Administrative professionals Day, Poll

[goldenearring]

. . . I have to agree with Ohiosec!  I think Admins Day is bogus - - totally, totally bogus.  Thank heaven I am not subjected to that anymore.  Why do admins get paraded around as God's gift to the world on one particular day, and none of the other workers?  Oh, how I would have gladly given up my (mandatory) luncheon spot to someone who worked their rear end off in the plan all day making products for people to sell so that I even had something to administrate.  If there's going to be an Admins day, there's got to be a Production Worker's Day, a Salesperson's Day, an H.R. Manager's Day, etc.  Oooops, ESPECIALLY, there needs to be a "Our Receptionist Walks On Water Day."  Frankincense, gold, and myrrh to that person.  Now THERE's the person who deserves the recognition.  I would die if I had to remain within 5 feet of my desk most of the day, day-in/day-out, week after week, year after year.  Let's not get me started anymore than I already am.  Andrea, have I made myself clear?!  I am quite happy to do my job, go home unnoticed and get a nice check every other week.  I'm fortunate enough to work with people who openly appreciate each other (for the most part), though, all the time.

[workerbee]

As an admin who has been disrespected and trashed in previous jobs, any support for our group is welcomed!  I admit that a lot of people feel pressured to do something for their admins, but they should check on how they treat us all year long.



"Professional Secretaries Day", which was begun in 1952, finally started to focus some attention on support personnel who were usually overlooked and underappreciated.  This is not a bad thing, but perhaps it has outlived its usefullness.  We all would rather have recognition (and appropriate pay) all year long.



Since it is there, our IAAP chapter is, for it's 47th year, celebrating with an educational workshop and banquet (CEUs awarded).  We do make a big deal of it, publicize it, and invite everyone in town.  It's a chance to inform people about IAAP and the ongoing training available to members, among other benefits.



We have also had "Executive's Night" to recognize our bosses LONG before Hallmark had the idea of Bosses' Day (also 47 years).  Appreciation goes both ways, after all.



So, whether you celebrate APD or not, have a great day!



Elaine

[vinicool]

I take what I can get ($$$ is always good).  



Honestly, I appreciate those thank yous and pats on the back that occurr periodically and the bonuses. But I think the day is a nice thought and nothing more.  Some people need reminders and some don't.



If my bosses didn't acknowledge me I did get a little pissed because it does hurt when your co-worker next to you goes to a nice restaurant for lunch and gets flowers and you get not a grunt or fart.  I always try not to take it to heart because I'm there for the money.  



Some of my bosses have given begrudgingly and I would rather they keep the gift certificates if they didn't really mean it but whatever I get I feeled I've earned it and then some.  



In term of Bosses' Day I feel he/she is lucky I work for him (I do give gifts for baby's birth's, cards for special occassions - but because I do it from my heart, not because someone created a day).



Sometimes I'm grateful I have a job so basically I can take it or leave it.



 

[countrigal]

Well, I'd like to say welcome to the new faces answering our poll about this somewhat controversial topic.  It's nice to see new folks.



I'd also like to say that I feel that the day is not quite accurate or right either.  I too feel that if Admins get noticed, why not others?  But then you look at my company and you have a Nurses Appreciation month, Pharmacy Appreciation Week, etc, and almost everyone does have some time.  So then why is Admin Professional's Day only celebrated or announced as a day???  If it's been a week long event for so long (and I've never seen it as such, but I'm still young to the field), then why is it that only on one day we get the obligatory pats on the head and thank-you's?  I've had some very nice Admin Appreciation Days... and I've had some that stunk because they were used only as a means of the office getting out of work or because it was something they "had" to do.  I much prefer a simple and heartfelt thank you at the time you appreciate my work instead of saving it up for that one day.



I say tell everyone you meet, talk to, deal with how important they are to you, your job, your peace of mind, whatever, at the time it happens because you never know if you'll be around for the next "Appreciation Day".

[sungoddesslv]

I know that I have already spoken to this topic; however, I want to add just a couple of thoughts.



First of all, it is difficult to discuss this recognition without mentioning IAAP. Afterall, IAAP is the originator and official sponsor of the week-long recognition.  Perhaps the week-long recognition is more noticeable in the IAAP chapters themselves.  Chapters across the US and Canada that hold seminars, workshops, breakfasts, luncheons, and dinners to bring recognition to all administrative professionals (note the change from "secretaries" in our previous name in order to encompass more of those who make an office run efficiently)in their communities.



Secondly, I believe that IAAP has not lost their ability to control it.  Through headquarters, hundreds of media are contacted each year and are provided with Public Service Announcements promoting the recognition.  Many chapters are contacted by their local media for interviews on TV, radio and newspapers.



In addition, IAAP's International President has been asked to participate in the annual PBS-The Business & Technology Network's Briefing for Administrative Professionals, which is aired on APD. Many chapters purchase the downlink and invite members and non-members to attend the program. This year marks the 14th Annual briefing and the IAAP International President has been included for many years.



Another Administrative Professionals Week event: administrative staffing specialist OfficeTeam will host four live Web casts on Wednesdays during April over its Web site, www.officeteam.com. Topics for the Web casts are practicing smart networking, April 4; developing skills in the six hottest career areas, April 11; managing office protocol, April 18; and learning the art of effective self-promotion, April 25.



And lastly, unfortunately not everyone recognizes each holiday.  Perhaps there are mothers out there who are not recognized on Mother's Day, but do you want to see it just go away?  What about father's on Father's Day?

Or Veteran's on Veteran's Day.



IAAP, through the creation of Administrative Professionals Day and Week, is trying to bring attention to us - the Administrative Assistants, Secretaries, Receptionists, Office Managers.  





 

[ozbound]

I like Admin Professionals Day, as far as it goes. In a large part that's becausecompany does pretty well with appreciating our efforts year-round, at least on an individual basis. We get very little recognition "publicly" though--meaning, when company meeting time rolls around, employees who have been promoted or earned their P.E.'s or whatever are recognized in front of the entire staff, but admin staff aren't in promotable positions, so they are rarely  noticed. And our structural staff has been very busy following the recent earthquake, so they got a well-deserved pat on the back, but nobody mentioned, for example, how well the receptionist has done taking all those calls.  I realize this is kind of a picky point since they do treat all of us well, and if everyone who had a little part in the company's success were recognized at the all-staff meeting, we'd be there past lunchtime! I just think the recognitions shouldn't leave out the "unofficial" parts of the company.