Tips for Executive Assistants Returning to the Office
By now, most companies have made plans to have workers return to the office or created a hybrid version of working remotely and/or in the office. Some are back in the office full-time, returning to the same environment in place before the COVID-10 pandemic.
This has been a hot workplace topic, and the only thing that seems to be certain is the new office norm is anything but normal.
This change to remote/hybrid working has been challenging for Executive Assistants, but top Executive Assistants (EA) have also been able to showcase their skills and value to a company by demonstrating how they can continue to make an impact and keep things moving whether working remotely or in an office.
While it was rarely considered before the COVID-19 pandemic, many CEOs and leadership team members at both small and large corporations are starting to realize that good EA's can make an impact working remote. Just a few years ago, a virtual assistant would have likely never been something many CEOs would consider. Now, it's an acceptable option - maybe not the ideal option - but something CEOs are more willing to try and make work. If anything, they are becoming more flexible, allowing their Executive Assistant to work from home a few days a week, or as needed.
In recent years, there has been talk of Virtual Assistants becoming more prominent, playing bigger roles, and even being hired by Fortune 500 companies. But many CEOs were reluctant, or never thought they would hire or work with a Virtual Assistant. After all, how could they be effective if they are not within ears reach of having a quick conversation with the CEO?
With technology and being forced to learn how to work with their EA remotely/from home, virtual assistants were thrust into the spotlight in 2020, and by all accounts, excelled. Executives now realize this workplace arrangement can work.
In fact, many Executive Assistants would like to continue to do their job and support executives and teams remotely because this has provided more balance. Work/life balance is a real need, and busy EA's are sometimes forced to put personal needs on hold because work takes up so much time. It doesn't have to be that way.
Working remotely allows tops EA's the opportunity to find more balance. It reduces commute time to and from the office. It allows for more time with family. It offers an opportunity to take care of things at home if there are breaks in the day, or doing them before or after work, when they would normally be in a lengthy, stressful commute. EA’s got more done in the day, by eliminating commute time. Life became comfortable and doable, and the thought of going back to the office was met with resistance.
The reality is there are pros and cons of this scenario that every EA and CEO must adjust to. When deciding if your EA should work in the office or remotely, or through a combination of both, consider these tips and scenarios:
Executive Assistants are the eyes and ears of the company
When working from home or remotely, the EA does not have the opportunity to be the eyes and ears of the company, keeping the CEO in tune (and in check) on what's going on in an office. The EA can see things a CEO can't, they hear things a CEO doesn't and they can figure out ways to manage situations before it gets to the CEO, or be prepared to deal with it with the CEO. What are the implications of not having an EA be the eyes and ears of the CEO? This is something that has to be considered when considering remote working options.
Career advancement: Can being in the office be an advantage?
If an EA is interested in advancing their career to a Chief of Staff or Senior Executive Assistant, for example, working the office has an advantage. You are running next to, in front of, and behind the CEO, every day. The office is your education and classroom. Most of us have taken an online course and understand the differences, similar here.
Tips for the Executive Assistant returning to the office
Yes, you made virtual support work during the pandemic, but remember you also made it work pre-pandemic, dressing professionally every day and managing a daily commute. Remember, the entire team needs and counts on your bright, smiling faces to light up the room and the office. You know with your high EQ, what is needed and when it is needed. Your highly polished skillset can’t be replicated by anyone in the company, you are irreplaceable and hold a VIP role in the company. Being in the presence of your CEO with your catcher’s mitt ready for a curveball is what they count on you for.
Yes, you made virtual support work during the pandemic, but remember you also made it to work pre-pandemic.
Keep this in mind when returning to an office environment and you will continue to shine. It will be an adjustment for you and everyone, but you've done it before and can do it again.
About Diane Steele
Diane Steele is CEO and Founder of Steele Recruiting, an Executive Administrative Assistant Search firm. Headquartered in Minneapolis/St Paul, Steele Recruiting is a female-owned retained search firm, specializing in Executive Administrative Assistant-Chief of Staff recruitment, supporting CEOs and Presidents in Minneapolis and St Paul. Contact Steele via email or phone at 952-484-4217.
