If you’re feeling rushed off your feet, slow down and take a holiday. That was the message from PAs when asked what new year resolution they would like their bosses to make.

Crone Corkill, the office support recruitment consultancy, recently sponsored the annual NSPCC PAmper event, where bosses show their appreciation for their PAs with an afternoon of food, wine and pampering – all in aid of charity. At the event, PAs were asked what habits they would most like their bosses to change in 2008. Nineteen per cent said that they shouldn’t work so hard. Responses included “go fishing more”, “stop working on holiday” and “leave it to me”. A further 16 per cent seemed to be concerned for their bosses’s wellbeing, advising them to “stop smoking”, “smile more” and “stop stressing”.

Some bosses must be doing everything right because 6 per cent said that they wouldn’t want their boss to change at all, although 10 per cent requested a pay rise.

The more bizarre requests, included “stop talking while you’re chewing” and “marry your girlfriend and get her to buy you your next ironing board”.

“It’s good to see that PAs have strong relationships with their bosses. They’re obviously concerned about them working too hard,” comments Tracy Durrant, MD of Crone Corkill. “It also shows that the simple things like a smile can make a big difference to how you are perceived. In the words of one PA: ‘Take a holiday. Keep the smile. Nothing else’”. Bosses take note.