In 2024–2025, the labour market experienced a period of overheating. Companies were competing intensely for talent, salaries were rising rapidly, and finding a strong specialist became increasingly difficult.
However, in 2026 the situation is gradually changing.
Economists and employers are already noting the first signs of a cooling labour market — and for entrepreneurs this may represent a strategic window of opportunity to strengthen their teams.
This is particularly relevant for one key role: the executive assistant.
What Is Happening in the Labour Market in 2026
Despite historically low unemployment, the structure of the labour market is beginning to shift.
According to official statistics, unemployment in Russia remains around 2.1–2.2%, the lowest level in recorded history.
At the same time, several important changes are taking place:
- The number of vacancies is declining as employers become more cautious in hiring
- Companies are optimising personnel costs and reassessing team structures
- Salary growth is slowing, signalling stabilisation after an overheated market
- The market is gradually shifting from a “candidate-driven market” to an “employer-driven market”
In other words, the number of available candidates is increasing, while companies are becoming more selective and strategic in their hiring decisions.
For entrepreneurs, this means one thing: the opportunity to hire strong professionals under more rational conditions.
Why Now Is the Right Time to Hire an Assistant
In times of economic uncertainty, leaders often face an increasing workload:
- operational tasks multiply
- decision-making speed becomes more critical
- processes require closer oversight
- communication volume grows significantly
At the same time, the entrepreneur’s most limited resource remains unchanged — time.
This is exactly where a role appears that can dramatically improve managerial efficiency: a strong executive assistant.
The Assistant as a Multiplier of Leadership Efficiency
A professional assistant is far more than administrative support.
It is someone who:
- manages the leader’s calendar and priorities
- coordinates communication within the company
- monitors task execution
- organises logistics, meetings, and projects
- structures information for faster decision-making
In practice, an assistant becomes an operational filter, protecting the leader’s time and attention.
As a result, the entrepreneur gains:
- dozens of hours freed each month
- reduced operational overload
- more focus on strategy
- faster decision-making
That is why in developed markets a strong executive assistant is no longer seen as an administrative role — but as a strategic one.
Why Independent Hiring Often Becomes a Long Process
Despite changes in the labour market, entrepreneurs still face a common challenge.
Hiring an assistant independently often leads to:
- dozens of interviews
- long hours reviewing resumes
- mistakes in candidate evaluation
- repeated hiring attempts months later
The reason is simple: evaluating an assistant requires more than assessing experience.
It is equally important to evaluate:
- structured thinking
- the ability to operate under uncertainty
- level of responsibility and ownership
- compatibility with the leader’s working style
Without professional evaluation, these factors are extremely difficult to identify during interviews.
Why Entrepreneurs Trust Professional Recruitment
At SMART AND TALENTED, we have specialised in recruiting assistants for over 10 years, including:
- business assistants
- personal assistants
- executive assistants
for entrepreneurs and top executives.
Over this time, we have developed a selection system that allows us to identify not just suitable candidates, but truly strong professionals.
Our process includes:
- diagnosing the leader’s management needs
- evaluating professional and behavioural competencies
- conducting reference checks
- selecting candidates compatible with the leader’s working style
We do not simply present CVs. We build an effective partnership between leader and assistant.
Our Recruitment Model
We have designed the process to be transparent and predictable for entrepreneurs:
- fixed recruitment fee — independent of the assistant’s salary
- unlimited candidate presentations until the position is filled
- replacement guarantee
- support during onboarding and adaptation
Our goal is not merely to close a vacancy.
Our goal is to build a partnership in which the assistant truly reduces the leader’s workload and strengthens the business.
Now Is the Right Moment to Strengthen Your Team
The labour market is entering a new phase.
Companies are becoming more cautious in hiring, the number of candidates is increasing, and entrepreneurs have the opportunity to recruit strong professionals strategically rather than out of urgent necessity.
If you have been considering delegating part of your operational workload, this may be the right moment.
A strong assistant is not an expense. It is an investment in your speed, focus, and leadership stability.
Submit a Request for Assistant Recruitment
At SMART AND TALENTED, we will find a professional assistant who strengthens your business and allows you to focus on what truly matters.
Submit a recruitment request — and we will organise a professional and predictable hiring process.