Gmail: add a delegate
In Gmail on a computer, go to Settings → See all settings → Accounts, and under "Grant access to your account" click "Add another account" and enter your assistant's address. You can't add delegates from the Gmail app.
A delegate can read, send and delete email for you, but can't chat as you or change your password. Personal Gmail accounts allow up to 10 delegates; work or school accounts up to 1,000. Messages your assistant sends show their address as the sender on your behalf.
Google Calendar: share with the right permission
In Google Calendar on a computer, open the calendar's "Settings and sharing", choose "Shared with" → "Add people and groups", enter your assistant's email and pick a permission.
- See only free/busy: they see when you're busy, not what.
- See event details: they see everything but can't edit.
- Make changes to events: they can book and move meetings (the usual choice for an assistant).
- Make changes and manage sharing: full control, including sharing with others; usually more than an assistant needs.
Outlook and Microsoft 365: delegate access
In classic Outlook for Windows, go to File → Account Settings → Delegate Access and add your assistant. You choose their level for your Calendar, Inbox and other folders (Reviewer can read, Author can read and create, Editor can also change and delete), and whether they can send on your behalf.
Your assistant then adds your mailbox to their Outlook to work in it. Microsoft notes that sending on someone's behalf takes steps from both people.
Security tips
Use delegation or sharing, never your password.
Give the lowest permission that does the job; raise it later if needed.
Keep financial and personal accounts separate from what your assistant can see.
Review who has access every few months and remove anyone who no longer needs it.
