What’s on Every Executive Assistant’s Holiday Wishlist?
As the holiday season approaches, Executive Assistants (EAs) are preparing for the festive celebrations while secretly wishing for a few things that go beyond holiday decor and office supplies. While we happily embrace the cheer of the season, it’s also the perfect time to reflect on the contributions we make year-round. Here’s a deeper look at what we, as Executive Assistants, would love to see under the tree—along with a little extra recognition.
Woman dressed in festive Christmas sweater opening present while smiling.
1. A Competitive Salary Increase
It’s often said that Executive Assistants are the unsung heroes of the workplace, tasked with juggling complex calendars, managing sensitive projects, and tackling problems before they even arise. As much as we love our jobs, a salary increase that reflects the skills, responsibility, and expertise we bring to the table would be incredibly rewarding. With many EAs balancing everything from project management to internal communication, it’s only fair that our compensation reflects the value we add to our teams. While we’re not asking for a lavish salary, a modest increase would certainly go a long way in demonstrating that our hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.
2. A Year-End Bonus
The holidays are a time for businesses to show appreciation for their employees, and for EAs, a thoughtful year-end bonus is one of the best ways to demonstrate that gratitude. Not only does a bonus serve as a recognition of the extra hours worked and the tight deadlines met, but it can also provide an opportunity for EAs to take a well-deserved break or invest in personal growth. While promotional gifts like branded mugs or corporate swag are nice, a bonus that acknowledges the true scope of an EA’s contributions feels far more meaningful. Bonus points if it’s enough to fund that vacation we’ve been putting off!
3. Acknowledgment of Our Professional Role
Many people still view Executive Assistants as purely administrative support, but the reality is far more complex. We are the strategic right hand to executives, the gatekeepers of critical information, and the masters of time management. We help set the tone for the office and ensure that everyone else is able to perform at their best. Recognizing that the role of an EA extends beyond scheduling and travel arrangements to include high-level decision-making and problem-solving is an important step toward truly valuing our work. A public acknowledgment of our contributions, whether it’s in the form of a LinkedIn endorsement, a mention in a company meeting, or a simple thank-you note, helps validate the strategic importance of the role.
4. Genuine Recognition for Our Behind-the-Scenes Work
While we may not be in the spotlight, EAs are the invisible hands that ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. The flawlessly executed meetings, the seamless travel arrangements, and the ability to put out fires at a moment’s notice—none of this happens by accident. It’s the result of careful planning, attention to detail, and constant juggling of priorities. A heartfelt thank-you from management or a team-wide acknowledgment of the work we do would go a long way toward reinforcing the value of our efforts. After all, we’re not just administrators; we’re the glue that keeps everything together.
5. Efficient and Hassle-Free Travel
One of the most stressful—and time-consuming—aspects of an EA’s role is managing travel logistics for executives. A typical day might involve coordinating flights, accommodations, and ground transportation, only for delays and cancellations to throw everything off course. It’s a task that requires flexibility, patience, and a lot of problem-solving. This holiday season, our wish is for travel to go smoothly for once—where flights are on time, cancellations are minimal, and rebooking doesn’t require endless hours on hold with customer service. A smooth, stress-free travel experience would be a welcome break from the usual travel chaos.
6. A Culture of Focus and Quiet
An EA’s role requires deep focus and the ability to multitask across a variety of projects. But achieving that focus is often easier said than done when we’re constantly interrupted by “quick questions,” last-minute requests, and unexpected meetings. This holiday season, what we really need is a workplace culture that values deep work and uninterrupted focus. Whether it’s investing in noise-canceling headphones or setting clearer boundaries around when we are available for quick check-ins, the ability to focus on our tasks without frequent disruptions would make our workday much more manageable.
7. Understanding the Value of an Executive Assistant
The question “What exactly does an EA do?” is a common one, and while we’re always happy to explain, it’s frustrating when the answer is met with blank stares or disinterest. The truth is, EAs are highly skilled professionals with a broad range of responsibilities. We are organizers, communicators, planners, and problem-solvers who keep the office running like a well-oiled machine. This holiday season, we hope that more people take the time to understand and appreciate the true scope of our role—because we do so much more than answer emails and manage calendars.
8. A Realistic, Manageable Calendar
EAs are often tasked with managing executive calendars that can seem more like puzzles than schedules. We are expected to fit a day’s worth of meetings, calls, and deadlines into a limited time frame. The result is often a packed calendar with little room for flexibility or even breaks. A more manageable calendar that accounts for realistic travel times, allows for necessary breaks, and offers buffer time between meetings would greatly reduce stress. This holiday season, all we want is a calendar that’s designed for efficiency and balance, not chaos.
9. Extra Hands (and Patience)
At some point, every EA has wished for a clone—someone who can handle tasks when the workload becomes overwhelming or when the pace picks up. While cloning technology might be a bit out of reach, a helping hand or a team member with a deep understanding of the role would be a huge relief. Extra hands with patience for urgent requests, time management, and multitasking would not only help lighten the load but also create a more sustainable work environment for everyone involved.
10. The Freedom to Set Boundaries
While we are always eager to help and go the extra mile, the ability to set clear boundaries is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. EAs are often asked to take on tasks outside the scope of their role—such as personal errands for executives or last-minute event planning. This holiday season, we hope for a workplace culture that supports healthy boundaries, where saying “no” to non-work-related tasks doesn’t come with guilt or repercussions. After all, boundaries are essential for long-term success, both personally and professionally.
What’s on Your Wishlist?
As the holiday season unfolds, let’s work together to create a culture of recognition, respect, and appreciation for the hard work EAs put in every day. While we’re busy ensuring everyone else’s holidays go smoothly, we hope for a few thoughtful gestures in return. Whether it’s a thank-you note, a well-deserved bonus, or simply acknowledging our role, small acts of recognition go a long way in making us feel valued.
To all the executives and managers out there—if you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift for your EA, consider starting with a simple but heartfelt expression of appreciation. It’s the gift that keeps on giving throughout the year.