Administrative professionals are experienced, qualified, and in many cases already performing strategic work. This report shows where organizations are falling short of utilizing that fully and what it takes to close the gap.

Drawing on key findings from the 2026 State of the Profession Report, this whitepaper examines strategic capacity, skill development, and the structural barriers that keep administrative talent underutilized. It’s designed for executives and HR leaders who want to act on what the data shows — and for administrative professionals looking to bring that conversation to the people who need to hear it.

Use it to:

• Understand where strategic administrative capacity is being left on the table
• Identify the specific skill gaps between executive expectations and AP proficiency
• Examine why professional development access breaks down even when funding exists
• Make the case for structured development investment in your organization