When you’re faced with a seemingly impossible task or deadline at work, the trick to success is to adopt a positive attitude – you might be surprised at what you’re capable of achieving, says Simon Hartley “This is impossible!” Have you ever said those three little words? Even if it were only to yourself, do […]

A difficult boss can make life unpleasant, frustrating, or even terrifying. Here’s how to get the best from this tricky situation. We’ve all had a boss who is difficult to work with at some point in our working lives, and although they may frustrate or terrify you, your working relationship with them will affect your day-to-day […]

Uganda-based administrative assistant Florence Katono (pictured) has been awarded the title of PA of the Year in the Pitman Super Achievers Awards 2015. She is described as a role model who relentlessly pushes herself to be the best in her chosen field. After leaving college, Florence enrolled for a degree in secretarial studies at Makerere […]

The breathtaking scenery of the Scottish Highlands offers the perfect backdrop for the train trip of a lifetime, as Molly Dyson discovers on board the Belmond Royal Scotsman Scotland’s untamed landscape is a place where traditions come alive and you can feel at one with the country’s history. From a stunning coastline to deep lakes […]

Are you feeling overwhelmed by information overflow? Then you’ll be glad to know that help is at hand. Here, Patty Cruz-Fouchard talks you through a simple three-step filtering system that will help you take charge and get organised.   Executive and personal assistants are essential members of an efficient work team whose contribution is vital […]

In any office there are many different people and personalities. Being able to establish good working relationships with your colleagues is an essential skill in the workplace – a harmonious team is more productive, and not only does getting on with your colleagues make your job more enjoyable, but you’ll be better at it too. […]

Becoming a VA and working from home is the ideal solution for women with young children who want to continue their employment, according to a study by the Office for National Statistics. The report also suggests that hiring remote staff is cost-effective for businesses, making it an all-round good choice for both parties. The study […]

Choosing a gift for a colleague going on maternity leave or a client who has had a new baby need not be a chore. Here, Founder of The Essential Bag Company and mother Alexis Goldfinch shares her top three tips for choosing the perfect present for a new baby that will be remembered for years […]

Planning time away from the office can be a headache if you need a temp to fill your shoes. PA Life looks at the pros and pitfalls It would be interesting to know how many PAs take their full holiday entitlement each year. There never seems to be a good time to be away from […]

Swamped with paperwork and struggling to stay on top of all those document requests? If you’re nodding in agreement, then you absolutely have to take part in the Five Folder System seminar at the next PA Life training day. PA trainer practitioner Adam Fidler will take delegates through workflow management for admin professionals, looking at […]

PAs need to work hard to be the very best at what they do and should carry out their role with wholehearted effort, earnestness, honesty, rigour and humility. This is the advice of Lauren Jiloty, (pictured) who previously worked for Senator Hillary Clinton and who is now the senior executive assistant to iconic entrepreneur and philanthropist […]

When your job requires you to spend long hours sitting at a desk, physical exercise and a balanced diet are both essential to keep you healthy. PA Life has some great ways to get everybody at work involved in keeping fit We all know that keeping fit has multiple benefits for our general wellbeing. Working […]

We all have it within ourselves to learn the art of confidence, according to motivational speaker Miriam Staley – it’s just a matter of learning how to unlock our full potential Most people want more of it in their lives. Some think that too much of it is a bad thing. Others think you’re either […]

Despite an upturn in the economic situation, UK companies are still facing a recruitment shortage of skilled staff because potential candidates are nervous about leaving steady jobs that have kept them secure during the uncertain financial climate. This has led to businesses not protecting themselves against candidate shortages, according to HR specialist SYLO Associates. Creating […]

Much has changed since air miles and upgrades represented the height of perks for business travellers. A recent study of employees in the UK, France and Germany shows that mobile tools and constant connectivity are at the top of the list for a productive trip. In a shift of priorities, complimentary wifi is now deemed […]

With the sheer array of tasks that are expected of a pa in their day-to-day role, there are always new skills you can learn and adopt to help you work more efficiently. Shilpa Wymer is keen to share Last year at the Office show I was really excited to present a brand new session, “25 […]

Politicians are not always the best-loved public figures, in fact they often inspire outbursts of unreserved loathing, but it seems that some of them at least are thought of with fondness by a certain section of the population – their personal assistants. Barack Obama’s former PA, Reggie Love, has brought out a book that details […]

I have been truly spoiled by the PA Life Club lately, first with a dinner at One Moorgate Place and now another fabulous meal, this time featuring delicious Indian food at the very posh Moti Mahal. We started the evening with a lovely, refreshing elderflower and champers cocktail while we chatted away about work and […]