I want to shine a light on an ‘elephant in the room’ so we can talk about it more openly. History tells us it’s the only way for discrimination to be addressed.
With around 98% of administrative roles filled by women, it’s hard to ignore the connection between gender and the undervaluation of administrative roles.
Traditionally, administrative roles have been seen as “women’s work,” a term that unfairly implies these jobs are less important and prestigious. This perception has led to a cycle of underappreciation and discrimination.
Administration is the largest employer of women globally, however, admin roles often lack the recognition and respect given to male-dominated professions.
For example, administrative professionals are often left out of meetings and decision-making processes. According to a survey by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) 67% report being excluded from meetings that are critical to their roles. This exclusion not only devalues their contributions but also reinforces the stereotype that their role is merely supportive, not strategic.
Many administrative professionals face limited opportunities for advancement. The absence of clear career progression paths often leads to job dissatisfaction and stagnation. A report by McKinsey & Company shows that women are 24% less likely to be promoted to managerial positions, a trend that is even more pronounced in administrative roles. A Robert Half report shows that only 15% of administrative professionals believe they have a clear path for career advancement within their organisations.
The gender pay gap is well-documented and particularly affects administrative roles. The National Partnership for Women & Families reports that women earn just 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, and this gap is particularly evident in administrative positions. The average female administrative professional earns $14,010 less a year than a male working in a different type of
role but at a similar level. And the average man working in an administrative role earns $15k a year more on average than a woman doing the same role according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Administrative professionals frequently lack access to training and development opportunities. This limitation hinders their ability to improve their skills and advance in their careers. A study by Lean In found that women are 20% less likely to receive on-the-job training and professional development opportunities compared to men. Only 30% of administrative professionals report having access to professional development resources within their organisations, according to OfficeTeam.
It is clear to me that the marginalisation of administrative professionals is a gender issue that reflects broader societal attitudes towards women in the workplace. We urgently need to address the biases that devalue your work.
Discuss!!
