What an office boy does
An office boy, sometimes called a peon or office assistant, keeps the small tasks of an office moving so that the rest of the team does not have to. Typical duties include:
- Moving files, memos and documents between teams
- Bank, post office and courier errands
- Tea, coffee and refreshment service for staff and visitors
- Setting up and resetting meeting rooms
- Keeping track of stationery, printer supplies and pantry stock
- Clearing cups and keeping reception presentable during the day
The full cost of hiring directly
- Wage: at least the Maharashtra minimum wage for the category and zone, including the variable dearness allowance.
- Provident Fund: the employer contributes 12% of basic wages and dearness allowance once the establishment is covered by the EPF scheme (generally at 20 or more employees).
- ESIC: the employer contributes 3.25% of wages for employees earning up to ₹21,000 a month, where the establishment is covered.
- Leave and holidays: paid leave, plus national and festival holidays.
- Statutory bonus for eligible employees.
- Cover for absences: the work still has to be done when the office boy is on leave or unwell.
- Recruitment and management time: hiring, onboarding, attendance and payroll.
How outsourcing changes the cost
When you outsource, you pay the provider’s price and the provider employs the person, so wages and statutory contributions are the provider’s responsibility. Under Indian labour law, however, the principal employer can still be held liable if a contractor fails to pay wages or contributions. It is worth checking that a provider’s price can actually cover them.
Prezenti books office support by the full day (8 hours). The current price per staff member is shown on the Office Support page and confirmed in booking before you confirm.
When each option makes sense
| Aspect | Direct hire | Outsourced, booked by the shift |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | A long-term, full-time role with stable duties | Trial periods, extra days, busy seasons and short-term needs |
| Who employs the person | You | The provider |
| Payroll and statutory filings | Your HR and payroll team | The provider (your liability as principal employer remains) |
| Commitment | Employment terms and notice periods | Per booking |
| Cost you see | Salary, plus contributions, leave and management time | One price per staff member, per shift |
Questions to ask a provider
- What wage does the person receive, and is it at or above the minimum wage?
- Are PF and ESIC paid on that wage, and can you see proof?
- What exactly is in the role’s scope, and what is not?
- What happens if the person does not turn up?
- Is GST included in the price?
Frequently asked questions
It depends on whether you hire directly or outsource, and on the hours. Prezenti’s current price per staff member for a full-day shift is shown on the Office Support page and confirmed in booking.
Yes, where the provider’s establishment is covered by EPF: the provider deducts and pays PF on the worker’s wages. As the principal employer you can be liable if the provider defaults, so ask how PF is handled.
Yes. Office Support is booked per full-day (8-hour) shift, so you can book a single day, several days or regular days.
See Office Support (office boy) prices
The current price per staff member for each shift is on the service page, and your exact price is shown before you confirm a booking.