Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants

These tools make routine work easier and faster, but people still stay in control. For instance, even when AI suggests answers to common questions, a human reviews and sends the final message ^[2]. Filing systems are smarter, but an assistant still decides where things go.

In short, many repetitive tasks (like creating invoices or sorting mail) can be partly automated, while complex judgment calls and personal touches remain with human assistants.

On the other hand, cost and trust matter. Executive assistants often cost less than building a custom AI system, so some employers may stick with humans unless the AI offers clear savings. Also, these jobs usually need experience and judgment – nearly 90% of these positions require prior experience and on-the-job training ^[5] – so businesses may be cautious.

Social and legal concerns play a role too: for example, the UK Treasury’s AI only suggests reply lines and still requires a staff member to write and approve each letter ^[2], to ensure quality and privacy. In practice, adoption will likely be gradual. If AI tools prove reliable and affordable, businesses can use them for routine work, freeing people to focus on creative or high-level tasks.

Human communication skills, management of sensitive information, and insight into executives’ preferences will still be valuable aspects of the assistant’s role, even as AI handles more of the “busy work.”