More than half of PAs work over the standard working week of 37.5 hours, while 90% said they did not get paid any overtime, according to a survey by Tirebuck Career Solutions.

The research found that more than 80% of the PAs said they did take their full holiday entitlement, with 56% saying they take more than four weeks holiday per year.

It found that PAs thought the top four skills in their role are now: organisation (50%), pro-activity (17%), integrity (10%) and secretarial (10%).

Gill Moles, team leader of the executive PA division, says: “I was not surprised to see that those we surveyed considered organisation to be the most important part of their role, even though many people still see a PA as a secretary who types and answers calls. This is definitely not the case and it is why we are continually working to heighten the awareness of what a good PA can bring to a business.” 

The research also found that variety was rated as the most important priority for job satisfaction among PAs, followed by good working relationships, good salary, ability to use their commercial skills, autonomy, flexible hours, ability to develop the role, location, recognition and career progression.