Not so long ago, the traditional working model for many senior leaders looked fairly predictable. They worked for one organisation, led one team and often had an Executive Assistant based in the same office.

Today, that picture looks quite different.

Many executives now wear several hats. They may sit on multiple boards, combine executive and non-executive roles, advise growing businesses or build a portfolio career across several organisations. Their work is no longer tied to one office, one location or even one employer.

As leadership has changed, executive support has needed to change alongside it.

That’s one reason more boards, business owners and senior leaders are considering flexible, virtual executive support rather than automatically recruiting for a traditional full-time, office-based position.

It isn’t simply about reducing costs. It’s about choosing a support model that reflects the way modern leaders and organisations actually work.

Leadership no longer fits neatly into nine to five

Remote and hybrid working are now an established part of UK business life. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that 28% of working adults in Great Britain worked in a hybrid way between January and March 2025. This increased to 45% among managers, directors and senior officials. (Office for National Statistics)

Flexible working is also much broader than working from home. A government survey of more than 4,200 workers found that 79% of employees had access to some form of flexible working, including flexible hours, hybrid arrangements and part-time roles. (UK Government)

These changes matter because executive support has traditionally been designed around a leader working in one place within a fairly fixed structure. That model can still work extremely well, but it’s no longer the only option.

For Chairs, Non-Executive Directors, consultants and business owners, it’s increasingly common to balance several appointments, stakeholders and priorities. Their support needs may vary from week to week, making flexibility particularly valuable.

Support that changes with the business

Every organisation goes through periods of change.

There may be times when extra support is essential, such as during a board cycle, an acquisition, a restructuring, an event, or a period of growth. There may also be quieter periods when a full-time resource isn’t required.

A flexible executive support model allows the level and type of assistance to change as the organisation’s needs evolve. Instead of recruiting around a fixed job description, support can be shaped around the leader, their responsibilities and the demands of the business.

For a growing company, this can provide access to experienced support without creating a permanent position too soon. For a portfolio executive, it can create continuity across several appointments. For a Chair or NED, it may mean having one trusted person who understands the full picture.

The aim isn’t simply to fill a set number of hours. It’s to provide the right support where it will make the greatest difference.

Flexible leadership is growing too

It’s worth remembering that Executive Assistants aren’t the only professionals working more flexibly.

Fractional leadership, where an experienced executive works with several businesses on a part-time basis, has grown significantly in recent years. The number of UK LinkedIn profiles mentioning fractional leadership reportedly rose from around 2,000 in 2022 to approximately 110,000 in 2024. (The Times)

This doesn’t mean every organisation is moving away from permanent leadership roles. It does show that businesses are becoming more comfortable accessing experienced people in flexible ways tailored to specific needs.

It makes sense that executive support would follow a similar path.

When a leader works across several organisations or divides their time between home, offices and boardrooms, support no longer needs to be defined by where someone sits. What matters is their experience, judgement, responsiveness and ability to build a trusted working relationship.

Experience matters more than location

One of the biggest benefits of virtual support is access to experienced Executive Assistants who may not live within commuting distance of the organisation.

Many Virtual EAs have supported senior leaders across different industries, organisations and board environments. They’re used to adapting quickly, managing complex diaries and communicating with stakeholders at every level.

This can considerably widen the available talent pool, particularly for organisations outside major cities. The search can focus on finding someone with the right skills and experience rather than someone who happens to live nearby.

Virtual support won’t be the right answer for every role. Some leaders need regular face-to-face assistance or support that’s closely connected to a particular workplace.

This isn’t about suggesting one model is automatically better. It’s about recognising that leaders now have more choice.

Choosing the model that fits the way you lead

The conversation has moved beyond whether executive support is valuable.

The more useful question is whether the support model reflects the way the leader and organisation operate today.

For some businesses, a permanent in-house Executive Assistant will remain the best solution. For others, particularly scale-ups, portfolio executives, Chairs and Non-Executive Directors, flexible virtual support may offer the experience and adaptability they need.

The best Executive Assistants have never simply managed diaries. They create space for leaders to think, make decisions and focus on the work only they can do.

As leadership continues to evolve, perhaps the most important question isn’t whether you need executive support. It’s whether the support around you is evolving with you.

If you’re reviewing your current arrangements or wondering whether flexible support could suit your way of working, Executive PA Solutions would be happy to talk through options. Whether you need regular ongoing assistance, support across several appointments or an experienced Virtual Executive Assistant who can adapt as your priorities change, please book a call and let’s have an informal conversation.