Say Thanks on Administrative Professionals’ Day

Behind every successful business, there is a team of administrative professionals who keep the office operating on all cylinders. Their daily contributions to the workplace often extend the reaches of their all-encompassing job titles and assumed responsibilities. Whether behind-the-scenes or in a public-facing role, administrative assistants (secretaries, assistants, office managers, etc.) are often the glue that holds the entire office together. These multitasking extraordinaries get the job done with little recognition, which is why Administrative Professionals’ Day is the perfect opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation for their hard work.

Administrative Professionals’ Day is observed on the Wednesday during Administrative Professionals’ Week, which lands on the last full week each April. This year it falls on April 25th.

History of Administrative Professionals’ Day

World War II created an opportunity in the U.S. workforce for more “skilled administrative personnel” who performed a wide range of duties and responsibilities to support business and government. The National Secretaries Association was founded in 1942 as a professional network for administrative staff. In 1998, the association changed its name to the International Association of Administrative Professionals. Shortly thereafter in 2000, the association changed the names of the week and day observances to Administrative Professionals’ Week and Administrative Professionals’ Day to reflect changes in the modern workforce.

Although job titles have evolved and expanded since the first day was observed in 1952 (formerly known as National Secretaries’ Day), the premise of the day remains the same — to celebrate the hard work and contributions of administrative professionals.

Show Your Appreciation with Coffee

To show appreciation and to ensure the day starts off on the right foot, surprise your administrative staff with their favorite caffeinated beverage from Starbucks or a nearby coffee shop. The Starbucks Get Up & Go Box has all the coffee essentials they will need, including a travel mug, four types of Starbucks coffee and spiced chocolate and cherry-walnut biscotti. For Starbucks any time, they will also enjoy the VIA Ready Brew in Italian Dark Roast flavor.

The Starbucks Sampler with Breakfast Blend, House Blend, Caffé Verona and biscotti is also a great alternative. If you’re able to give them the day off, they can enjoy the Starbucks Sampler at leisure from home.

Say Thanks with Flowers

Brighten their day at the office with a bouquet of freshly cut blooms, such as the Sunlit Meadows Bouquet by Better Homes and Gardens. The cheery arrangement comes in an aqua blue glass container reminiscent of a Mason jar and contains a combination of brilliant sunflowers, yellow spray roses, magenta mini carnations, white traditional daisies and lush green accents. Include a personalized message to show your heartfelt thanks.

Express gratitude with the Thanks Bouquet, which comes with a keepsake hang tag. They will be able to enjoy the brightly colored and cheerful bouquet at their desk. The keepsake hang tag will remind them yearlong of your appreciation for all their hard work.

Extend Gratefulness with Sweets

Give them the gift of indulgence and say “Thank you berry much” with the Chocolate Dip Delights Thank You Berry Gram. A dozen perfectly plump and juicy strawberries are dipped in white, dark and milk chocolates. Six of the dozen chocolate-covered strawberries spell out, “THANKS” with the other six drizzled in green confection ribbons.

For administrative professionals who go above and beyond on a daily basis, surprise them with the Fresh Fruit and Cheese that they can enjoy with the Thank You Wine Trio.  Administrative Professionals’ Day conveniently falls on “Wine Wednesday,” which serves as the perfect opportunity to sip a glass of sparkling wine from the trio.

Whatever you decide to do for the administrative professionals, be sure to thank them for all they contribute with a special Administrative Professionals Day gift.