Why EAs are the new managers

Just as everything in the business world is constantly evolving, the role of management assistants has transformed significantly in recent years. New research has found that there are several key factors driving this change, not least of which is the recent recession.

When firms were forced to cut costs in order to stay afloat, many PAs found themselves taking on more work to compensate for staff shortages. Although the economy is now recovering, businesses are reluctant to hire more managers and they’ve become dependent on multi-skilled assistants to fill in the gaps. Modern technology also plays a part, as many admin professionals are tasked with monitoring a company’s social media output to report on client issues.

Most companies recruiting PAs and EAs require candidates to possess a certain level of leadership skills. It’s not uncommon for an admin professional to be asked to head up a team, which sometimes includes approving office purchases, leading important projects and even getting involved in the hiring of new staff.

Despite the business world’s reliance on computers, only 13% of those surveyed said they have mastered Microsoft Office, which is why training for PAs has become so important. This shifting role has paved the way for unprecedented opportunities, but budding professionals need to have high-level skills to succeed, concludes the survey conducted by the American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP).

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