Many businesses and healthcare practices require a receptionist to help things run more efficiently. While traditionally a receptionist sits at a desk onsite, things have changed, and many businesses and healthcare practices are utilising the services of virtual receptionists.
Traditional and virtual receptionists each have their merits. Depending on the type of business you’re running, you may have a need or a preference for one over the other.
Why Choose a Virtual Receptionist?
A virtual receptionist gives your practice or business flexibility. They can work as much or as little as you need. This is a great option if your business has peak hours. Virtual receptionists can work full time, on a casual basis or to cover staff leave. The flexibility of virtual receptionists can be especially beneficial for health care professionals that work less traditional hours, perhaps just a few hours a day etc.
In addition to the flexibility a virtual receptionist provides, there are also cost benefits to using a virtual receptionist. You only need to employ a virtual receptionist when you need the extra support. So rather than employing someone full-time and paying a salary along with annual leave and superannuation, you only pay for the hours a virtual receptionist works.
Virtual receptionists usually work within a team that can provide round the clock availability so they can provide after-hours support to your business if required.
Why a Traditional Receptionist May be a Better Option for You
Often, a receptionist does a lot more than just answer phones. While in most business set-ups the main function of the receptionist is to answer phones and greet clients on arrival, they can also be seen as support personnel.
Most receptionists will sort mail, prepare for client meetings or patient appointments, take payments if necessary and do any other tasks often related to general admin. A lot of these tasks require a receptionist to be onsite.
Why not use both?
There are pros and cons for both options but there are times when a virtual receptionist and a traditional receptionist can work together. There may be times when you need your receptionist to offer support in another area of your business so they may be unable to answer phones or do other admin work. A virtual receptionist can step in during those times and assist with phone calls and other tasks that can be completed remotely.
Whether you employ a traditional or virtual receptionist, both will offer great support to your business or healthcare practice.