I’m often asked by professionals whether hiring a personal assistant is really worth it. It usually comes up when their workload has reached a tipping point – when emails, diary clashes and admin tasks start to eat into the time they should be spending on strategy, leadership or even just enjoying life outside of work.
From what I’ve seen, a PA can be a game-changer at that moment. They lighten the load and create the breathing room to focus on what matters most. That’s why, for so many of the clients I work with, bringing on the right PA ends up being one of the most impactful career decisions they’ve ever made.
Why Hire A Personal Assistant
Improved Work-Life Balance
One of the primary reasons to hire a personal assistant is to achieve a better work-life balance. I’ve seen how quickly the stress of admin eats into family time. When a PA steps in, clients often tell me it feels like they’ve finally got their evenings back.
As I often tell my clients, having a PA allows you to manage the pressures of work and time more effectively, so your focus on the business world doesn’t detract from responsibilities in your private life.
More Time to Focus
Your time is your most precious resource. Research shows the average worker is only productive for around 3 hours per day without assistance. The moment you delegate repetitive or time-consuming tasks, you get back the headspace for bigger-picture thinking. That shift can completely change how you work day-to-day.
Around-the-Clock Support
Whether you work unconventional hours, travel frequently or simply can't be in two places at once, a PA provides the extra pair of hands and eyes you need.
They can:
- Attend meetings
- Coordinate with contractors
- Manage your schedule
- Handle personal matters
They help ensure you never miss a beat, no matter how hectic your calendar is.
I’ve worked with clients who’ve said this level of support was what finally allowed them to grow their business while maintaining balance in their personal lives.
Essential for Growing Businesses
In smaller companies or fast-growing teams, it’s common that everyone ends up stretched thin. I’ve seen how transformative it can be when a PA comes on board.
As Michael Haughey, COO of SE24, shared with me, “PAs are especially important in start-ups and SMEs where management and staff have to multitask and perform many roles. Their most important roles are to de-clutter your work life, to act as your gate-keeper, confidant and sounding board.”
That reflection mirrors what I’ve seen in so many of my clients: the right PA makes your work easier and your business more sustainable.
Do I Need a PA?
I’m often asked this exact question. The truth is, if you find yourself stretched thin, missing opportunities, or spending too much time on admin, the answer is usually yes.
Signs It's Time to Hire a Personal Assistant
You're Constantly Missing Deadlines and Appointments
Do you frequently forget meetings, miss important events or turn in work late due to disorganisation and overload? If a lack of time management is jeopardising your productivity and professional reputation, it's a clear sign you need dedicated assistance to get (and keep) your schedule under control.
Your To-Do List is Overflowing
From administrative tasks to miscellaneous "brain clutter," an ever-growing to-do list that bleeds into your personal time is a surefire indicator that you could use an extra pair of hands. A PA can cross off those nagging responsibilities, preventing burnout and allowing you to focus on mission-critical work.
You Lack a Proper Work-Life Balance
Are you skipping exercise, quality time with loved ones or hobbies because there just aren't enough hours in the day? 92% of UK employees report feeling burnout or stress in the workplace, with over one-third grappling with poor mental health. Delegating to a PA will help you reclaim that balance and prioritise your health.
What Can a Personal Assistant Do for You?
While responsibilities vary based on each individual's needs, personal assistants offer a remarkably wide range of services, including:
Administrative Duties
- Email management and fielding calls
- Scheduling appointments, meetings, and travel
- Diary management
- Conducting research and writing reports
- Preparing expense reports and invoicing
- Ordering supplies and equipment
Personal/Household Tasks
- Running errands
- Making restaurant reservations
- Coordinating services (cleaning, repairs, etc.)
- Assisting with event planning
- Overseeing pet care and home services
- Handling miscellaneous personal requests
- Booking luxury travel
- Household management
- Liaising with household staff
- Fleet management
Business Operations
- Managing projects and task tracking
- Preparing presentations and proposals
- Market research and competitive analysis
- Basic accounting and bookkeeping
- Tracking metrics and KPIs
- Administering online systems and tools
High-Level Support
- Representing you at lower-priority meetings
- Acting as a professional gatekeeper
- Liaising with staff and external stakeholders
- Offering a trusted sounding board and advice
- Managing other assistants and admin staff
These tasks aren’t just about ticking items off a to-do list; they create space for leaders to work at their best.
Claire Hunter, Senior People Manager at Papier, captured this perfectly when she told me: “Unless you’ve had one before, you wouldn’t believe how many tasks a PA can take care of for you… Having a reliable pair of hands taking care of the day-to-day bits that are so easy to fall behind on opens up your schedule to important strategic thinking and achieving business goals.”
A great PA is an extension of how you work, giving you back the time and clarity to focus on what matters most.
Browse our templated PA job description here.
Do I Need a Full-Time, Part-Time or Virtual PA?
Your specific requirements and personal budget will determine whether you need a full-time in-house PA or if you can manage with part-time or virtual assistance:
Full-Time PA: A dedicated full-time assistant is ideal for those with significant personal and professional responsibilities. This allows for consistent, all-day support explicitly tailored to your every need.
Part-Time PA: If your needs are less intensive, you may only require a part-time PA for 20-30 working hours per week to keep you organised and on track. Here are some tips on managing a part-time PA.
Virtual Assistant (VA): Virtual assistants provide remote administrative aid through digital communication channels. VAs are an affordable option offering flexibility to scale up or down assistance as needed.
Here are the skills to look for when hiring for a VA specifically.
Whichever route you choose, the key is ensuring your PA is a seamless extension of yourself, upholding your values, expectations and privacy.
How to Hire the Right Personal Assistant
Finding a genuinely exceptional PA is crucial, as you’ll build a working partnership anchored in trust and continuity. When I help clients through this process, I always remind them that the right PA isn’t just competent – they’re someone you’ll trust as a partner.
When interviewing candidates:
- Assess organisational abilities and attention to detail
- Evaluate communication skills and professional demeanour
- Discuss specific technical and industry knowledge required
- Look for someone who takes initiative and has a self-driven work ethic
- Consider availability and schedule needs (9-5, overnight, weekends, travel etc.)
- Ensure robust references and a track record of discretion
As Louise Potter, HR Officer at Bedrock, explains: “A personal assistant should be a highly efficient and organised individual, articulate, accurate and providing a high standard of excellence in their work whilst supporting their manager with day-to-day activities.”
That’s exactly the standard I encourage clients to look for. When you hire a PA who brings that level of professionalism, the partnership truly flourishes.
If you’re running interviews, you may consider asking some of these interview questions for a personal assistant role.
You can also work with a specialised PA recruitment firm to source pre-screened, highly qualified candidates matching your criteria. Read our article on the benefits of working with specialist PA recruiters here.
Stop Juggling - Hire a PA Today
Whether you're a busy executive, entrepreneur, or simply looking to bring more balance into your life, there's no need to go it alone. A great PA doesn’t just save you time; they change the way you work, reduce stress and help you unlock opportunities you’d otherwise miss.
For me, that’s the most rewarding part of my job: knowing that the right PA doesn’t just make someone more efficient, they give them back the headspace to enjoy life.
Ready to take that first step? If you’re looking to hire a PA, our recruitment consultants can help you define your needs and quickly present you with exceptional candidates to interview. Contact us today to learn more about how our PA candidates can streamline your daily grind.
