Evolving work practices and technological innovations, accelerated by the pandemic, are rapidly reshaping the roles of Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants, Virtual Assistants, and Office Managers. These professionals are facing greater workloads, grappling with the uncertainty surrounding the impact of AI, and managing the challenges of hybrid working. Corporate travel has yet to fully bounce back, and tighter budgets and a growing focus on sustainability have driven demand for domestic, unique, and eco-friendly venues.
A global survey of 3,700 administrative professionals conducted by The DMC Collective sheds light on the pressures they face. Notably, while the challenges of new ways of working and technological innovations are felt globally, the survey highlights how these challenges are experienced differently across regions.
Our survey found that many administrative professionals are taking on more strategic responsibilities and dealing with bigger workloads, often without the support they need. Hybrid working brings flexibility, but it has also brought new challenges with communication and coordination. According to our survey, 70% of respondents have seen an increase in their daily responsibilities, with 32% reporting a significant rise. These increased demands are taking their toll, with six in ten respondents expressing concerns about burnout.
As Susan Vanhuston, co-founder of the DMC Collective’s parent company, Events and More Ltd, explains: “Our survey vividly shows that our industry is at a pivotal point. To succeed in this evolving landscape, embracing flexibility, thoughtfully integrating advanced technologies, and committing to sustainable practices are essential to meet the nuanced needs of today’s organisations.”
Administrative professionals are playing a key role in shaping change, and their success is critical to the success of their organisations. For businesses to thrive in today’s fast-changing environment, it’s essential to listen to these team members, offering them the support, tools, and fair compensation they need to do their best work
Worryingly, our survey reveals that 65% of administrative professionals reported feeling undervalued in their roles. For many, a lack of fair compensation lay behind their disillusionment, with only 23% believing their compensation fairly reflects their responsibilities.
However, fair compensation is just one piece of the puzzle. Our survey details how workplace recognition programmes, professional development opportunities, and better communication channels are equally vital in ensuring administrative professionals feel valued and appreciated.
In Asia, increased workload is a key concern, with professionals facing a significant rise in responsibilities without a proportional increase in compensation or resources. Additionally, adapting to hybrid work environments presents challenges as remote work often leads to longer working hours due to overlapping time zones.
In Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) professionals are grappling with resource constraints that make managing larger workloads particularly difficult. Many also express a need for greater recognition, with respondents stating the importance of compensation reviews and formal acknowledgement of their contributions.
In the Americas, administrative professionals frequently feel that their contributions are not fully recognised or compensated. Respondents stated the need for a proper work/life balance, particularly within the context of hybrid and remote working.
Our survey shows that administrative professionals want more than just better pay—they want better support. 59% of respondents reported the need for more opportunities for professional development and 55% said they were struggling to adapt to new technologies like AI.
Structured training programmes can help reduce the pressure of adopting new technologies and dedicated time to unplug from work can help reduce the strain of constant connection. Furthermore, nearly 60% of respondents called for formal recognition programmes as well as fair compensation.
Since the pandemic, executive travel has slowly begun to recover, with 50% of survey respondents reporting an increase, although 45% of respondents said their organisation remains cautious about returning to pre-pandemic levels of travel. The reasons cited include budget constraints, concerns over potential restrictions, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Overall, it is clear that businesses are now more discerning about when and why they travel and are focusing on fewer but higher-quality trips.
Chris Budimir, Co-Founder of Unique Limousines and More, observed, “As we navigate the post-pandemic world, executive travel is transforming significantly. While half of executives are increasing their travel, many organisations remain cautious, not fully returning to pre-COVID levels. This isn’t just about budget constraints; it reflects a fundamental shift in how businesses approach mobility and events.”
Event planning timelines have decreased, with 60% of respondents saying that lead times have decreased, and 30% of those surveyed described this pressure as particularly challenging. This shorter planning window makes it more difficult to source the right venue, coordinate various logistics, and ultimately ensure the event is a success.
Despite these challenges, administrative professionals are using technology to ease the burden. 75% of respondents said they preferred using AI-powered platforms, or a combination of AI tools and traditional methods such as consulting a travel agent for event planning.
Half of the respondents noted that their event budgets have decreased and many administrative professionals are now more selective about venues, with a notable shift toward in-country events that cut costs and reduce travel-related emissions.
As Susan Vanhuston puts it, “We’re navigating budget constraints and shorter lead times, which demand innovative solutions. The preference for blending AI-powered platforms with traditional booking methods highlights that while efficiency is crucial, it cannot replace the invaluable human touch.”
The types of venues have also evolved and while 70% of respondents still favour hotels and 65% prefer conference centres, there has been a growing interest in unique spaces. Just over half of respondents said they looked to book unique venues such as museums, historical sites, and outdoor venues.
The popularity of venues like Lake Tegernsee in Germany and Bodø in Norway exemplify this. Both destinations offer stunning, natural landscapes paired with modern, eco-friendly facilities, making them ideal for companies prioritising sustainability and something a bit different. Lake Tegernsee in the Bavarian Alps provides the perfect backdrop for team-building activities and retreats. Meanwhile, Bodø, located just north of the Arctic Circle, has gained recognition for its innovative energy efficiency solutions and picturesque setting, offering an inspiring environment for B2B events.
Administrative professionals are juggling a diverse mix of event types, from in-person conferences to virtual and hybrid formats. Our survey shows that 60% of respondents have seen a resurgence in in-person conferences, while 55% have noticed an increase in hybrid events, which offer the flexibility required in today’s post-pandemic world. Smaller team meetings and networking events are also highly sought after, with 70% and 65% of respondents citing them as top priorities.
Hybrid events are especially crucial in regions like Asia and EMEA, where travel restrictions and geopolitical tensions have made large-scale international events more challenging.
In response to these changing dynamics, administrative professionals are increasingly relying on support from event agencies and Travel Management Companies. However, the feedback is mixed—only 25% feel fully supported, while 50% believe there’s room for improvement, particularly when it comes to integrating advanced technologies and providing more personalised services.
Corporate event planning, venue sourcing, and destination management will continue to evolve, with administrative professionals leading the way by focusing on flexibility, innovation, and sustainability. While AI-powered tools will streamline tasks, organisations must ensure their teams strike the right balance between leveraging technology and delivering the personalised service that remains vital for Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants, Virtual Assistants, and Office Managers. To thrive in this dynamic environment, businesses must equip their administrative professionals with the right tools, training, and recognition. The question isn’t whether these professionals will rise to the occasion, but how organisations will empower them to redefine how we work, connect, and shape the future of events and corporate travel in ways we have yet to imagine.
The DMC Collective (thedmccollective.com) is a European events agency specialising in bespoke corporate events. From conferences to product launches, we provide tailored solutions for EAs, PAs, and office managers. With local expertise across Europe, we deliver seamless event planning and execution to meet diverse client needs.
Press Contact:
Thomas Moor
Email: press@thedmccollective.com
#PAShowAutumn #PACommunity #ExcutiveSupport
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