A Noteworthy Exodus – Why Administrative Professionals are Choosing to Leave their Companies in search of the growing number of ADE’s.
By Sunny Nunan, Founder, CEO & Proud Daughter of a Retired Executive Secretary, Admin Awards
In an era marked by dynamic shifts in the professional landscape, the role of Administrative Professionals has evolved into a pivotal force that propels organizational success. As we take a look back at how things have changed from the Mad Men secretaries in the 1950s to the empowered Administrative Professionals we see in 2023, it’s pretty clear that the whole game has changed, and honestly, it’s been a long time coming. And there’s another intriguing twist in the tale that’s rapidly reshaping the corporate world: the rise of what we’ve coined, the Administrative Destination Employer or ‘ADE’, which is adding a new layer to the evolution.
Having grown up as the daughter of a career Executive Secretary and a pioneer of the world’s inaugural public recognition program for Administrative Professionals, I’ve enjoyed a front row seat of the empowering evolution of the modern-day Administrative Professional. Simultaneously, I’ve had the privilege of knowledge ‘from the inside out’ into the diverse spectrum of internal Administrative cultures among organizations large and small, each characterized by distinct levels of intentionality and appreciation for both the role itself and the individuals who occupy it.
The Exodus
A community of professionals known for their rare and invaluable sense of allegiance, today, Administrative Professionals are leaving their posts that in some cases they’ve occupied for 10+ years, in search of career opportunities at companies where they anticipate being genuinely valued and embraced by an Admin-friendly culture. Knowing they’ll flourish even more in environments that prioritize their contributions and foster an atmosphere of professional development, appreciation and recognition, Administrative Professionals are boldly seeking new frontiers. By joining organizations that uphold and appreciate their integral role, these loyal Administrative Professionals are poised to thrive and make enduring, impactful contributions that drive the company’s success forward. The bottom line is, there is currently a discernible exodus unfolding from companies that fail to recognize and value the potential of their Administrative Professionals pushing them into the arms of a distinctive breed of employers – the coveted Administrative Destination Employers. Beyond the luster of conventional compensation packages lies a deeper allure: a corporate culture that not only respects but nurtures these professionals, propelling them to greater heights.
What is an Administrative Destination Employer?
We’ve defined an Administrative Destination Employer as an organization that has gained a reputation and status for being an exceptionally desirable and sought-after workplace for Administrative Professionals. These employers are known for providing a supportive, inclusive, and growth-oriented environment where administrative team members are not only valued but also offered ample opportunities for career advancement, skill development, and recognition. These employers attract administrative talent due to their exceptional work culture, employee benefits, and commitment to fostering a fulfilling and rewarding career path for administrative professionals.
Decoding the Essence: Architecting the Administrative Destination Employer
At its core, the Administrative Destination Employer embodies an ethos that stands as a beacon of desirability for Administrative Professionals. Here, their roles are not mere placeholders; they are integral journeys of advancement, skill enhancement, and recognition. These employers wield a magnetic charm rooted in a vibrant work culture, comprehensive benefits, and an unwavering commitment to fostering the professional voyage of Administrative Professionals.
The Foundations of the Administrative Destination Employer
Eight foundational pillars distinguish the Administrative Destination Employers, giving them a distinctive edge in the competitive realm of talent acquisition:
- Recognized Contributions: Acknowledging Administrative support’s vital role in the company’s success through tangible appreciation and recognition events.
- Career Pathing: The organization has well-defined avenues for internal career growth in the administrative sphere through a structured career path. This path entails well-defined objectives, essential skill sets, acquisition of pertinent experience, and progression through various tiers of accountability and mastery within the administrative domain.
- Versatile Advancement: Pathways to explore diverse roles and functions within the organization for career growth outside of the administrative function
- Professional Development: The organization cultivates and encourages professional development through industry involvement, education, seminars and internal/external learning initiatives.
- Unified Internal Admin Community: Facilitating Admin community interaction via organized internal Admin organizations to nurture mentorship, knowledge sharing, and camaraderie.
- Executive Advocate: The organization has appointed an Executive Advocate that works closely with the Admin community for close collaboration, amplifying their voices within the organization.
- Inspiring Leadership: Ensuring impactful leadership characterized by communication, trust, empowerment, and respect for Admin Professionals.
- Strategic Ownership: The organizations provide opportunities that enable Admin Professionals to lead consequential projects aligned with their skills and experiences.
As we navigate through this period of exciting change, the focus on Administrative Professionals is growing, highlighting their crucial role in shaping business success. Moving beyond traditional secretarial duties, they now play a central part in achieving organizational excellence. The concept of becoming an ADE is more than just a name – it represents a call to a time where these professionals are respected, valued, and seen as essential to a strong corporate story.
