Oct 7 / Sarah Calderon

Top 5 Reasons to Hire an Executive Assistant

A Harvard Business Review study revealed that 25% of a CEO’s time is spent on tasks that could easily be automated, like data analysis and scheduling. For any executive, time is your most valuable asset. Yet, too often, it’s wasted on administrative work that pulls you away from high-impact decisions. 

This is where an executive assistant (EA) becomes your secret weapon. When you hire an executive assistant, you can delegate routine tasks, reclaim your time, and refocus on growing your business, strategizing, and building relationships. An EA doesn’t just save you time—they empower you to lead with greater impact and clarity.

Top 5 Reasons to Hire an Executive Assistant

As your business grows, so do your responsibilities, and that’s where an executive assistant (EA) can transform the way you work. From boosting productivity to enhancing work-life balance, hiring an EA provides a significant return on investment—especially when you hire the right assistant and set them up for success with proper EA training and support. 

Let’s explore the top five reasons why bringing an EA on board could be one of the best decisions you make for your company.

Reason #1: Increase Productivity with an Executive Assistant

A recent productivity study found that managers and executives spend an average of 11.6 hours per week—or 25% of their time—on administrative tasks like scheduling and paperwork. Reclaiming this time allows you to focus on high-value activities that drive your business forward. As CEO Dr. Vince Molinaro points out, “When a CEO has a genuinely exceptional executive assistant, their effectiveness is greatly amplified.” An EA anticipates your needs, shields you from distractions, and allows you to focus on high-level decisions. To maximize this, delegate key tasks like meeting prep, travel coordination, and project tracking.

Reason #2: Improve Communication by Hiring an Executive Assistant

An executive assistant acts as the communication hub of your business, handling emails, phone calls, and meetings. Entrepreneurs spend about 28% of their time managing emails— which breaks down to a staggering 2.6 hours a day. With an EA, you can reclaim that time. As Jason Hennessey, CEO of Hennessey Digital, shares, “My EA sorts new emails into four categories: those that need immediate attention, those that require a response today, those that require a response this week, and those that are interesting but not urgent. I don’t even look at anything that doesn’t fall into those categories.” A well-organized EA prioritizes communications, keeps team members aligned, and ensures nothing slips through the cracks—allowing you to focus on strategic matters.

Reason #3: Enhance Organization with the Right Executive Assistant

A well-organized executive assistant is crucial for maintaining order in your business. EAs help manage your schedule, organize important documents, and keep tasks on track. A highly effective EA will use tools like project management software, shared calendars, and filing systems to streamline operations. By handling these logistical tasks, an EA frees you up to focus on big-picture strategies that drive business growth.

In addition to organizing daily schedules, an EA can implement task management systems, ensuring deadlines are met and priorities are handled efficiently. This reduces the likelihood of missed opportunities and ensures your business runs smoothly. By hiring an EA with strong organizational skills, you set the stage for a more productive, focused, and streamlined work environment.

Reason #4: Hire an Assistant for Greater Work-Life Balance

With 75% of C-suite executives considering quitting their jobs for better well-being support, according to a Deloitte and Workplace Intelligence survey, prioritizing work-life balance is more important than ever. Hiring an executive assistant allows you to delegate tasks such as managing emails, scheduling, and travel arrangements, freeing up time for high-level decision-making and personal pursuits. By entrusting these routine tasks to a capable EA, you can prevent burnout, reduce stress, and create more space for both professional and personal fulfillment. Ultimately, your EA becomes a crucial partner in helping you balance your career with the rest of your life.

Reason #5: Hiring an Assistant is a Cost-Effective Solution

Hiring an executive assistant (EA) can significantly reduce costs and increase efficiency. According to a TechCru analysis, the cost of having senior executives spend their time on administrative tasks is much higher than hiring an EA to handle them. For instance, if a high-level executive spends even 10 hours per week on tasks an EA could handle, the cost savings could be substantial over a year. An EA not only saves you money but also enhances productivity by allowing executives to focus on strategic initiatives that drive revenue.

By consolidating various responsibilities—project management, communication handling, event coordination—into one capable assistant, you eliminate the need to hire multiple staff members for different roles. Additionally, as noted in the TechCru study, businesses that invest in EAs often see a notable productivity boost, with some companies reporting operational efficiency increases of up to 40%. The right EA helps your business grow while keeping overhead costs low, making it a smart financial decision.

How to Hire an Executive Assistant for Your Business

These benefits sound great, right? But the real key is hiring the right executive assistant and equipping them with the right training and tools. A well-prepared hiring process ensures your EA will quickly become an invaluable asset to your business.

Finding the right executive assistant starts with a well-crafted job description. Clearly outline the skills and responsibilities, focusing on communication, organization, and multitasking abilities. As you move to the interview process, ask targeted questions that gauge their problem-solving abilities and cultural fit. (Check out our blog on top interview questions for hiring an EA for expert guidance.) Prioritize candidates who align with your company culture and can adapt to your business needs, ensuring a smooth hiring process and a successful partnership.

What Happens Next: Steps to Take After You Hire an Executive Assistant

Once you've hired your executive assistant, it's time to set them up for success. Clearly communicate expectations, provide the necessary tools, and ensure consistent feedback. Recap the main reasons you brought an EA on board—improved productivity, enhanced communication, better organization—and focus on how they can support your strategic goals. To help ensure a smooth transition, check out Hey, EA!’s tailored solutions for EAs and executives.