Bridging the Gap: How EAs Can Partner with HR for Success

Let's be honest, Admin Appreciation Day is a wonderful gesture. It's a chance to pause and recognize the invaluable contributions Executive Assistants make to their organizations. But as flowers wilt and the celebratory emails fade, many EAs and admin professionals find themselves back in the familiar territory of feeling underappreciated and unsupported.

The truth is, real appreciation and lasting change require more than a designated day. 

We´ve spoken previously about the various ways in which you can ensure you get the appreciation you deserve, but we wanted to dig a little deeper into a resource that most of you will have at your fingertips. One of the most powerful – and often overlooked – resources Executive Assistants have at their disposal is their company's Human Resources department.

Unfortunately, there's often a disconnect between EAs and HR. This gap might stem from a lack of understanding of what HR can offer or hesitation to raise concerns outside of the executive relationship. I get it. Talking to HR can make you feel like you´re being sent to the headmasters office (or principal for our North American friends). Yet, it's precisely this partnership that can address many of the root causes of those feelings of undervaluation.

It´s not just about how to negotiate a raise with HR as an executive assistant. If you approach it correctly, your relationship with the human resources department at your organisation could well be the most important working relationship you have.

Understanding HR's Potential

So are you ready to make Human Resources into your new best friend? Let´s look at how you can do it.

HR professionals are tasked with ensuring a company's most valuable asset – its people – are supported, developed, and compensated fairly. While they might not have a detailed understanding of the specific demands of an Executive Assistant's role, they do have the tools and influence to drive positive change.

Here's where building a bridge becomes crucial:

EAs as Educators:

Executive Assistants possess unique insights into the daily operations, challenges, and successes within the executive suite. Sharing these observations with HR sheds light on areas they might not be directly aware of. You are the experts on your own experience!

Areas for Collaboration: Partnering with HR can unlock significant improvements in several critical areas:

Compensation & Benefits:  HR can help ensure your salary and benefits package aligns with both industry standards and your increasing responsibilities. They can analyze data, review pay scales, and negotiate on your behalf.

Career Progression:  Many EAs are eager to grow, but lack a defined path within their organization. Collaborate with HR to map out potential next steps, whether that's lateral moves into different departments or upward advancement.

Training & Development: HR often controls professional development budgets and resources. Advocate for training that will elevate your skills in project management, communication, or emerging technologies.

Company Culture: EAs have a frontline view of how well (or not so well) a company culture is functioning. This includes employee morale, communication effectiveness, and potential bottlenecks. HR needs this feedback to implement improvements that benefit everyone.

Preparing for the Conversation:

Building a strong relationship with HR, like any productive partnership, requires proactive effort. You can´t just walk in with a smile and expect a positive outcome (apart from anything else, you may come off as a little unhinged). Here's how to ensure a successful dialogue:

Do Your Homework:  Before approaching HR, revisit those accomplishment logs and positive feedback you collect regularly. Having concrete examples will strengthen your case.

Specificity is Key:  Avoid vague requests like "I need more support."  Instead, articulate the kind of support you envision – whether it's dedicated administrative time for your executive, access to specific training, or a clearer path for advancement.

Embrace a Collaborative Mindset:  Frame your concerns as opportunities for HR to improve the overall employee experience. Emphasize how solutions will benefit not only you as the EA, but the broader organization as well.

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Opening the Dialogue

Reach out to your HR department to schedule a meeting and be upfront about your desire to build a partnership focused on improving the Executive Assistant experience. Come prepared with your specific talking points and examples, and don´t forget to have a crystal clear idea of what you are hoping to achieve. It´s not just about what training HR should provide for EAs. Remember to actively listen to HR's perspective- don´t forget that their mission is to ensure they act in the best interest of the company as a whole, it´s not just about making sure you get what you want.  So work together to brainstorm solutions that benefit you, the wider EA and administrative community and, very importantly, the company as a whole..

Stay Tuned!

This conversation is just the beginning. Building effective working relationships takes time and consistent effort.  But the rewards – feeling more valued, having access to growth opportunities, and contributing to a more positive work environment – are well worth the investment.

In our upcoming interview, we'll speak with an HR Director to get their insights on forging successful EA-HR partnerships.