Behind the Scenes
Print - Column
By Hanna Aronovich   
Monday, 14 May 2007
smc How does your office rate in recognizing its administrative assistants as they strive to keep the company moving?
How does your office rate in recognizing its administrative assistants as they strive to keep the company moving?
No longer simply taking memos and managing appointments, administrative professionals handle a wide range of tasks, including project coordination, database management and troubleshooting. An executive assistant is often the face of the company – and many times is the first person a client or colleague speaks with.

Great administrative assistants anticipate the executive’s needs, such as ordering lunch or taking initiative on a project. They also help build relationships and facilitate communication between the executive, employees, clients and colleagues. Therefore, although Administrative Professionals Week is the last week of April, appreciating support staff should be a year-round priority.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are about 4.1 million secretaries and administrative assistants in the U.S. work force, and about 8.9 million people working in various administrative support roles.

The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) initiated Administrative Professionals Week – originally called National Secretaries Week – in 1952. The intent was to honor secretaries and other office staff, as well as to attract more people to office and administrative careers. Today, Administrative Professionals Week continues to be a time for executives to recognize and celebrate the work of secretaries, administrative assistants and other office professionals for their contributions to the workplace.

According to the IAAP, providing training to administrative staff through seminars, continuing education or self-study materials is one of the best ways to show appreciation. The association also recommends making a commitment to delegate responsibilities that better leverage the skills of administrative professionals. Holding companywide observances or special events, such as a presentation by an outside speaker or the CEO, is another way to recognize the administrative staff.

Show administrative support that you value their skills. IAAP recommends supporting staff in networking events or professional associations, as well as encouraging staff to attain professional certifications.

Business-related gifts, including personalized business cards, desk accessories, computer upgrades or even a monetary bonus are other tokens of appreciation. Most executives already recognize the importance of the administrative staff.

OfficeTeam, a staffing service placing administrative professionals, commissioned a survey of 150 senior executives from 1,000 of the nation’s largest companies. Eighty-five percent said that an administrative assistant was important to the executive’s success. “Behind every successful business leader is an outstanding assistant,” Diane Domeyer, executive director of OfficeTeam, said in a statement.
An investment in the administrative staff is an investment in the company’s future. Are you showing your appreciation?
 
< Previous Story   Next Story >