Technology has advanced the role of the executive assistant and will continue to evolve in the coming years with the evolution of the immersive world. We have already experienced the shift from secretary to executive assistant, expanding into other titles such as business partner or associate executive. With new technological tools emerging every day, executive assistants are becoming increasingly equipped to handle complex tasks and take on more strategic responsibilities. From advanced scheduling software to AI-powered assistants, technology is helping executive assistants streamline workflows, communicate more effectively, and work more efficiently than ever before. Let’s take a look at the advancements through the years.
The 1950s marked the beginning of the technological revolution in the business office. In the corporate world, the manual typewriter was the most commonly used tool for word processing and carbon paper was used to make copies. Accuracy was paramount, and secretaries were trained to type with precision and minimal errors at speeds over 100 words permit, ensuring that each copy was identical to the original. The secretary’s role required a high level of attention to detail and meticulousness to ensure that all documents were error-free and presented professionally.
The 1960s marked the age of mainframe computers. While these machines were primarily used for data processing and were accessible to large corporations, the typewriter continued to be the primary tool for word processing. This era also saw the introduction of fax machines, overhead projectors and photocopiers and dictation machines started to appear. With these advancements, secretaries needed to develop new skills, such as transcribing and editing spoken words. Pitman and Greg shorthand and speedwriting, which had been a crucial skill in the previous decade, became less critical with the widespread use of dictating machines. However, secretaries still needed to have excellent typing skills and a keen ear for detail to ensure that they transcribed the dictation accurately. The use of dictating machines streamlined the process of creating documents and helped to increase productivity in the corporate office.
The 1970s saw the rise of personal computers, which made computing power accessible to the masses and began to phase out the use of typewriters. The introduction of the microprocessor made it possible to build small, affordable computers that could be used in the office. The first word processors and spreadsheets were introduced during this era, which allowed for faster and more accurate data processing. The use of overhead projectors became increasingly common in presentations and meetings, which meant that secretaries needed to learn new skills to create transparencies. As office equipment continued to evolve, secretaries needed to keep up with the latest technology and develop new skills to remain productive and efficient in the workplace.
Desktop publishing revolutionized the role of the secretary in the 1980s by enabling them to create and edit professional-looking documents without the need for external printing services. This technology required a new set of skills, including graphic design, typesetting, and proficiency in desktop publishing software such as Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress. Secretaries needed to be proficient in using these tools to create and format various documents, such as reports, newsletters, and presentations, and ensure that they were visually appealing and professional-looking. As new technology emerged, the responsibilities of the job expanded beyond the traditional duties of a secretary, becoming responsible for managing and organizing the company’s publications and allowed them to become more creative, skilled and integral members of the corporate office, shifting the role title to administrative assistant.
The advent of the web in the 1990s marked a significant turning point in the evolution of the corporate office and the administrative assistant title began to take shape. The widespread adoption of the internet and web-based technologies enabled assistants to become more efficient and productive. Assistants adapted to new technologies, became proficient in using web-based software, and added value to their roles by taking on additional responsibilities, such as managing websites and social media accounts, online communication, scheduling, and project management. The web provided a platform for assistants to work collaboratively with colleagues, clients, and customers from anywhere in the world. This era started to have a profound impact on the role an assistant could play in the organization and the demand for specialized skills to support high level executives increased, bringing another level and executive assistant title to the field.
The 2000s marked the mobile revolution, with the introduction of smartphones and tablets. The use of mobile devices made it possible for employees to work from anywhere, anytime. Cloud computing became increasingly popular, and companies began to store their data and applications in the cloud. This era also saw the introduction of social media, which revolutionized the way companies interacted with their clients and collaboration was on the rise. The 2000s marked a significant shift in the role of the executive assistant, driven by the widespread adoption of mobile devices and tablets, enabling the executive assistants to stay connected with their executives and perform their duties from anywhere, at any time. With mobile devices, communication became more efficient and streamlined, and passing sticky notes started to become a thing of the past. The ability to access calendars, task lists, and other critical information remotely also allowed executive assistants to be more productive and manage their time more efficiently. The 2000s reshaped the executive assistant role by providing new tools and technologies to perform their duties and communicate with executives more effectively, ultimately improving the overall performance of the executive and the organization.
The 2020s mark the future of work, with the introduction of advanced technologies such as blockchain, virtual reality, and augmented reality. These technologies will revolutionize the way companies operate, allowing for faster and more accurate decision-making. The use of advanced automation and robotics will also become increasingly common, making it possible to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks. The focus will shift towards creating a more flexible and adaptable work environment, where humans can work from anywhere and collaborate seamlessly. The future of work will be characterized by a continued emphasis on innovation and the adoption of new technologies that enable companies to stay ahead of the competition.
With the advent of personal computers, email, and mobile devices, executive assistants became more connected and better able to manage their executive’s affairs from anywhere in the world. As a result, can take on more complex tasks and work more closely with their executives to provide strategic support and guidance.
Today, executive assistants are increasingly seen as strategic business partners who play a critical role in the success of their organizations. They work closely with their executives to manage their schedules, handle correspondence, and coordinate meetings, but they also play a key role in managing projects, conducting research, and making important decisions. With the help of technology, executive assistants are better equipped than ever before to manage the complexities of their roles and to provide valuable support.
The role of the executive assistant has been greatly influenced by technology, but it has not been replaced by it. Instead, technology has allowed executive assistants to advance the role to new heights. While automation and artificial intelligence may be able to handle some administrative tasks, the role of the executive assistant goes beyond simply completing tasks. Executive assistants provide critical support to high-level executives, acting as a gateway to the organization, strategic partner, and trusted advisor. The demands of the executive assistant will only continue to increase as they become more integrated into the overall strategic planning and decision-making processes of the organization, remaining a vital component behind the walls of corporate America.
