From the pandemic to the Great Resignation, it’s an era of extreme workplace stress and burnout. People are leaving their jobs in droves, and those remaining are left to pick up the extra workload. Busy business owners and executives are feeling the strain more than most. With more to handle at work, there’s less time than ever to spend at home with family or doing the things you love. An executive assistant can help!

This post addresses how an executive assistant can help get you through the Great Resignation.

What is the Great Resignation?

The Great Resignation is a pandemic-era ​​phenomenon in which record numbers of people are leaving their jobs. It started in spring 2021 when the economy began to bounce back after worldwide lockdowns. A whopping 44% of U.S. employees are “job seekers.” 

The Great Resignation is a result of multiple factors. Finding a higher-paying position is a big draw for many people, particularly with high inflation making life more expensive. But increased pay isn’t the only reason people are seeking new jobs.

Other reasons people are looking for new opportunities include:

• Better health and retirement benefits
• Job security
• Flexible work arrangements
• Better workplace culture
• Career development opportunities

Job flexibility and remote work are also significant factors in the Great Resignation. During the pandemic, many workers experienced the flexibility of working from home for the first time. Now people are reluctant to return to the office full time. So much so, they are willing to quit and find new work to keep this lifestyle.

Staying Happy and Motivated During the Great Resignation

The combined effect of the pandemic and the Great Resignation has a massive impact on businesses and business owners across the world. With many employees out on sick leave or quitting jobs, others must pick up the work. This reduced workforce leads to higher levels of stress and burnout among remaining employees.

Below are some things you can do to keep yourself and your employees happy and motivated during the Great Resignation.

Increase workplace morale with:

• Flexible Work Schedules. Flexibility can greatly increase work-life balance and reduce stress.
• Practice Healthy and Mindful Habits. Encourage regular exercise and healthy eating. These habits enhance mood and boost the immune system.
• Look After Mental Health. Mental health is as crucial as physical health. Communication and leading by example are key to promoting mental health in the workplace.
• Encourage Breaks. Overwork and burnout don’t achieve anything. Breaks help you recharge and get more done in the long run.
• Create a Positive Work Environment. Energize the people around you and make your workplace somewhere people want to be. Encourage a collaborative workplace.
• Connect With Your People. Get to know your team members. Find out what motivates each person. Do your best to engage them.
• Reward Yourself and Your Team. Never underestimate the power of thank you. Plus, the occasional reward or gift always helps too.
• Hire Help. Hiring an executive assistant can make your life significantly easier and help your entire business be more successful.

How an Executive Assistant Can Help Get You Through The Great Resignation

If you’re one of the many people experiencing the Great Resignation, hiring an EA can make a difference for you and your business. An excellent EA can help you continue to thrive, even when team members leave. They can help you and your team perform well, even in less-than-ideal times, by completing various tasks for you.

Take Items Off Your To-Do List

Does it feel as though your to-do list is never-ending right now? An EA can take mundane, repetitive, and time-consuming tasks off of your list. Whether scheduling meetings or submitting expenses, you’ll no longer have to deal with minor tasks. This extra help frees up your time for higher-level tasks and caring for your team.

Complete Tasks Related to Open Roles

EAs have a multitude of qualifications to offer. They’re proactive and can jump on new tasks with little training. If you find that you’re picking up extra work due to open positions, an EA can help. They can step in and take on these tasks for you. EAs have many skills, including organization, problem-solving, and computer skills, transferable to any position — even if it’s just temporary while you fill the open role.

Help Hire New People

Do you need to hire new team members but don’t have a dedicated HR team? Need to give your HR team some help with an influx in workload? The hiring process can be extremely time-consuming, especially when regularly hiring during the Great Resignation. An executive assistant can write job descriptions, filter through resumes, and even conduct interviews. EAs are knowledgeable about you and your business, so they’re well suited for finding the right employees for you.

Attend Meetings and Events For You

An executive assistant can also use their inside knowledge of your business to represent you at meetings and events. EAs can attend meetings, business conferences, client lunches, or community and charity events. They help you be in two places at once, or at least make sure a representative of you is.

Help You Stay Organized

One of the main ways an EA can support you is their impeccable organization skills. The stress of the pandemic and the Great Resignation may leave you feeling a little frazzled and your office in a state of chaos. An EA can help manage your busy schedule, streamline workflow, and organize your office filing system. An organized workplace is calmer and more productive.

Help You Prioritize

Sometimes when you have too much to do, nothing gets done. You end up feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. An EA can step in and help you prioritize your to-do list and complete your tasks. An EA also acts as a gatekeeper to your time. They ensure only high-priority matters make it onto your desk in the first place.

Keep You Calm Under Pressure

EAs remain calm and collected in high-pressure situations. They are there to provide sound advice and moral support for you. This calming presence can help relieve some job-related stress. EAs also know how to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion. The closer your relationship with your EA, the more you can confide in them and rely on their unwavering support.

Help You Maintain a Strong Support Network

Having a strong support network is vital for getting through the Great Resignation. An EA can help you develop and maintain this. As someone who works with people across the company, they can help you facilitate communication between departments and increase company productivity. They help create a supportive and collaborative company culture.

Let LifeSquire Connect You With the Right Executive Assistant 

Hiring an executive assistant can greatly reduce workplace stress, help you take more time for yourself, and give you more time to devote to your team. And if you need assistance in your personal life too, a personal assistant can help give you even more time at home for the things you love.

Looking for an executive assistant to help get you through the Great Resignation? LifeSquire’s executive assistant placement service can connect you with the perfect EA to suit your company’s needs. Contact us today to find out more.