When we think about roles that influence a company’s culture and employee wellbeing strategy, our minds often jump to HR managers or senior leadership. However, there’s a crucial group of professionals who play a significant, albeit often understated, role—Executive Assistants (EAs) and Personal Assistants (PAs).
EAs and PAs work closely with leadership, ensuring the smooth operations of day-to-day business functions, which places them in a unique position to be changemakers in championing employee wellbeing. From managing schedules to influencing travel policies, these roles can help shape work environments that prioritise care and productivity.
Managing schedules with wellbeing in mind
One of the most direct ways EAs and PAs can help is by managing the schedules of executives with their health in mind. Leaders who model good wellbeing practices set a precedent for the broader company culture. You can assist by ensuring that their workdays reflect balance — accounting for breaks, manageable workloads, and time for reflection or personal growth.
Championing a care-led approach to business travel
Business travel is a critical area where EAs and PAs can influence employee wellbeing. Travelling for work — whether for executives or team members — is often stressful. Long flights, extensive layovers, and demanding schedules can lead to fatigue, decreased productivity, and even burnout.
By implementing a care-led, traveller-centric approach to business travel, you can help teams feel supported. That’s where Travel Counsellors for Business can support busy assistants, by taking care of the end-to-end management of all your company’s business travel – with the individual traveller at the heart of every trip.
Here are three key steps to align business travel with wellbeing goals:
Not only do these practices show care for your employees — they set a company apart as a forward-thinking organisation that values its people.
Facilitating access to wellness resources
EAs and PAs can help establish clear communication channels for employees to access wellness resources. Whether it’s curating a space on the company intranet for mindfulness resources, gym memberships, or offering virtual wellness programmes, making these options seamlessly accessible can significantly enhance employee engagement.
Gathering feedback to shape wellbeing strategies
Your role often places you in direct contact with both executives and employees, giving you unique insight into company culture. Use this position to become a bridge between leadership and team members by gathering employee feedback about their wellbeing needs and challenges.
You can use simple surveys or informal check-ins to identify pain points. Reporting these insights to leadership can inform more targeted and effective employee wellbeing solutions.
Executive and Personal Assistants hold the power to shape a company’s culture and make a tangible difference in employees' experiences. By prioritising wellbeing in scheduling, travel, and everyday interactions, you contribute to a happier, more motivated workforce.
Want to learn more about care-led travel solutions that align with your wellbeing strategy? Explore how Travel Counsellors can help take your business travel policy to the next level. Enquire today and a member of our friendly team will be in touch.
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