NEWS
CAREER Professional development tips for executive-level PAs
INDUSTRY EXPERT
ALEX JONES
How the role of an EA has changed due to COVID-19
If you ’ ve attended an Executive PA Summit recently , you ’ ll have heard one of my colleagues talking about how EA and PA job duties have changed due to the pandemic .
Some tasks that were traditional priorities for an EA — such as coordinating and booking travel — have diminished . Other tasks , meanwhile — such as organising digital events — have become bigger priorities . Here are some of the ways EA job duties have changed .
A wider set of tasks Business leaders and executives now expect their EA to take responsibility for a wider set of tasks , including reception and administrative support . Employers are also rolling multiple roles into one .
As a result , it ’ s advisable to consider upskilling , so you can adapt to new responsibilities and extend your capabilities .
Connect when working from home As we highlighted in our report ‘ What it takes to be an EA ’, a top-performing assistant needs to keep communication channels open . This takes on a greater priority in a hybrid working world . So , adapt your communication practices to support and align with increases in remote work . For example , set up regular check in meetings with colleagues , clarify communication expectations and be responsive when others reach out .
Pick up the phone or make video calls as much as possible .
Get digitally fit EAs are spending more time coordinating digital training , virtual onboarding and virtual meeting
scheduling . They are also overseeing IT set up and fixing hardware .
Tech savvy EAs are in the best position to succeed in these scenarios . In fact , we now regularly have employers coming to us requesting EA candidates with exceptional digital and technology skills to support in these areas .
Health and safety management EAs have a bigger role to play in ensuring workplaces are COVID-safe . Job responsibilities often include directing physical distancing protocols , promoting good hygiene , keeping records of employee health , taking action if employees become unwell and creating workforce bubbles .
How has your role changed in response to the pandemic ? S
Alex Jones is Senior Regional Director at Hays Office Support
66 Executive PA | Summer Issue 2021