The Three As of Supporting Academic Staff

I imagine we have all experienced the following scenario: a staff member retires or leaves for another opportunity providing better pay and benefits, and the department[1] finds itself down a valued academic support staff member. That loss, whether sudden or planned, can leave a significant hole in the unit. It also provides an opportunity for the unit to reflect on the extent of support that staff provide to the university, which may otherwise go unrecognized. From managing administrative duties to supporting faculty and students, their work is critical for ensuring the smooth operation of academic programs. While their loss may illuminate the important work they do, how often do we recognize that work and strive to support them while they are still members of the department?