you want to bring someone into your team for the long term.
Even then, an independent secretary can be a useful addition for busy periods or to cover absences.
When should you choose an independent secretary?
Remote independent secretarial support is generally the best fit when:
- your need is less than half-time, or varies greatly from one month to the next;
- you work alone or in a small organisation;
- you have no spare office to offer;
- you want operational help quickly, without a recruitment process;
- you are looking for specific expertise (medical secretarial work, languages).
Three misconceptions about remote secretarial services
“My patients will notice the difference”
In the vast majority of cases, they won’t. Calls are answered in your practice’s name, with your information and your tone. What your patients notice most is that someone answers.
“I’ll lose control”
Quite the opposite: everything that is done is recorded in your tools, with regular reports. You set the rules, the secretary applies them.
“It’s only for large organisations”
On the contrary: it is often the ideal solution for self-employed professionals and small practices, who can start with just a few hours a month.
In short
If your need is flexible, less than half-time and does not require a physical presence, a remote independent secretary is almost always the most economical and most flexible solution. To estimate your budget, read the article How much does an independent secretary cost? or use the simulator on the rates page.
Every business is different. A free initial call helps identify exactly what you can delegate and for what budget. Contact me or estimate my budget.