A Noteworthy Exodus – Why Administrative Professionals are Choosing to Leave their Companies in Search of the Growing Number of ADE’s.

In today's fast-changing professional world, Administrative Professionals have become even more crucial to driving organizational success. When you compare the classic secretaries of the Mad Men era to the dynamic, empowered Admins we see now, it’s clear that the role has transformed significantly—and it’s about time. Now, there’s a fresh twist on the horizon: the rise of what we're calling the "Administrative Destination Employer" or ADE. This new dimension adds to the exciting evolution of the administrative field and is a game-changer for companies that understand that attracting top administrative talent isn’t just a perk for high-profile executives but a crucial business strategy.

Having grown up as the daughter of a career Executive Secretary and a pioneer of the first public recognition program in the world for Administrative Professionals, I’ve enjoyed a front row seat to 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 career frontiers. By joining organizations that uphold and appreciate their integral role, career-focused Administrative Professionals are poised to thrive and make enduring, impactful contributions that drive the company's success forward. 

The bottom line is this; when leaders and companies overlook the value and potential of their Administrative Professionals, they risk losing them to a unique group of employers—the coveted ADE. What sets these employers apart isn’t just attractive compensation packages, but a corporate culture that truly respects and nurtures Administrative Professionals, helping them reach new heights in their careers and even greater impact on their organizations.

What is an Administrative Destination Employer or ADE?

We’ve defined an ADE 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 ADE represents an ideal for Administrative Professionals, setting a high standard of desirability. In these organizations, Admin roles are more than just positions—they are opportunities for growth, skill development, and genuine recognition. ADEs create a magnetic appeal with their dynamic work culture, robust benefits, and relentless dedication to supporting the professional journey of Administrative Professionals.

The Foundations of the Administrative Destination Employer

Eight foundational pillars distinguish the ADE, giving them a distinctive edge in talent acquisition:

1. Recognized Contributions:Acknowledging Administrative support's vital role in the company's success through tangible appreciation and recognition events.
2. 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.
3. Versatile Advancement: Pathways to explore diverse roles and functions within the organization for career growth outside of the administrative function.
4. Professional Development: The organization cultivates and encourages professional development through industry involvement, education, seminars and internal/external learning initiatives.
5. Unified Internal Admin Resource Groups or Communities: Facilitating Admin community interaction via organized internal Admin organizations to nurture mentorship, knowledge sharing, and camaraderie.
6. 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.
7. Inspiring Leadership: Ensuring impactful leadership characterized by communication, trust, empowerment, and respect for Admin Professionals.
8. Strategic Partnership:
   The organization provides opportunities for Administrative Professionals to partner with executives, aligning their skills and knowledge with the strategic growth and objectives of the business. 
   
   The rise in organizations committed to becoming exceptional workplaces for Administrative Professionals, or ADEs, over the past decade reflects the understanding that top Administrative talent is crucial to business success and provides a significant competitive edge.