Will AI eventually replace the need for an executive assistant? We say a resounding ‘no’ – we need the skills that only a human can bring to the role. We think that when you combine a human EA with machine AI, then you have a powerful blended model. In fact, we’d go as far as stating that human skills become more valuable as AI absorbs the routine, repeatable tasks leaving more time for your EA to support business relationships, employ emotional intelligence and handle the tasks that demand discretion and judgement. Here’s why we think the best executive support comes from humans plus AI.

The EA tasks perfect for AI

AI is suited to repeatable and pattern-based tasks that it completes in minutes. Our experienced EA team has determined that some of the tasks that AI performs well include:

• Planning a meeting for attendees based in multiple locations, including time zones.
• Creating a one-page summary of an hour long call – highlighting agreed actions.
• Pulling together a first draft of a board document.
• Researching a prospect before a meeting.
• Reconciling expenses* (see our AI and bookkeeping blog for what to bear in mind with this task).
• Planning complicated travel routes and parking!

The EA tasks that a human excels in completing

We know that as automation increases, softer ‘human’ skills are even more important in the workplace. We’re talking about tasks relating to managing relationships, or that need emotional intelligence to complete.

Let’s share some examples. Your EA may notice that a member of staff was quiet in Tuesday’s meeting and suggests you catch up with them – you may unearth a personal issue or a problem at work that they didn’t want to mention in public. Your EA knows which emails deserve a personal reply from you or which calls can wait a day or two for a call back. Or they can hold a sensitive conversation with someone such as telling a supplier something awkward in a way that keeps the relationship intact. Machines cannot possibly pick up on these nuances or ascertain when a different response is needed that’s outside your usual communication patterns.

It’s because AI drafts emails based on standard rules and in your company tone (assuming you’ve set this up). AI doesn’t know that this client has had a rough quarter and may need you to take a different approach to continue the conversation or that a particular expense should be categorised as training, not entertainment. This is why human input is so important – even if it’s in the form of a review.

A blended human and AI model delivers huge benefits

We’re not saying that AI isn’t very useful. An AI assistant will quickly complete tasks but because it works without context or tact – and the fact that nobody is accountable when AI gets something wrong – humans are necessary. Equally, we’re not saying you don’t need AI at all – it’s proven that an assistant who avoids AI will take longer doing repeatable work. The best version for a business comes when you put the human together with AI. Human + AI gives you speed with judgement – the perfect combination.

An oft-used term for executive assistants who use AI is that they are “AI-fluent“. In other words, they openly use AI for routine tasks then use their judgement to check what is produced and handle the work needing emotional intelligence. Here’s an example of what this means in practice at the start of the working day:

The EA starts the morning by taking a quick check over your inbox that’s already been sorted into folders by AI. Routine replies have been drafted by AI for approval by the EA, who can adjust the tone and add personal messages where needed. AI has created a short briefing note or agenda for each of your meetings that day, highlighting factual action points from previous meetings. The EA has checked the AI-prepared summary of yesterday’s calls – important because tools sometimes ‘mishear’ names or misunderstand accents.

The result is that the EAs time is spent on the human-necessary work and on making decisions rather than admin.

TOP TIP: We suggest that when your assistant notices they’ve done the same task three weeks running, they turn it into a repeatable process through AI.

Other companies are embracing AI-fluent executive support

Microsoft and LinkedIn’s 2024 Work Trend Index surveyed 31,000 people across 31 countries. 71% of leaders said they would rather hire a less experienced candidate with AI skills than a more experienced one without them. Two thirds said they would not hire someone if they didn’t have any AI skills. Businesses recognise the benefit of AI.

Over the two years between the 2024 report and the 2026 Work Trend Index, the way AI is used has adapted to recognise the need for human input too. One piece of research in the index explored how people use AI by analysing more than 100,000 chats in Microsoft 365 Copilot. The research showed that 49% of all AI conversations support cognitive work, that means helping workers analyse information, solve problems, evaluate, and think creatively. Exactly what an AI-fluent EA will do – raising their productivity and putting “a premium on judgment, clarity of intent, and the design of work itself.”

IMPORTANT – We recommend that an EA should personally prepare any confidential documents and suggest that a human handles proprietary information, particularly if you use a free version as that information is used to train AI.

How can the Hour Hands EA team help you?

Hour Hands EAs are all confident with using AI for routine tasks but understand the need to handle some actions personally. They are AI-fluent, saving you time on routine tasks and adding value through their experience. They will take time to build a personal relationship with your team, ensuring that they deliver a bespoke service that suits your needs. This is AI and humans working together to deliver more in the most efficient way.

Keen to learn more? Let’s talk about how we can support your business or individual needs.