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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Setting boundaries in the workplace is one of the key issues faced by PAs today – you want to show your boss you’re flexible and ultimately indispensable, but where do you draw the line? The PA Life training day session conducted by the directors of website PA Access All Areas will outline appropriate methods of […]

If you’re new to this form of assessment, the idea of being ‘psychologically tested’ may be a bit daunting, especially if you’re unsure of exactly what this means and what it will entail. Here, PA Life outlines the basics Traditional recruitment and selection procedures are a familiar process for most of us and when applying […]

As the spring and summer holiday season is right around the corner, here are some top tips to keep you in control while your manager is away for some much-needed rest Sometimes the boss being on holiday can actually help you get things done and do your job better. However, out of sight is rarely […]

Modern work practices have dramatically changed the way many companies think about staffing needs. With technology advancing by the day and the internet available just about anywhere in the world, the ability to work remotely is being used more and more, as is evidenced by the growth in interest in the market for virtual assistants. […]

Another week has passed and that means it’s time for another round-up of all manner of weird and wonderful goings-on within the PA community. Romance seems to be in the air for Oscar-nominated actor Josh Brolin, who has been seen squiring his personal assistant around town. The town in question is Rome, where Josh is currently […]

It’s easy to find yourself worrying about what others think of you – your manager, clients and colleagues, even friends. But one opinion matters even more than these – yours We think about how others perceive us when we get ready in the morning, at meetings and interviews and in almost any social situation. Self-confidence […]