Executive assistant jobs have declined dramatically over the past two decades as business norms change, companies seek to cut costs and technology helps fill the gaps, The Wall Street Journal reports.
The profession has seen a 40 percent drop in jobs since 2000, a decline that largely follows the trajectory of blue-collar manufacturing work. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this decline to continue, according to the report.
The cause of this decline is believed to stem from cuts to administrative budgets, as well as the development of new technology that can take over administrative tasks. At the same time, WSJ observes that the culture of work has changed. Executive "perks" are falling to the wayside and leaders are becoming more autonomous, scheduling their own meetings and booking their own flights.
WSJ notes that the roles that do still exist tend to be more demanding and more often require a college degree. Traditionally, these jobs were held by women without college degrees, according to the report. Other companies continue to offer the perk as a form of remote work.
Read the full column here.
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