Advice to Employers, Supervisors
 

Observances of Administrative Professionals Week

Should Emphasize and Support Professionalism

Employers are always looking for a stellar ways to say “thanks” to their office staff during Administrative Professionals Week. The International Association of Administrative Professionals, originators and official sponsor of the annual observance, offer a few suggestions.

IAAP members say while traditional gifts are appreciated, recognition and professional development are more important to them.

Specific recommendations from IAAP members include:

·         Hold a company-wide observance or special event for administrative staff, such as a presentation by an educational speaker, or group recognition of administrative professionals by the chief executive.

·         Support membership in appropriate networking and professional associations such as IAAP, which is dedicated to the success administrative professionals. Details are at www.iaap-hq.org.

·         Provide registration for a professional development seminar to build the individual’s technical, interpersonal or business skills. Suggestions can be found on IAAP’s Web site.

·         Encourage study for and attainment of professional certification.

Other gift suggestions include appropriate business-related items such as personalized business cards, desktop nameplate, gift certificate, ergonomically correct desk accessories or equipment, computer hardware/software upgrade, or a monetary bonus for exemplary performance. In addition, talk to your administrative support staff and ask them how they would like to observe Administrative Professionals Week.

Held annually since 1952, Administrative Professionals Week is April 20-26, 2008, with Administrative Professionals Day on Wednesday, April 23. Further information is available from the IAAP Web site, www.iaap-hq.org/APW/apwindex.htm.

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