Administrative Professionals Week Observed By Millions Worldwide

IAAP Chapters Hold Professional Education, Recognition Events

Millions of people around the globe work in offices where administrative professionals are the oil in the engine of a smoothly running company. Administrative professionals and workplaces around the world will join in recognizing these key employees during Administrative Professionals Week (April 20-26, 2008) and Administrative Professionals Day (Wednesday, April 23).

Many of the nearly 600 chapters of the International Association of Administrative Professionals mark the week with events promoting the professional development of office assistants. Typical activities include educational workshops, conferences and luncheons to help admins advance their careers. A full listing of local IAAP chapter events is available on the IAAP Web site, www.iaap-hq.org/APW/apwindex.htm

During Administrative Professionals Week, many employers hold group recognition events and professional development programs for their administrative support staff. Individual managers commonly give gifts or notes of appreciation.

Secretarial and administrative assistant jobs are among the largest occupations in the U.S. economy, employing more than 4.2 million workers in 2006, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The Labor Dept. predicts another 362,000 jobs will be added by 2016.

Administrative Professionals Week is one of the largest workplace observances outside of employee birthdays and major holidays. Observed annually since 1952, Administrative Professionals Week was originated by and is sponsored by IAAP.

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