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Administrative Professionals Feel Their Work is Appreciated
LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. -- More than one half (53%) of America's hard-working secretaries and administrative assistants expect to be thanked or recognized during Administrative Professionals Week April 19 to 23, according to a survey by Quill Corp. Being treated to a meal out is the most expected form of recognition (40%), but receiving a gift certificate or cash is actually the gift 55% of respondents would prefer.The Quill survey also asked administrative professionals whether they feel appreciated by their office colleagues. An overwhelming 83% say they do feel appreciated for their work. "The results of the Quill survey show that administrative professionals do feel their work is well respected by bosses and co-workers," says Larry Morse, Quill president. "The four million secretaries and administrative professionals working in the United States are the unsung heroes of the work force -- without them, most offices would grind to a halt."To characterize office dynamics, Quill also asked respondents to compare their workplace to a popular TV show. Most compared their office environment to "Oprah" (encouraging and supportive) and "Friends" (strong and engaging personalities). Other responses include "Less than Perfect" (overworked, underpaid administrative professionals on the fourth floor, cited by 13% of respondents); "Survivor" (working hard to keep your torch lit, 12%); "According to Jim" (the boss isn't truly in control but he or she might think he or she is "CSI" -- it's a mystery where everyone is most of the time, 8%); and "Fear Factor" (one horrifying task after another, 1%).Interestingly, 23.1% of respondents say they don't think they'll be thanked or remembered by their boss or team members this week, and 24.2% are quite certain they won't be. When if comes to gifts they expect to receive, taken out for a meal topped the list, named by 40% of respondents. Next was flowers (25%), a gift certificate (24%), a personal care product or service (3%) and candy (1%).What type of gift would they prefer to receive? Here, gift certificates won by a landslide, cited by 55% of respondents. Taken out for a meal followed at 18%, then flowers (14%), a gift for the office or home (7%), a personal care product or service (5%) and candy (1%).Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Lincolnshire, IL, Quill Corp. is a nationwide business-to-business direct marketer of office products, furniture and technology supplies. Quill Corp. has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Staples Inc., since 1998.Visit Quill Corp.: www.quill.com"