Administrative Professionals Day: A Time To Thank Office Assistants

In offices everywhere, today's the day to thank the most important person in your life -- your administrative assistant. April 25 marks National Administrative Professionals Day, and according to a social survey by Staples, two-thirds of employees think the administrative assistant is more important than the boss.

The non-scientific poll of social media followers on Twitter and Facebook asked administrative professionals to describe their official and unofficial duties in the office. Respondents said their responsibilities could range from human resources director, accountant, concierge and therapist to downright miracle worker.

For employees, administrative professionals serve a special role in the office. Nearly 42 percent said their administrative assistant knows their day better than their spouse. They also are able to produce the ever elusive scissor or tape dispenser, as 43 percent of employees said they often borrow office supplies.

Despite office popularity, employees aren't eager to turn back the clock to the age of 'secretaries,' as 31.4 percent said they'd prefer a Pam Halpert-type of The Office over Mimi Bobeck of The Drew Carey Show (28.9 percent) and Joan Holloway of Mad Men (19.6 percent).

While it is a holiday, it's unsure if employees will sing praise of their administrative assistants or not. Some 62 percent of administrative staff said they aren't likely to receive a gift marking the day, but nearly 68 percent of non-administrative employees said they plan on handing out gifts, with the majority relying on gift cards and flowers to mark the occasion.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Administrative Professionals Day, sponsored by the International Association of Administrative Professionals.