Survey Results are IN!

Thank you to the EAs around the country who participated in our recent survey about how COVID—19 has impacted your work. We heard from Senior EAs across more than 25 industries. Obviously, those in specific industries are busier than ever (medical companies, online education, and banks, to name a few), but other EAs seem to be going through a lot of adjustments. 

Chart 1: working from home— percentage before COVID—19

Chart one above shows the feedback we received, indicating that 5% of EAs always worked from home prior (virtual EAs), 32% never worked from home, and 63% sometimes worked from home. Now 100% of the EAs who completed our survey are currently working from home due to the quarantine and shelter in place regulations. It will be interesting to see if the crisis will increase remote work for EAs in the future. Before the pandemic, we have already seen an increase of inquiries from entirely virtual or remote companies asking to hire remote or virtual EAs and Chiefs of Staff. 

Chart 2: Challenges EAs are facing right now

The chart above shows a variety of different challenges EAs are experiencing right now. The feedback shows that 27% of EAs find it challenging to stay productive while working from home. Most noted that it has been distracting having their young children home from school. Another part of the challenge is creating a new routine and finding a workspace that enables them to stay productive. 

On the flip side, some of our survey respondents were enjoying the added time in their day to be productive without having to commute one or two hours a day. The feeling of isolation challenges other EAs. Other issues mentioned, included working with slow internet, having non-productive workspaces, and having to juggle the needs of the home front while working virtually from the kitchen table. For the most part, though, accountable employees can get their job done working remotely.

Chart 3: The Most Significant Impacts on Companies from COVID—19

Chart three above shows what EAs are claiming to be the most significant impacts on their companies from the pandemic. It ranges from increased online sales, layoffs, and furloughs to an increased volume of work. 

The survey indicates that 9% of EAs noted the most considerable effect had to do with travel restrictions on business relationships, another 9% of EAs are saying their company has shifted to increase online sales and innovative project ideas, 14% of EAs mentioned the work from home has helped their company grow and has increased online learning (training modules, onboarding videos, etc.). The largest percentage of EAs at 27% stated that their company's workforce was let go, and the financial impact will be felt. We have also heard from EAs noting the complete opposite, with 14% of EAs working around the clock to meet the demands in the online education, and medical industries. Others are scrambling to change business projections for Q2 and many have lost business due to the impact of other companies that can't move forward. So as they say, we really are #alonetogether.

Chart 4: The impacts of COVID—19 on executives roles

We also wanted to see what EAs are noticing how COVID—19 has impacted their executives’ role. The answers range dramatically depending on the specific executive. From 19% of EAs saying that their executives are having a high level of urgent COVID meetings to the biggest piece of the pie saying their executives are working around the clock to change the business plan, shift priorities, stay engaged with customers, and cut costs while finding a way to retain their employees on the payroll. We have other respondents on the opposite side of the spectrum that relayed that work is slow, and their executive is catching up on other projects, most likely personal.

Chart 5: Impact on the EA role

In parallel, it’s interesting to see how the crisis and shelter at home have impacted the EA role. The chart above shows the different impacts EAs are currently facing, with 36% saying the crisis has shifted their focus to various projects with the lack of expense reports, or travel management. It seems EAs now have the time to work on more strategic projects or catch-up on backlogged organizational ones. 9% of EAs are staying flexible and jumping in whenever needed, with 14% of EAs saying that their role had very little change. 23% of EAs noted that workload has reduced, and it’s not as demanding, while 18% of EAs mentioned that they are now working more with late or strange hours. It’s all over the map how the pandemic has affected the EA role as we see it’s incredibly dependent on leadership, industry, company size, and even the individual.

Chart 6: Top Technology Tools EAs are using right now!

The good news is that EAs with solid tech skills continue to keep the trains running for their companies and executives!  EAs are relying more on tools like Slack, Teams, Skype, Zoom, and others to keep communications flowing. Other technology tools include ATT Conference lines, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Facebook, High Five, Skype, etc.  It’s important for EAs now more than ever to serve as the air traffic controller.  

We’ve also heard from the EA community some best practices and words of wisdom to stay positive, connected, and productive. Please see below:  

• Keep structured with the same routine working from home, shower, exercise, take breaks throughout the day, eat healthily, and sleep regularly 
• Take time to stay connected with other friends, family, and colleagues
• Schedule a daily or weekly update with your direct reports
• Spend time designating a workspace making a comfortable work from home area free from distractions
• Always stay ahead of the curve with technology, and learning modules to help remote work
• Instead of binging on Netflix, read more WSJ, NYT, Business Insider articles to keep up on business issues
• Forget the 9-5 p.m. and be available; executive’s needs are more unexpected and fluid than ever before 
• Catch-up on backlogged organizational projects
• Take advantage of online learning such as Lynda.com, or LinkedIn certifications
• Brush up on your Excel or PowerPoint skills 
• Stay calm in the chaos; try meditating - there are great meditation apps (HeadSpace, Calm, WakingUp, Insight Timer)
• Have a sense of humor and remember that the quarantine is not forever

Remember that you are amazing, and the magnitude of the work you accomplish is inspiring. EAs continue to hold critical roles in companies, even more so in times of crisis. EAs are the gears that keep the business machine running at peak performance. Stay healthy, connected, and positive. We know you are working hard out there to make the impossible possible. Happy Administrative Professionals' Day!