The administrative profession is standing at a pivotal crossroads.
In an era where artificial intelligence, hybrid workplaces, and accelerated business demands have become the new normal, the skills that set administrative professionals apart are not technical—they’re human.
Recently, Office Dynamics International surveyed over 700 administrative assistants and executive assistants to gauge the current landscape of soft skills for administrative professionals: where we are strong, where we are vulnerable, and what the future demands of us. The results, now captured in our 2025 Soft Skills Report, send a clear, urgent message:
Soft skills are no longer “nice to have.” They are your career survival kit.
What the Survey Tells Us
While 98% of respondents recognize the vital importance of soft skills, a staggering 72% reported receiving no soft skills training in the past year.
In an environment where emotional intelligence, adaptability, and problem-solving are increasingly prized, this gap is a risk no assistant can afford to ignore.
Some of the findings demand serious reflection:
- Communication, Adaptability, and Problem-Solving emerged as the top three skills assistants must master in the next two years.
- 76% believe AI will elevate—not replace—the need for strong human skills.
- Only 15% felt consistently confident setting boundaries or asserting differing viewpoints—a critical leadership gap.
- Not one respondent claimed they “always” use active listening techniques, revealing a widespread need for deeper communication mastery.
If we don’t address these gaps, we risk losing relevance at a time when organizations need us most.
Why Soft Skills Are Non-Negotiable
Soft skills are not “soft” at all—they are Power Skills.
They determine how effectively you build influence, drive results, create trust, and lead without authority. They are the foundation of strategic partnership.
In fact, a recent study reported that 92% of hiring managers now value soft skills as much as—or more than—technical expertise.
As an administrative professional, you are already doing mission-critical work every day.
But the assistants who will thrive in 2025 and beyond are those who intentionally develop the nuanced human skills that AI cannot replicate: empathy, critical thinking, emotional regulation, relationship building, and strategic foresight.
The Path Forward
At Office Dynamics International, we’ve long understood that building technical skills alone is not enough.
It’s why every program we offer—from the Star Achievement Series® to the Significant Power Skills™ Series—is infused with deep, practical soft skill development.
We are committed to helping administrative professionals evolve from task-takers to strategic business partners—because that is what the future demands.
If you are ready to benchmark your skills, identify your gaps, and map your next steps, I invite you to download the full 2025 Soft Skills Report.
Use it as your personal blueprint for growth—and as a conversation starter with your leaders about the future of your role.
The future favors the prepared. Let’s rise to meet it, together.
Get Insight on Soft Skills for Administrative Professionals
Office Dynamics International surveyed over 700 administrative and executive assistants to gauge the current landscape of soft skills for administrative professionals: where we're strong, where we're vulnerable, and what the future demands of us. The results, now captured in our 2025 Soft Skills Report, send a clear, urgent message: Soft skills are no longer “nice to have.” They are your career survival kit.
About Office Dynamics International
Founded in 1990 by administrative training pioneer Joan Burge, Office Dynamics International is the global leader in training and development for administrative professionals.
We empower assistants to grow from task-takers to strategic business partners through online courses (both live and on-demand), in-person conferences, and customized on-site corporate training designed to elevate individual and team performance.
