Athena has positioned itself as a premium executive assistant service, offering trained professionals to support busy executives. But is it the right choice for you?
Although Athena has gained popularity among other executive assistant service providers, many other virtual assistant service companies like WorkStaff360 offer elite executive assistants at 80% less cost. Athena executive assistants cost 18.4$/ hour, while WorkStaff360 EAs cost 8$/hour only.
That’s not all. WorkStaff360 assistants are highly professional college graduates with years of experience in the topmost demanding industries. They offer more than five hundred virtual assistants in more than thirty industries.
What sets WorkStaff360 apart is its rigorous vetting and hiring process that matches clients with the right talent and constantly monitors them to create a seamless and efficient workflow. With a focus on quality and cost-effectiveness, WorkStaff360 ensures your business runs while saving you time and resources.
In this review, we’ll break down what an Athena executive assistant is, their hiring process, key benefits and considerations, and top alternatives in 2025.
What is an Athena Executive Assistant?
An Athena executive assistant (EA) is a highly trained remote professional who provides administrative and strategic support to executives. These assistants handle tasks such as scheduling, inbox management, research, and personal assistance, aiming to streamline operations for busy professionals.
Athena claims to offer top-tier virtual assistance by recruiting, training, and managing executive assistants, ensuring high performance and reliability. But is it worth it? Well, there is no straightforward yes or no answer to this question. It totally depends on your needs, budget and type of services you are looking for. However, to make it easy for you to analyze whether Athena executive assistants’ services are worth the hype or not, we have compiled a vast amount of data in this blog. Let’s begin with their hiring process.
What is Athena’s Personal Assistant Hiring Process?
Athena has a rigorous hiring process designed to identify and train high-quality executive assistants. The process includes:
- Application & Screening: Applicants must submit detailed applications and undergo a thorough screening process.
- Assessments: Candidates take various tests to evaluate their skills, including communication, problem-solving, and administrative abilities.
- Interviews: Shortlisted applicants go through multiple interview rounds to assess their suitability.
- Training Program: Selected candidates undergo an extensive training program to align with Athena’s high standards and client expectations.
- Client Matching: Once trained, assistants are matched with executives based on their skills and personality fit.
Key Benefits & Considerations of Hiring an Athena Assistant
Positive Aspects:
- Work-from-Home Setup: Athena provides a fully remote work environment, which is a major plus for those seeking flexibility.
- Employee Benefits: Athena provides certain perks, such as health insurance and pet support, which can make it an attractive option for job seekers.
- Training Opportunities: While opinions vary, some users appreciate Athena’s structured training program, especially for newcomers to the virtual assistant industry.
Negative Aspects:
- Low VA Compensation: Reports suggest that Athena retains 70-80% of client payments, leaving virtual assistants with only 20-30% of the earnings, which many consider unfair.
- Demanding Workload: Many EAs report working beyond the standard 40-hour workweek with little to no overtime compensation.
- BPO-Style Management: Some assistants feel that Athena operates like a traditional Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company, which may not align with expectations of flexibility and autonomy.
- Training Quality Concerns: There are mixed reviews regarding the training program, with some assistants finding it lacking in depth and proper feedback.
- Challenging Clients: Assistants have reported experiences with difficult or high-pressure clients, making the role stressful at times.
- Inconsistent Management: Some EAs have expressed frustration with management’s communication, lack of support, and unrealistic expectations.
Best Alternatives to Hiring Assistants from Athena in 2025
If Athena’s model doesn’t fit your needs, consider these alternative virtual assistant services:
- WorkStaff360
WorkStaff360 provides fully managed virtual assistant services at a competitive rate of $8 per hour for full-time dedicated experts. Clients benefit from flexible payment models, being charged only after services are rendered, ensuring transparency and peace of mind.
This cost-effective approach makes WorkStaff360 an attractive option for businesses seeking quality support without a hefty price tag.
- Belay
Belay specializes in high-quality executive assistance with a personalized approach. Their U.S.-based virtual assistants offer services such as administrative support, bookkeeping, and website maintenance. Pricing starts at $40 per hour.
Indeed reported that some virtual assistants appreciate the autonomy and client matching process, while others note that pay rates range between $18 and $ 21 per hour, which may be a consideration for potential hires.
You May also Want to Know: WorkStaff360 vs. Belaysolutions: Which Virtual Assistant Service is Best?
- Time Etc
Time Etc. provides skilled executive assistants with a strong focus on work-life balance. Their flexible pricing plans begin at $380 per month for 10 hours of support, equating to $38 per hour, with rates decreasing for larger packages.
Clients can expect dedicated U.S.-based assistants, expertly matched to their needs, with the option to add extra assistants or share hours with their team at no additional cost.
Boldly
Boldly offers premium virtual executive assistants for high-level business support. Their subscription staffing plans start at $2,200 per month for 40 hours of work, averaging $55 per hour.
Specialized tasks such as project management, web development, and design are billed at $79 per hour. Clients benefit from a personalized matching process and the opportunity to meet their staff before committing, ensuring a tailored fit for their business needs.
FAQs
How much do Athena executive assistants make?
Athena claims their EAs earn competitive salaries, but exact figures may vary based on experience and location. However, their EAs reported time and again about unfair compensations.
How many hours do Athena executive assistants work?
While the standard is 40 hours per week, many assistants report working extra hours with no overtime pay.
How much does an Athena assistant cost?
Athena does not publicly disclose pricing, but its services cater to executives willing to pay a premium for high-level support. In general, Athena EA costs 3000$/month.
What skills do you need to be an Athena executive assistant?
You will need all the essential skills that any EA needs to be qualified for this position, including strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and time management skills.
Is Athena genuine?
Yes, Athena is a legitimate company, but whether it’s the right fit for you depends on your expectations and work preferences.
Is Athena paid training?
Yes, Athena provides paid training, although some users have raised concerns about its quality.
How long is Athena training?
The training duration varies, but typically lasts several weeks before assistants are assigned to clients.
What is the average cost of an Athena vs WorkStaff360 executive assistant?
On average, executive assistant costs can range from $1,500 to $6,000 per month, depending on experience and location. However, Athena EAs cost 18$/hour, whereas WorkStaff360 EAs cost 8$/hour only.
Final Verdict
Athena offers structured virtual assistant services with competitive benefits, but its demanding workload, BPO-style management, and inconsistent training may not suit everyone. If you’re considering hiring an executive assistant in 2025, weigh the pros and cons carefully or explore alternative VA services that align better with your needs.
