Celebrate All Office Professionals on Administrative Professionals Day, April 27

Survey: Workers perceive hard times still ahead

KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Even though the unemployment rate is dropping and leading economic indicators are improving, many American workers are still financially and emotionally struggling with the toll of the recession, which is why this year the International Association of Administrative Professionals and admins worldwide will celebrate all office professionals on Administrative Professionals Day.

While experts report the economy is recovering, only 9 percent of administrative professionals believe they'll see an improvement in their salaries and benefits this year. In a recent IAAP survey admins were asked about cuts their company implemented on its workforce and if the coming year would be better. Of the 3,376 office workers that responded, 44 percent said employees' salaries were frozen with 10 percent noting that salaries were cut. Health benefits also hit the chopping block. Thirty-six percent of employees saw health benefits affected with 14 percent who saw their health benefits eliminated and another 12 percent who had to pitch in more of their paycheck to pay for benefits. Other benefits cut were: retirement plan, 12 percent; bonus pay, 14 percent. Even holiday parties were eliminated with 36 percent missing their December dose of cheer.

What the survey also revealed is that the majority of admins (76 percent) aren't too hopeful that the financial climate in their offices will improve. Respondents believe their benefits and salaries will either remain the same (45 percent) or be cut further (22 percent). Only 9 percent believe pre-recession salaries and benefits will be reinstated. Even though the recovery is picking up speed, workers doubt they'll see a benefit anytime soon.

"We know everyone in the office has pulled together during the recession, not just administrative professionals. With that in mind, we want to applaud the efforts of all office professionals," said IAAP President Mary Ramsay-Drow, CPS/CAP. "That's why in 2011 IAAP and admins around the globe want to include all office professionals for recognition on Administrative Professionals Day."

The IAAP Benchmarking survey was conducted during the first quarter of 2011 and consisted of 3,376 professional, employed members of IAAP. The survey is conducted every two years.

IAAP is the world's leading association for administrative professionals, with nearly 600 chapters and approximately 28,000 members worldwide. IAAP is the sole sponsor of Administrative Professionals Week® April 24-30, 2011 and Administrative Professionals Day® on Wednesday, April 27 (formerly called Professional Secretaries Week® and Professional Secretaries Day®). Further information, including history and a facts sheet on APW, is available from the IAAP website at: www.iaap-hq.org/events/apw.

SOURCE International Association of Administrative Professionals