Is it appropriate for a CEO to have a 'Personal Assistant' paid by the company?

Question

A Personal Assistant doing very personal errands like picking up the kids, doing personal shopping, managing maintenance for her home etc...is this a non-exempt or exempt employee?

Answer 1

Actually, it can be very appropriate. Because of a persons "position" such as a CEO, the demands of the position afford them very little time to take care of things like personal errands, picking up the kids, etc. It may be unconventional to some, but if that is what the basis of the position is than it is fine. The position could be either, it wouldn't really matter whether it is exempt or non-exempt, that would be up to the company to decide.

Now, if he uses his administrative assistant to support his personal errands and that is not what the administrative assistant was hired to do, then that is abuse of position.

In the military, Top Generals, have "aides" who are trained specifically for the position of a Generals Aide. Some even specialize as cooks, gardners etc.

Answer 2

I dont think its appropriate, but the reality is, it happens, some CEOs have whole offices of support staff, even after they seperate from the company.

The difference between non-exempt and exempt employees, is if they are subject to the federal minimum wage laws (exempt employees are usually always salaried, and therefore work whatever hours, without concern to overtime.)

So, a personal assistant could be either an exempt or non-exempt employee.

Answer 3

It can be appropriate, especially if it's a very busy CEO. The idea behind the company providing the CEO with this benefit, is that it keeps them focused on what the company finds most important, rather than dealing with personal interferences.

Most likely the person would be non-exempt.

Answer 4

The company shouldn't pay if the errands aren't company related. If that's the case, we all would have company paid "personal assistants"!!!

Answer 5

Yes.