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Read about our latest research, including results from our ongoing surveys of senior managers and workers, and company announcements.
MENLO PARK, CA -- Everyone likes receiving a pat on the back for a job well done, but a new OfficeTeam survey suggests that many support staff may not be getting the acknowledgment they deserve. More than one-quarter (27 percent) of senior managers interviewed said administrative professionals don’t receive enough recognition on a regular basis. Eighteen percent of respondents also noted that their companies do not show appreciation to support staff during Administrative Professionals Week (April 24-30).
The survey was developed by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service specializing in the placement of highly skilled administrative professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with more than 1,000 senior managers at companies with 20 or more employees.
Managers were asked, “How do you feel about the amount of recognition administrative professionals receive?” Their responses:
| They receive too much recognition | 2% |
| They receive the right amount of recognition | 70% |
| They don't receive enough recognition | 27% |
| Doesn't apply | 1% |
| 100% |
Managers also were asked, “How does your company typically recognize administrative staff during Administrative Professionals Week?” Their responses*:
| Organize a celebration or lunch at work | 34% |
| Offer a present such as flowers or a gift card | 26% |
| Praise them during a staff meeting or other public forum | 25% |
| Provide a handwritten thank-you note | 15% |
| Bring in an educational guest speaker | 5% |
| We do not recognize administrative staff during Administrative Professionals Week | 18% |
*Multiple responses allowed
“Although it may be common to invite support staff to lunch or bring them flowers or a gift card for Administrative Professionals Day, it’s important to find out what forms of acknowledgment they value most,” said OfficeTeam executive director Robert Hosking. “Workers also appreciate rewards such as public praise, company-sponsored professional memberships and registration to conferences or seminars.”
“Support professionals are often the glue that holds companies together, and they’re doing more than ever to help address business needs,” said International Association of Administrative Professionals international president Mary Ramsay-Drow, CPS/CAP. “Administrative Professionals Week provides a great opportunity to recognize this group’s contributions, but employers also should honor the accomplishments of all workers throughout the year.”
For additional ideas on how to celebrate administrative professionals, download 25 Ways to Recognize Your Staff, a complimentary tip sheet available at www.officeteam.com/RecognitionIdeas.
OfficeTeam also recently released Your Work Style in Color: A Colorful Approach to Working Relationships, a research guide that discusses how understanding work styles can help you collaborate better with colleagues. The guide is available at www.officeteam.com/workstyle and accompanied by a survey where users can identify their work style.
About OfficeTeam
OfficeTeam is the nation’s leading staffing service specializing in the temporary placement of highly skilled office and administrative support professionals. The company has more than 320 locations worldwide and offers online job search services at www.officeteam.com.
About Administrative Professionals Week
Administrative Professionals Week is a workplace observance created by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) to honor office workers. IAAP is the world’s largest association for administrative support staff, with more than 550 chapters and approximately 24,000 members worldwide. For more information, visit www.iaap-hq.org.