Why Remote Executive Assistants are the Future of Administrative Support

In a modern society that glorifies the hustle and grind, it can be easy to believe that self-sufficiency is the key to success. It is not. In fact, it can be the key to burnout.

Without undermining the value of individual self-discipline, confidence, and grit, we know that the best and healthiest successes usually come from working on a team. That’s why we like to say, “Behind every great CEO is an even greater executive assistant.” Because they function as a direct extension of the CEO, a good executive assistant (EA) is worth their weight in gold.

With the shift to virtual workspaces, you can hire a remote executive assistant for administrative support. By learning about the advantages of remote executive assistants, you will understand why they are a growing trend. You may even determine that you want to onboard one for your team.

Here are the top 5 reasons remote executive assistants are the future of administrative support.

1. Customized Services

Today’s digital world places more demands on business owners than ever before. Not only must companies provide their specialized services, but they must also do so within ever-changing digital frameworks. Unfortunately, most CEOs don’t have time to keep up with the latest marketing apps and respond to the constant communication that is now a part of our world.

Whereas executive assistants of past eras could expect to support CEOs with roughly the same tasks (paperwork, mail, telephone correspondence, etc.), today’s tasks are no longer ubiquitous. Instead, executive assistants can develop skills for specific industries and master the technologies those industries use. This specialized support can make all the difference for busy CEOs, freeing up valuable time and increasing the bottom line.

2. Minimal Overhead

Even though hiring an EA requires financial investment, remote assistants are often less expensive than in-person employees. To employ in-person assistants, a boss must lease a physical office space, purchase needed equipment, and provide expected salary, benefits, PTO, and training packages.

Conversely, remote executive assistants typically work on their own equipment from their locations. They often charge an hourly rate and may support more than one client. As sole proprietors, remote executive assistants are responsible for their own insurance and benefits.

These changes save CEOs from overhead costs and the time it would take to research and order insurance plans, workers comp, etc. In other words, hiring a remote EA is often a more straightforward and cost-effective exchange.

3. Efficient Communication

One of the biggest concerns about hiring a remote assistant is communication. Employers may wonder if they will miss the security of being able to walk down the hall to communicate with their assistants. Yet, how often do employers take that walk down the hall? More often, they reach for their phone. It seems that employers and assistants have already been communicating “remotely” for a while.

With the proper boundaries and expectations in place, remote work increases communication efficiency. Not having physical access to each other requires both parties to communicate more concisely and strategically. Meetings, check-ins, and question calls can be planned in advance, which gives both parties more uninterrupted blocks of time to actually accomplish their work. Another benefit is that virtual meeting spaces offer easier access to digital information. This often allows meeting times to be more efficient. All employees can simultaneously access the same websites, digital presentations, and calculating tools on their devices, allowing for synchronous and asynchronous collaboration during the same meeting. A bonus is that no one has to commute to a physical meeting site to be present.

You will need to do some planning to decide how and when you will communicate with your assistant. You’ll want to clarify the hours and times you’ll be available and how you’d like your assistant to convey questions or problem-solve when you’re out of the office. The beauty of this system is that you can construct your communication around your and your assistant’s particular needs and schedules. Talk about making business work for you rather than the other way around!

4. Community and Connection

We’ve all heard, "Two heads are better than one.” The same holds for remote executive assistants. It is a fact that virtual work can get lonely; by hiring an EA, you’ll have another person to share in your joys and sorrows (you can even have Zoom “water cooler” conversations if you want to!)

Having an extra connection also holds a problem-solving advantage. By bringing another mind on board, you’ll have an additional perspective from which to view business struggles. You can have your assistant research solutions or attend training meetings in your stead. As an extension of yourself, a remote assistant allows you to double your insights and even to be “two places at once.”

5. Better Work/Life Balance

Hiring a remote EA allows business owners to delegate admin tasks and spend more time on their business, health, and lives. The health benefits of less stress often pay for themselves in increased dividends, productivity, and creativity. On top of this, you’re providing someone else with a job, which is a fantastic feeling.

With the right EA at the helm, you can step away from the office and take vacations without missing a beat. You no longer need to run at the speed of the modern tech world since you have a “second self” to cover for you.

Hiring remote executive assistants may be a relatively new trend, but some trends are worth jumping on.

Whether navigating the new digital work landscape, solving problems, or developing a better work/life balance, a remote executive assistant can save you time, money, and hassle. If you truly want to work smarter and not harder, this may be your next step .

WRITTEN BY: KATIE BARNETT