Personal assistants (PAs) are becoming frustrated at their lack of opportunities within the company they work in, according to a new study.
Research by OfficeRecruit.com suggests that four in ten PAs feel they are being under-used, with almost half saying a better understanding of their role would enable managers to utilise them more effectively.
The survey suggests a culture in which PAs' skills are being ignored, with 39 per cent of respondents saying their job "never" requires them to work to the best of their ability.
Jim Ryan, OfficeRecruit.com's managing director, said it was important businesses made the most of their assets, adding that managers could do more to harness PA skills.
"Having a bird's eye view of the business and offering everyone new challenges based on skill rather than title will improve the role everyone can play in the company," he commented.
The role of a PA has become increasingly broad with the advent of information technology, with traditional functions such as diary organisation remaining a key skill but being translated into electronic form.
In addition many PAs are now the first port of call with suppliers or service providers and will also be expected to help formulate presentations or demonstrate other multimedia skills.
Digg 
Delicious 
Reddit 
StumbleUpon 
Google 
Technorati 
Netvouz