Why personal assistants are crucial in tackling mental health

New findings by Tiger Research has revealed that business leaders that lack support from their personal assistants is at much a higher risk of stress, longer hours, and mental health issues. This research reveals that executives without an assistant work over a day more each week (nine hours) – amounting to over an additional month every year (33 days).

Although this research may have been apparent to many companies, it appears that there are a large number of businesses that are missing out on this vital support from their PA’s, with 28% of business leaders that partook in this research, saying that they don’t have enough support from their PA’s to fulfil their day to day needs. In addition to this data, 33% of leaders that did not have a PA admitted that they would be more likely to perform more efficiently and be more successful in their goals if they did have one. This suggests that a large number of UK executives could potentially be performing sub-par because of this lack of support.

David Morel, CEO at Tiger Recruitment comments on the importance of PA’s, saying “PAs have long been the gatekeepers to bosses’ diaries, but we can now see that their value goes much deeper than that, with support staff contributing to reducing the culture of long hours for business leaders and supporting their mental wellbeing.”

Additionally, through this research, it was clear to acknowledge the significance of PA’s, as through this survey, it was clear that they can aid the challenges of leadership in a plethora of ways. 45% of business leaders said their personal assistant gives them more time to reflect and think, while 37% saying that the traditional ‘gatekeeper’ role of screening calls and avoiding interruptions is still hugely important.

These benefits can also benefit a number of healthy aspects of executives lives, with 36% of the participants saying their PA helps them to eat well, while over a quarter at 26% admit that having this additional support can help them to participate in physical activities. Finally just under a quarter at 24% said that having a PA encourages them to spend more time at home with their families. Personal assistants can be crucial to aiding mental health, a large majority admitted to thsi, 75% of UK leaders said that personal assistants (PAs) improve mental wellbeing and reduce stress.

David commented on mental health problems for business leaders, saying “Mental health problems cost the UK economy over £35 billion last year and businesses are waking up to the sometimes unrealistic expectations placed on their leaders. As taboos around stress and mental health in the workplace continue to be wiped out, businesses must do more to acknowledge the critical role that PAs play, while ensuring executives are adequately supported with the highly skilled support staff they need.”

The survey involved over 600 UK business leaders sheds a light on the broad support provided by Personal Assistants. And with recent research showing that more than six in ten business leaders have suffered from mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression and stress, the findings indicate that PAs could be an important part of the solution.