CLEARFIELD – Since 1952, the International Association of Administrative Professionals has honored office workers by sponsoring Administrative Professionals Week. Today, it is one of the largest workplace observances outside of employee birthdays and major holidays.
Today, there are more than 4.1 million secretaries and administrative assistants working in the United States, according to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, and 8.9 million people working in various administrative support roles. More than 475,000 administrative professionals are employed in Canada. Millions more administrative professionals work in offices all over the world.
Administrative Professionals Day (April 21, 2010) recognizes the office professional’s contribution to today’s workplace. During the current economic downturn administrative professionals are increasing their workload and expanding their roles when office staff is downsized.
Administrative professionals and secretaries are adaptable in today’s changing office environment and are able to take on higher-level projects. Over the last decade admin job responsibilities have increased to include many of the duties traditionally done by mid-level managers. Companies fill the gaps in staffing with administrative professionals, who are able to juggle multiple roles in the office.
“Administrative professionals are no longer simply answering phones and handling correspondence,” said IAAP President Barb Horton CAP. “Admins of today are buying software, learning how to use it and training the management. In addition, our latest survey shows that admins are branching out into non-traditional roles including budget analysis, research, project management and internal communications.”
APW is always the last full week in April. In 2010, Administrative Professionals Week is April 18-24. Thank your administrative professional this week on Administrative Professionals Day, Wednesday, April 21.
To learn more about joining your local IAAP chapter, call Mary Syktich (375-2376) or Peggy Rhone (765-9526).
