Showing Appreciation...For a Job Well Done

By Peggy Brenneman

Secretary’s Day…Administrative Assistant’s Day…Staff Appreciation Day…these are a few of the names given to the special day of the year when employers show their appreciation to those who keep their businesses running all year long. This is the day when managers and bosses thank their assistants for keeping them where they need to be and keeping their clients happy. This year, the day you do not want to forget is Wednesday, April 27th. The week of April 23rd to April 29th is Administrative Assistant’s Week.

There are varying reports as to how this day came to be. Some indicate Administrative Assistant’s Day (AAD) began in 1952 when Harry Kleffman and a group of office product manufacturers wanted to thank secretaries for their contributions in the workplace, and to attract people to secretarial/administrative careers. Other reports indicate there was a need for a secretarial association as early as 1940 when women were replacing men in industry and secretaries were asked to perform jobs never before given to them. Associations were formed and eventually it was necessary to become certified. Two groups were formed: the IAAP (International Association of Administrative Professionals ®) and NSA (National Secretaries Association).

During the recession there were six candidates for every job. Secretaries of the past had a clear role – they typed, answered the telephone, and kept their managers' days organized. Today, with our technological advances, secretaries have had to become multifunctional and have taken on a multitude of tasks. They not only use their secretarial and computer skills, but also manage various tasks and interpret data. Approximately eighty percent of all new jobs created will require in-depth computer skills and about seventy percent of those are in secretarial roles.

Secretaries have many job titles including Administrator, Word Processing Operator, Clerical Assistant, Typist, and Receptionist. They have become professionals. Many assistants have business degrees.

One job agency reported there has been a steady upward shift in the training and education considered as a prerequisite for a secretarial position. Many candidates have bachelor's degrees – some have master's degrees in business or management. While the field is still dominated by women, men are beginning to fill the role as assistants as well.

Administrative Professionals Week has become one of the largest workplace observances. The event is celebrated worldwide, bringing together millions of people for community events, educational seminars, and individual corporate activities recognizing support staff with gifts of appreciation.

In years gone by assistants often brought their bosses their morning coffee. While this is not done as much anymore why not surprise your assistant this April 27th – and bring her (or his) favourite morning brew.

Peggy Brenneman is the owner of Scenic Gift Baskets & More, 445 Scenic Drive, London, ON N5Z 3A9. Phone (519) 681-6391 or email customerservice@scenicgiftbaskets.com. www.scenicgiftbaskets.com Published in Networking Today, February 2005.