How can an executive assistant add value to your business? An EA is an invaluable asset to any modern-day company. The position has evolved into so much more than the simple administrative role it once was. As an executive’s right-hand person, an EA can increase workplace productivity, offer informed analytical solutions, impress clients, and help your business grow. 

In this post, we’ll discuss even more ways an executive assistant can add value to your business.

Understanding the Role of an Executive Assistant

An executive assistant is a high-level administrative professional. The role of an EA is a diverse one. It varies depending on the industry, company, and individual the assistant works for. But generally speaking, an EA’s primary job is to support your company’s executives. They help to make executives’ lives easier and reduce stress. An EA helps executives by assisting with various workplace duties, from answering phone calls and organizing meetings to planning business trips and more.

The primary duties of an executive assistant include:

• Filtering and/or responding to calls and emails
• Calendar and schedule management
• Filing documents and office organization
• Organizing meetings and taking minutes
• Researching and preparing reports
• Accounting and basic bookkeeping
• Maintaining client relationships
• Event planning
• Travel organization

Executive assistants can support all levels of management. Some EAs may offer support to a company’s directors and managers. A C-Level executive assistant supports a CEO and other members of the C-Suite.

How Can an Executive Assistant Add Value?

So now you know what an EA does, exactly how can an executive assistant add value to your company? A great EA is truly indispensable. They can have a drastic impact on your company’s success. Below are some of the many benefits of hiring an executive assistant. 

Expand Productivity

With an executive assistant to take on those mundane and time-consuming administrative tasks, you’ll have more time to focus on making high-level decisions and growing your business. An EA enables executives and managers to use their limited time more efficiently. In turn, this extra efficiency increases overall workplace productivity.

Build a Strong Company Culture

Having a strong company culture helps businesses attract and retain top talent. But developing and nurturing this culture takes a lot of work. An EA can help you build a healthy and positive culture by organizing team-building activities, implementing well-being initiatives, encouraging collaboration, and listening to your employees’ needs on your behalf.

Develop Collaboration

Collaboration is vital for an effective and productive working environment. But as a busy executive, you may not always be able to cultivate this yourself, particularly in the current climate of remote work. Fortunately, an EA works with people across every team and at every level of your company. They can help coordinate projects, connect colleagues, and foster a more collaborative environment. 

Manage Information Confidentiality

If your company works with a lot of private data and documents, you may worry about who has access to this information. A great executive assistant is extremely loyal to you and your business. You can trust them to manage your company’s sensitive documents discreetly and confidentially. No need to worry about information falling into the wrong hands.

Impeccable Organization and Prioritization

Do you often overbook your schedule, miss deadlines, or run late to meetings? An EA can efficiently organize your calendar and prioritize your workload to help keep you on track. You’ll never miss an important meeting or deadline again. 

Keep You Up To Date With Tools and Technology 

A great executive assistant knows all the best tools, software, and resources to help increase workplace efficiency and streamline workflows. They’re highly proficient in various online platforms, from project management tools to travel coordination apps. An EA is always up to date with current technological trends, and they’ll make sure your business is too.

Deliver Great Customer Service

Having an executive assistant to help look after your clients or customers will make you and your business come across as extremely professional. An EA can maintain regular communication with clients during ongoing projects — something you might not have time to do otherwise. They can also greet clients entering your office, bring them coffee, and even take them out to lunch. These little things can leave a strong impression, strengthen relationships, and make your clients feel highly valued.

Offer Effective Problem-Solving Solutions

Modern executive assistants are capable of far more than simple administrative tasks. Most EAs have strong analytical and critical thinking skills. So to really make the most of having an executive assistant, don’t underestimate their strategic value. You can ask an assistant for advice on big projects or challenging problems. An EA can offer a unique and well-rounded perspective and develop effective problem-solving solutions.

Accurately and Consistently Support Your Needs

Over time, an EA will be able to accurately anticipate your needs. They’ll know what you require before you even know yourself, or at least before you have to ask for it. With someone around to offer this level of consistent and dedicated support, you can do your job better than ever.

Help Business Growth

An executive assistant can offer the ideal support for a growing business. When a small company grows rapidly, you need someone who can multitask. Someone who can support various functions and projects at the same time. This need is where an EA comes in. EAs are extremely flexible and willing to learn and help wherever possible. They’re the ultimate secret weapon for business growth.

Make You Look Good

Another way an executive assistant can add value is by making you look good. With an EA, you can finally be in two places at once. An assistant can represent you in meetings, attend networking events, and entertain clients on your behalf. They can make you look good, even when you’re not around. They free up time in your schedule for other crucial tasks.

Qualities to Seek in an Executive Assistant

When hiring an executive assistant, there are certain traits and qualities you should look for. Finding a qualified, experienced, and highly-skilled EA will ensure they bring the greatest value to your business.

Traits of a high-value executive assistant include:

• Outstanding communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Exceptional time management and prioritization
• A high level of professionalism
• Discretion and trustworthiness
• Magnificent collaborative skills
• Strong problem-solving ability
• Computer and technology skills
• Willingness to learn
• Positive attitude
• Desire to help others

LifeSquire Can Help Connect You With the Right Executive Assistant 

An executive assistant can be a high-value addition to your business. An EA can help decrease stress, increase productivity, and create a better work/life balance for you. But for an assistant to provide the greatest value, it’s essential to find the right EA for you.

At LifeSquire, our executive assistant placement service can help take the stress out of the executive assistant hiring process by helping find, interview, and train the perfect assistant to meet your company’s needs. Contact us today to find out more.