According to the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), there are more than 4.1 million administrative assistants and secretaries employed in the U.S. To honor the efforts of these workers, on which many businesses rely, Administrative Professional’s Week was established on the last week of April.
In 1952, the National Secretaries Association campaigned for a week of recognition for the work being done by the office secretary. The U.S. Secretary of Commerce set aside the first week of June to honor this workforce, with June 4th declared as National Secretaries Day. In 1955, this was changed to the last week of April. As these roles expanded into administrative assistants, the week was renamed Administrative Professional’s Week with April 23rd designated Administrative Professional’s Day.
Today, this is one of the largest celebrations of workforce labor. People throughout American businesses show gratitude to their administrative staff for keep them organized, managing clients and customers, and contributing in a variety of ways. While there may be other occasions throughout the year when this staff is included in celebrations, Administrative Professionals Week focuses on the dedicated efforts of this workforce.
Gifts and cards are typically given during this week. The staff is often taken out to lunch or given time off. Sincere employers show their gratitude by doing something special for their staff.
Send a bouquet of flowers to your staff’s home address so they can enjoy them while relaxing after work. Surprise them with flowers on their desk and a card signed by each of the team members. Give a gift card to a local concert, play or sporting event. Make the gift personal to that person’s tastes and it will mean more than a generic gift.
If you work with admin assistants in remote locations, find out from the office manager what would be appropriate. Again, sending a special flower arrangement could be appreciated, specially if accompanied by a “Thank You” card from the staff that work with them.
You may also work with contract admin assistants, or virtual assistants. If these professionals have become an integral part of your team, then honor them with gifts of gratitude, as well. If you work with a contracting service, find out from the account manager what would be appropriate. A gift card is a good option if you don’t have a clear preference for the individuals.
If the person has worked with you for a long time, take advantage of the entire week to make them feel special. A small vase with different flowers for each day of the week will convey how important that person is to your team. For all of the efforts they do to help in the office, a daily sign of gratitude will be much appreciated.
