The ROI of a Great Assistant: Why the Right Hire Pays for Itself

At Attic Recruitment, we’ve seen first hand how a great Executive Assistant (EA) delivers far more than diary management and admin support — they offer tangible ROI for any busy executive or business owner. Hiring the right EA is not a cost; it’s an investment that pays for itself many times over.

A top-tier EA saves their employer hundreds of hours a year by streamlining operations, anticipating needs, and handling tasks that would otherwise disrupt high-value work. Whether it’s managing complex travel logistics, preparing reports, or gatekeeping effectively, an EA enables executives to focus on decision-making, strategy, and leadership — where their time truly matters.

But ROI goes beyond time-saving. Great EAs improve team communication, boost productivity, and protect their principals from distractions and burnout. In high-pressure environments, they’re often the calm, organised force that keeps everything moving. When an EA excels, executives make faster decisions, meetings run efficiently, and priorities stay on track — all of which contribute to better business performance.

Financially, the equation is simple. If a great Assistant saves an executive just 5 hours a week, that’s over 250 hours a year — time that can be reinvested into high-revenue-generating activity. For a business leader billing £300 per hour, that’s a potential ROI of £75,000 annually.

At Attic, we specialise in matching high-calibre EAs with top London professionals and boutique firms. We understand the unique chemistry and skillset required — discretion, proactivity, and emotional intelligence — to make a placement truly impactful.

A great EA isn’t just a support role. They’re a business enabler, a productivity multiplier, and often, the secret weapon behind a successful leader.