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There is nothing more valuable to any business than an Administrative Assistant.
These helpful employees very often keep the operation going and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.
We often take these valuable assets for granted because so much of what they do is behind the scenes that no one even knows about.
The Title Has Evolved
Early in my career, we celebrated Secretary’s Day. The name changed a few decades ago to Administrative Assistant Day.
We have now recognized the value of this faithful workforce and now call them Administrative Professionals. A name that better describes this group of employees.
What Does An Administrative Professional Do?
The better question might be, what DOESN’T an administrative professional do?
These employees cover the gambit of responsibilities that relate to keeping the operation moving.
Their skills have progressed from typing and taking shorthand (I wonder how many of you even know what that is?) to computer experts and savvy social media skills.
An admin might keep track of expenses and spending or even be responsible for budgeting.
He/She may organize an office and keep everyone’s calendar up-to-date and manageable.
Why Celebrate Administrative Professionals Day?
Administrative Professionals are the glue to every office. They provide stability and consistency in practice and are the ones who keep it all together.
The role of an administrative assistant is one that typically does not get the same perks as their boss. Their pay is less, and they don’t often get the benefits of someone higher on the ladder.
Ironically, many would argue that their role is more critical to the daily operation because of all of the diverse tasks and responsibilities they have.
This alone is enough reason to celebrate these workplace heroes.
8 Administrative Professionals Day Celebration Ideas
Administrative Professionals Day is celebrated on the Wednesday of the last full week of April. This year, that Day is April 24. Mark your calendars and set your annual reminders.
1. Send Flowers Or A Plant
Most people enjoy the beauty of fresh-cut flowers or a lush fresh plant.
Take the time to determine a favorite flower (mine is tulips) or plant and have one sent to your admin.
Be sure to include a personal note that expresses your appreciation for them.
2. A Handwritten Note
Everyone appreciates the lost art of a handwritten note.
Find a nice card or stationary and simply write a note expressing your gratitude and appreciation for their hard work.
Get specific and state what exactly it is that does not go unnoticed. Be sincere and date and sign the note.
This will likely become a precious keepsake for he/she.
3. Provide A Group Card
Find an appropriate thank you card and ask all the employees to personalize a note.
Personalized feedback from co-workers can communicate many of those unspoken gratitudes.
Find a card that is large enough for everyone to sign, or ask co-workers to write their own personalized notes.
4. Cater In Breakfast Or Lunch
Everyone enjoys free food. Determine the best time for your office and have breakfast or lunch brought in.
Notify all employees and ask them to join you in celebration of a valuable employee.
Have the group take turns stating why they appreciate the admin. This type of exercise often reveals valuable feedback that may be unspoken.
Make it special by inviting a spouse, children, or significant other. Simply acknowledging an employee’s family is a statement of appreciation.
5. Give A Gift Card
Everyone likes to shop. Maybe not at the mall, but with the countless opportunities to purchase online, most of us shop.
Find out the admins’ favorite store or online shop and surprise him/her with a gift card.
Or find out what a favorite restaurant is and treat him/her to a nice dinner with his/her significant other.
6. Offer More Responsibility
Successful professionals understand that it takes experience to climb the ladder.
If your admin demonstrates great skill and achieves administrative assistant performance goals for the office, acknowledge their efforts by giving them a higher level of responsibility.
Be careful not to throw a lot more responsibility on them without ensuring they have sufficient time to get things done.
But you might be surprised at how appreciative your admin is when they realize you trust them to do more.
7. Provide An Opportunity For Professional Development
The world is changing faster than ever, and so are the skills needed to keep up.
Ask your admin what their interests are and send them to classes or seminars to hone those skills.
Once they take a class, ask them to return to the office and implement what they learned.
For instance, let’s say your admin has an interest in social media. Send them to a class that hones their skills and offers tips and suggestions to improve your organization’s social presence.
This can be a perk for the admin but may also help you improve how your business does social.
8. Make It A Week-long Celebration
Many organizations take this week and have several small things going on to recognize and thank this team of employees for their hard work.
Take every day of the week and surprise your admins with something.
Recruit a team of coworkers and plan a week that shows everyone’s appreciation for this special employee.
Don’t Take Your Administrative Professionals For Granted
We are all busy, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing any time soon. Keep in mind that the busier you are, the busier your admin will be.
Make a point of being aware, and don’t make the mistake of taking this valuable employee for granted.
Learn about your employees’ perceptions of work. If they are not completely engaged, they may simply bide their time and plan their escape.
Don’t get caught off guard, and show appreciation to those who keep your business humming!