The ‘Mad Men’ effect
Survey shows secretarial careers making return after decades of decline
Although the top two job titles for IAAP members were “executive assistant” (29 percent) and “administrative assistant” (25 percent), the third most-common job title was “administrative secretary” (7 percent). This is the first time in several years that “administrative secretary” made it into the top three job titles. In fact,
With the approach of the 60th anniversary of Administrative Professionals Day on Wednesday, the International Association of Administrative Professionals may have discovered a genuine example of life imitating art.
In its most recent survey of administrative professionals around the world, IAAP noted a significant increase in the number of administrative professionals who have the word “secretary” in their job title. This shift in titles marks a reversal of popularity for a job title that has been in decline for at least 20 years.
This job-title shift is one of the recent business trends noted in IAAP’S 2011 Administrative Professional Skills Benchmarking Survey. Every two years, the association gathers data from its members about job titles, responsibilities, average salaries, job satisfaction, technology usage and other related issues.
More than 3,300 administrative professionals participated in the 2011 survey, which provides a unique inside look at modern business. the number of administrative professionals with “secretary” in their titles nearly doubled in four years, going from 8 percent in 2009 to nearly 15 percent in 2011.
Exactly why there are more administrative professionals with “secretary” in their job titles is unclear. Many believe, though, it may be due to a “Madmen Effect.” It’s possible that the popular AMC series could be stoking a certain nostalgia for the 1950s-era classic image of the American corporate secretary.
Regardless of their titles, administrative professionals are integral, professional members of their office teams, and they impact every level of the world’s economy. Their work has become more complicated, demanding and technical.
In 2011, administrative professionals were expected to support an increasing number of executives or managers. An increased workload has also meant that administrative professionals are having a greater impact on their employers. Approximately two-thirds of these employees report that their level of workplace autonomy and authority has increased in the last five years. About 80 percent say their overall contribution at work has also increased during the same period. Administrative professionals are the pulse of the office.
For more information on IAAP, visit www.iaap-hq.org. —Courtesyofiaap