Secret to Executive Success Is a Good Assistant

Nearly all (94%) senior managers surveyed said their assistant or administrative professional is important to their success at work. More than four in 10 (44%) reported their assistants’ contributions are very important. The vast majority (91%) also felt support staff should be recognized on Administrative Professionals Day (April 24), a 25-point jump from a similar survey conducted in 2005.

When asked how important their assistant’s role was to their own success as an executive, those surveyed said: 

• Very important (44%);
• Somewhat important (50%);
• Not very important (5%); and
• Very unimportant (1%).

When asked how important they though it was for an assistant or administrative professional to be recognized on Administrative Professionals Day, those surveyed said: 

• Very important (39%);
• Somewhat important (52%);
• Not very important (4%); and
• Not at all important (4%).

“Managers are busier than ever and rely increasingly on their assistants to help address business needs,” said OfficeTeam executive director Robert Hosking. “Although it’s important to recognize the efforts of all employees throughout the year, Administrative Professionals Day provides a unique opportunity to give thanks to a group whose daily contributions often occur behind the scenes.”

The survey was based on telephone interviews with more than 1,000 senior managers at companies with 20 or more employees.