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All executive title holders had a secretary (or three) who took care of all their phone calls, scheduling, and other administrative duties.
Originally intended as a tribute to all the hardworking women who helped the rest of the working class, "National Secretaries Day" was established.
Titles including "executive assistant," "administrative assistant," "receptionist," and "office manager" have all been recognized by the appellation, which has changed over time. Whatever name they went by, these dedicated team players served as the model for the vastly more inclusive and varied "Administrative Professionals Day" that we acknowledge today.
However, these helpful superstars are doing much more than just collecting coats and bringing coffee these days. Since many businesses now manage remote employees or hybrid workforces, the term "Administrative Professional" covers a remarkably wide variety of professions and duties.
Similar to how the times have changed, so too have the original ways to honor your gifted assistants.
Administrative Professionals Day or Administrative Assistant Day is one day a year when these unsung heroes—who perform a ton of background work and are crucial to your business's success—are purposefully and unabashedly highlighted.
This holiday was the subject of a whole episode of "The Office"!
When is Administrative Professionals Day?
Administrative Professionals Day, also known as National Secretaries Day, is celebrated annually on the last Wednesday of the last full week of April. Here are the upcoming dates to remember:
- 2024: April 24
- 2025: April 23
- 2026: April 22
- 2027: April 21
- 2028: April 26
This week is also referred to as Administrative Professionals Week. Depending on your organization’s size, you may choose to spread the celebration across the entire week or focus on just one day. Regardless, the goal is to highlight and appreciate your support staff, making them feel valued and special.
Why Celebrate Administrative Professionals Day?
We get it—there’s a holiday for almost everything these days, from Pancakes (February 21st) to Pets (April 11th). These special days remind us to take a break and appreciate life’s simple pleasures. But when it comes to Administrative Professionals Day, the reason to celebrate goes much deeper, especially if you’re already focused on active listening activities and team engagement.
Recognizing your administrative team isn’t just another checkmark; it’s essential. Gallup data shows that employee recognition can significantly boost productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction. But beyond the numbers, specific days like Administrative Professionals Day remind you to intentionally appreciate the staff who often operate behind the scenes.
These are the people who keep your workplace running smoothly, handling everything from customer inquiries to scheduling and logistics.
By celebrating this day, you’re not just thanking them—you’re spotlighting their contributions to the entire organization. It’s an opportunity to involve everyone in the appreciation, perhaps through active listening exercises or listening activities in the workplace that can strengthen team cohesion and understanding.
So, take this time to plan something special. Incorporate games and activities that allow your team to truly connect and show your administrative professionals just how vital they are. Celebrating Administrative Assistant Day shows that their hard work goes beyond recognition—it reinforces the value they bring every single day.
10 Ways to Celebrate Administrative Professionals’ Day
The size and location of your Administrative Support Team are key factors in planning a meaningful celebration. You don’t want it to feel generic just because it’s tricky to coordinate. Whether you have an in-house duo, a global remote team, or a hybrid mix, there are unique ways to show your appreciation.
1. Let Your Admin Professional Choose Their Gift
Why not just ask them? The best way to reward your team is by giving them exactly what they want. Show your appreciation by really listening to their preferences. You’d be amazed at how workplace culture can shift when employees feel heard.
Once you’ve gathered their feedback, use an online platform where they can choose a gift that’s personally meaningful, and have it delivered straight to their home.
2. Host an Administrative Professionals Day Event
The sky’s the limit when it comes to celebrating your team! Whether it’s a catered cookout or a virtual scavenger hunt, planning a unique event ensures the spotlight is right where it belongs—on your incredible support team.
Tip: Make sure it’s on everyone’s calendar. Bring the whole organization together to show appreciation for their favorite team members.
You could also Administrative Assistant Day games and activities to make the event more engaging, or even consider a Custom Team Event from Teamland to tailor the experience to your team’s preferences.
3. Plan a Virtual Activity With Your Team!
Celebrate your administrative team with a fun and engaging online activity, perfect for remote teams who don’t share an office.
Whether you’re hosting a virtual event or enjoying free online games over Zoom, it’s a great way to bond and show appreciation.
Consider planning a virtual event like:
Incorporate camaraderie in the workplace to enhance interaction and make the experience even more memorable. These activities are ideal for bringing your team together, no matter where they are.
4. Support the Charity of Their Choice
Sometimes, the most meaningful reward is giving back. Discover which charity is close to your administrative team’s heart and make a donation in their honor. While it may not be a physical gift, the impact is just as powerful.
Consider organizing a Charity Bike Build or participating in Gratitude Fun to combine team bonding with charitable giving.
Tip: Highlight your administrative professionals’ contributions by giving them a shout-out in your company newsletter or on your LinkedIn page. Engage the team with different activities for the workplace to ensure their voices are heard and appreciated.
5. Give Them The Afternoon Off
April means Spring, and Spring means more sunny days and warmer breezes to enjoy. A random afternoon off may be exactly what’s needed to reboot and refresh. “City Hunt” is a priceless gift.
Tip: Instead of giving your entire administrative team the afternoon off on April 26th, let them choose which day to peace out at lunchtime. This maximizes their reward and minimizes the staffing impact on your organization.
6. Send Digital Gift Cards To Remote Employees
Digital gift cards give your administrative A-Team the freedom to choose exactly what they want, ensuring your appreciation feels personal and unique. Whether they’re eyeing something special or just love the flexibility, it’s a thoughtful way to show you care.
Tip: Explore reward platforms that offer a wide range of digital brands. Platforms make it easy to send personalized gift cards directly to your team. For an extra touch, consider pairing this with active listening games for the workplace to further engage and appreciate your team.
7. Offer a Weekend Experience (On The Company’s Dime)
Experiences create memories that last a lifetime, so why not show your appreciation with a company-paid weekend adventure?
It’s the perfect way to thank your team for all their hard work throughout the year while also supporting their interests outside the office. Whether it’s a baseball game in the Spring, a beach getaway in the Summer, or a camping trip in the Fall, there’s an experience to match every season.
Some programs even let employees pick their own weekend adventure, making it a truly personalized gift. Just remember to consider the time of year when planning—tailoring the experience to the season makes the gift that much more special.
8. Learn About Their Workplace Personality
If you’re familiar with the Myers-Briggs framework, you know that your team is made up of a diverse mix of 16 unique personality types. Each one of these personalities has its own definition of success and happiness, along with distinct ways of finding satisfaction in their work.
Understanding these differences is crucial—it allows you to communicate more effectively, recognize specialized skills, and truly connect with your team members beyond their professional roles.
When you take the time to learn about your staff on a deeper level, you gain invaluable insights that can improve how you interact with them. It’s not just about knowing their job titles; it’s about understanding what makes them tick. For example, by incorporating tools like Team Personality Training, you can tailor your communication and management style to better suit each individual, leading to a more cohesive and motivated team.
Tip: Explore who your Administrative Professionals are beyond their job descriptions. The more you understand their personalities and preferences, the more effectively you can support and engage them.
9. Plan a Team Activity
Why not combine team building with admin appreciation? With a variety of virtual and in-person activities available, you can easily plan something fun and engaging, no matter where your team is located. Consider a unique experience where your team can bond while learning a new skill and enjoying a delicious meal.
Tip: Planning these activities is simpler than you might think. Many options like Teamland are fully organized and guided, so all you need to do is gather your team and enjoy the experience.
10. Take a Long Lunch
Show your appreciation by clearing the afternoon schedule and taking your Administrative Professional out for an extended lunch at their favorite restaurant. Let them order everything they love and savor the moment—no rush, just good food and great conversation.
Tip: Make the experience even more special by turning it into a sushi-making class. Not only will you enjoy a delicious meal, but you’ll also have fun learning a new skill together. This interactive experience is a fantastic way to bond and show that you value their hard work with a unique and memorable activity.
Gift Ideas for Administrative Professionals' Day
Here's to celebrating the heart and soul of our businesses—our incredible administrative professionals! With National Administrative Professionals Day (also known as Secretary Day, Administrative Assistant Day, or Admin Appreciation Day) just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to show your appreciation with thoughtful, personalized gifts. We’ve compiled these unique ideas to help you make your admin feel truly valued.
Personalized Gifts
Nothing speaks louder than a gift that’s been customized with care. It’s a simple way to show you recognize and appreciate the unique qualities your administrative professional brings to the table.
- Custom Design Mugs: Start their day with a personalized mug featuring your company logo or a heartfelt message. Choose from a wide range of colors and styles on Gelato to reflect their personality.
- Personalized Office Décor: Elevate their workspace with a custom desk nameplate or a wall poster featuring an inspiring quote. Add their name, initials, or a saying they love for that personal touch.
- Custom Print T-Shirts: Show off team spirit with custom print t-shirts from Gelato, tailored to their tastes. Whether it’s a company slogan, an inside joke, or a symbol they resonate with, this is a gift they’ll wear with pride.
- Professional Business Cards: Help them network in style with custom-designed business cards. Beautifully formatted with their name, job title, and preferred design or company branding, these cards are both practical and professional.
- Personalized Calendar: A calendar featuring photos from company events or team outings makes for a practical yet sentimental gift. Every month reveals a new memory, keeping their spirits high all year long.
Office Supplies and Décor Gifts
Upgrade their desk with stylish and functional items that make their workspace more enjoyable.
- Customized Notebooks: Classic yet practical, personalized notebooks featuring their name or initials are a thoughtful gift for Administrative Professionals Day.
- Stylish Desk Organizers: Keep their workspace tidy with desk organizers that add a touch of style. These gifts are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- Inspirational Wall Art: Boost positivity with wall art featuring inspiring quotes. It’s a great way to brighten their workspace and remind them that they’re appreciated.
- Personalized Water Bottles: Encourage healthy hydration with a personalized water bottle. Customize it with their name or a motivating quote for that extra touch of thoughtfulness.
- Ergonomic Desk Accessories: Enhance their comfort with ergonomic desk accessories like a cushioned mousepad or adjustable laptop stand, making their workday smoother and more efficient.
Professional Development Gifts
Invest in their growth with gifts that foster learning and professional development.
- Online Course Subscription: A subscription to an online learning platform like Coursera or Udemy allows them to acquire new skills or deepen their expertise. Choose a course aligned with their interests and career goals.
- Business Books from Renowned Authors: Inspire them with books by successful entrepreneurs or experts. Consider a best-seller or a subscription to a book summary service for on-the-go learning.
- Personal Coaching Session: A session with a personal coach offers new perspectives on growth and career development. Help them find a coach who specializes in areas they want to improve.
- Professional Memberships: A membership in an industry association provides opportunities to learn, network, and stay updated with the latest industry trends. Look for administrative organizations that will benefit their profession.
- Language Learning Software Subscription: If they interact with international clients or partners, a subscription to language learning software like Rosetta Stone or Duolingo can be an invaluable gift, opening up new professional opportunities.
What Not to Do on National Administrative Professionals Day
To make the most of National Administrative Professionals Day and show genuine appreciation, here are several key things to avoid:
- Avoid Ignoring the Occasion: Not acknowledging the day entirely can make administrative professionals feel overlooked and undervalued. This day is an opportunity to recognize their hard work, and failing to do so can be demotivating.
- Don’t Offer Generic, Thoughtless Gifts: Avoid giving generic gifts like random office supplies, cheap branded items, or last-minute flowers. These can come across as impersonal and show a lack of effort in appreciating the individual’s unique contributions.
- Avoid Insincere Praise: Offering vague or generic praise can feel empty. Avoid saying things like “You’re great” without specifics. Genuine appreciation requires thought and recognition of specific tasks or qualities that make the professional valuable to the team.
- Don’t Assume Everyone Celebrates: Be mindful that some individuals might not want public recognition or might prefer a private acknowledgment. Avoid making assumptions and putting someone in an uncomfortable position by organizing a large, surprise event without considering their preferences.
- Avoid Overloading with Extra Work: On this day, especially, resist the urge to delegate additional tasks to administrative professionals. The purpose is to celebrate their contributions, not to overwhelm them with more responsibilities.
- Don’t Make It Just About Work: Focusing solely on work-related achievements without recognizing the person behind the role can feel dismissive. It’s important to acknowledge the individual’s personality, hobbies, or interests to make them feel truly valued.
Ready to Celebrate Administrative Professionals Day?
Administrative Professionals Day (or week!) is the perfect time to go all out in recognizing the amazing team that keeps your company running smoothly. These are the folks who connect all the dots—whether it’s linking employees across departments, facilitating communication between your team and clients, tracking meeting minutes, or managing schedules.
This day isn’t just about a generic thank you; it’s about truly appreciating the unique contributions of each administrative professional. Whether you’re celebrating Secretary Day, Administrative Assistant Day, or Admin Appreciation Day, the key is to make your recognition personal and meaningful. Consider what makes your administrative team special and how their work impacts your business daily.
Think about organizing something fun that resonates with their interests—whether it’s a personalized gift, a special lunch, or an engaging team activity. Make it specific to their likes and preferences, so they know just how valued they are.
Remember, National Administrative Professionals Day is not just a calendar event—it’s a chance to celebrate those who make every day at work easier, more organized, and a lot more enjoyable.
FAQs
How do you honor Administrative Professionals Day?
Honoring Administrative Professionals Day (also known as Secretary Day, Administrative Assistant Day, or Admin Appreciation Day) can be done in various meaningful ways. You can express your appreciation through personalized gifts, taking them out for a special lunch, or organizing team activities that highlight their contributions. Recognizing their hard work with thoughtful gestures like handwritten notes or a day off can also make them feel valued. Consider offering professional development opportunities as a way to invest in their career growth.
Who should be recognized on Administrative Professionals Day?
On National Administrative Professionals Day, it's important to recognize all individuals who play a key role in supporting the smooth operation of your organization. This includes administrative assistants, receptionists, office managers, executive assistants, and any other team members who handle administrative tasks. These professionals are the backbone of the office, ensuring that everything runs efficiently.
What is another name for Administrative Professionals Day?
Administrative Professionals Day is also commonly known as Secretary Day, Administrative Assistant Day, and Admin Appreciation Day. These names all refer to the same observance, which celebrates the vital contributions of administrative staff.
Who counts as an administrative professional?
An administrative professional is anyone whose role involves supporting the management and operation of an office. This includes administrative assistants, executive assistants, office managers, receptionists, and other similar roles. These professionals handle tasks like scheduling, communication, data management, and more, ensuring the organization functions smoothly.
How to wish someone a happy Administrative Professionals Day?
Wishing someone a happy Administrative Professionals Day (or Administrative Assistant Appreciation Day) can be simple yet heartfelt. A thoughtful message like, "Happy Administrative Professionals Day! Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated," goes a long way. Personalizing the message by acknowledging specific contributions they’ve made can make it even more meaningful.
How do you thank your administrative professionals?
Thanking your administrative professionals on Admin Appreciation Day or National Administrative Professionals Day can be done through various gestures. A sincere thank you note, a public acknowledgment during a team meeting, or a personalized gift are all effective ways to show appreciation. Consider giving them some time off or offering a special experience, like a lunch or a fun activity, to show how much you value their contributions.
