Why Giving Your VAs Time Off Can Boost Productivity

“How much time off should a virtual assistant really get?” This is a question I hear all the time, especially from people hiring internationally for the first time. When someone is working remotely and on American hours, it’s not always clear what’s fair or sustainable.

Virtual assistant work should offer flexibility, not burnout. My time-off structure is built around that belief so the people who support my business can enjoy a better quality of life.

Here’s how I structure time off to keep virtual assistants supported, productive, and motivated:

Monthly paid time off. Each virtual assistant receives one paid day off per month, totaling 12 PTO days a year. Many are working overnight shifts on American hours, often with a 12- to 15-hour time difference, which can be exhausting. Having a monthly day off gives them a chance to take care of appointments, personal matters, or simply rest and recharge, helping them feel supported and valued.

Supporting your VAs with holidays and time off. Holidays for virtual assistants can include both American and Filipino observances. Major U.S. holidays follow the American calendar, so assistants aren’t expected to work on those days, while key Filipino holidays like Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are also observed.

Combined with monthly PTO, this adds up to nearly 24 days off per year in my company, providing well-deserved time off and fostering a positive work environment. Giving this time off helps people feel supported, respected, and able to manage their lives outside of work.

How PTO helps scale your business. And when you find the right virtual assistants, being generous with time off pays off. Giving PTO helps them feel supported and valued, which boosts morale and performance. With the right people in place, they can make a big difference in your life and help your business scale more effectively.

If you want my sample holiday schedule and want to see exactly what I do, just send me a message or reach out to me at (480) 332-6468 or email dave@zteamaz.com. I’d be glad to send it over so you can use it as a guide for your own team.