Today is Administrative Professionals Day, but the celebration lasts all week long. Don’t forget the employees who let you shine during Administrative Professionals Week.

Administrative Professionals Week is celebrated annually during the last full week of April. Previously known as National Secretaries Week, this unofficial holiday is celebrated by acknowledging the work of secretaries, receptionists, administrative assistants and other administrative support professionals.

The first observance of this special week was sponsored by the National Secretaries Association, now called International Association of Administrative Professionals, and took place in 1952. The name was changed to Administrative Professionals Week in 2000 to encompass the expanding responsibilities of administrative support staff and their value to the companies and organizations.

Administrative Professions Week is one of the largest workplace observances, and is celebrated around the world with community events, social gatherings, corporate events, gifts and flowers. It is estimated that there are currently over 4 million administrative professionals in the United States alone.

How to celebrate

Administrative Professionals Week is fairly unique in the fact that the nature of the holiday dictates that a gift or some other token of appreciation is expected. The most important aspect of finding the appropriate gift to give is based largely on the recipient’s position and their value to the company. It is important not to give a gift that is too personal, nor too utilitarian.

Many superiors choose to reward administrative professionals with work-related benefits like a vacation day or a catered lunch. Others choose more personal selections such as a gift card to a favorite restaurant or flowers to show their appreciation.

Flowers are almost always an appropriate choice for Administrative Professionals Week. They can be left at the office to brighten the work space, or taken home to be enjoyed with the family. They can also be customized to reflect the personal tastes of the recipients, which offers a great deal of flexibility for the sender.

Don’t forget to recognize your support staff during Administrative Professionals Week. Show them you appreciate their hard work and dedication to your business while possibly boosting morale and employee satisfaction at the same time. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.