how to support your assistant in a meaningful way (and why it matters)
I’ve got some big feelings about Admin Professionals Day that I want to share before it arrives next week (for most of the world).
Recognition on one special day a year is nice. It feels good to be seen, appreciated and even publicly acknowledged. But what feels even better to an assistant is meaningful support and appreciation that goes beyond cards, cupcakes, or chocolates.
Here's why:
Many assistants experience feelings of being undervalued or "othered" in the workplace.
“Just an admin”.
You might not see it or hear it, but it is there and for many it’s felt deeply every day.
The bottom line is this:
Assistants directly contribute to, support and enable the success of others.
Their work, though perhaps sometimes the least visible in an organisation, supports its healthy foundations.
Making something appear effortless is testament to the skill it takes to do a job well.
It is dignified, important work that deserves respect and inclusion, not "othering'.
So in advance of Admin Professionals Day, I’m sharing 8 ways in which you can show genuine, meaningful support and appreciation to the assistants who support you and your team to do what you do best and stay focused on what matters most.
Invest in their development and consider offering them professional development opportunities beyond the typical training.
Don’t miss your 1:1s. Impactful partnerships, high-level support and coming to understand how the other thinks can't happen without 1:1 time.
Don’t skip past them in a meeting check-in. It sends the signal that they have a seat at the table AND a voice that they're welcome to use.
Listen to episode 15 of the What It Means To Be Well podcast to truly understand the challenges assistants face and the ways to support them (link in the comments).
Your assistant should be part of the same People cycles as the rest of the organisation. Unfortunately, this level of inclusion doesn't happen everywhere and it’s a missed opportunity for greater alignment and stronger outcomes for your organisation - and a statement of professional respect.
Consider whether their workload is sustainable and ensure they’re not at risk of burnout, a common issue in the assistant community. It may surprise you how much personal time they sacrifice to stay afloat and how much work they absorb that isn’t their responsibility.
Explore your assistant’s specialist skills, interests and passions. Champion and support them in taking on special projects and assignments that leverage their unique strengths.
The way you introduce your assistant communicates a powerful message to others about respect, inclusion, and the value they bring. Introduce them in a meaningful way that reflects their contributions and importance.
If you need help understanding how to partner with an assistant effectively, develop your administration professionals or to build an engaged team with defined progression pathways, get in touch at hello@rachaelbonetti.com to hear how I can support you.
