- 87% of bosses say they could not do their role as effectively without their personal assistant.
- Over two-thirds (69%) of PAs would choose to be a PA if they started their career again.
- Organisations in South Wales are recognising the integral role of a PA and increasing their hiring.
Over nine in ten (93%) personal assistants say their bosses could not do their role without them and their bosses agree, according to the results of a survey of over 2,800 employers and employees nationwide, launched in Cardiff on 20 October by Hays PA & Secretarial.
Findings from the report, What makes a successful PA?, were discussed with personal assistants in the Welsh capital, led by Steve Heard, National Director at Hays PA & Secretarial. The meeting also saw the launch of a dedicated Hays PA & Secretarial business in Cardiff due to the demand for personal assistants and secretaries.
The event, held at Village Urban Resorts, was an opportunity to discuss findings from the report and how PAs are often now seen by their bosses as equal to management and some as equal to a director level. When asked to rate the top three skills of a good PA, employers selected communication, organisation and the ability to prioritise deadlines, while PAs believe that for the next generation to be successful in their role, they need to understand the goals of an organisation, have excellent people skills and work hard.
Steve Heard, Director at Hays PA & Secretarial, speaking at the launch of the report in Cardiff, said: “We have seen organisations across Cardiff, both large corporates and SMEs, recognising the vital role a PA plays in business and are looking to harness their expertise. Today we are proud to mark the opening of Hays PA & Secretarial in our Cardiff office to help personal assistants of South Wales take their next career step. As today’s PAs view their profession as highly rewarding and are offered competitive salaries for their experience, we look to establish the role of a PA as an aspirational career path for young people.”
The results of our research demonstrate that a skilled PA or EA is vital for bosses to successfully fulfil their own role. Not only are PAs now an aide and trusted advisor to their boss, but they are managers themselves. PAs in 2015 are a new breed of busy multi-skilled professionals supporting the goals of their boss and organisation and highly sought after by organisations across South Wales.”
For more information and job opportunities call Hays in Cardiff on 02920 642 362 or visit
www.hays.co.uk
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For further press information please contact:
Eleanor Pead
Hays
T. 0207 200 3760
About the Hays PA & Secretarial, ‘What makes a successful PA?’ report 2015:
In the spring of 2015, we launched a survey across the UK, encompassing organisations of all sizes and across all sectors. We received over 2,500 responses from employees (PAs) and almost 300 responses from senior level employers.
Respondents were asked for their views on the PA role: the chief responsibilities, duties, skills and characteristics needed for success. We also asked questions around career development and key goals for the future.