During the last full week of April, American offices and businesses recognize Administrative Professional’s Week, with a special Administrative Professional’s Day celebrated that Wednesday. While it is not a public American holiday, it is regarded as a national observance where workplaces acknowledge the contributions of their administrative professionals, which may include but are not limited to: secretaries, receptionists, assistants, and other employees and staff that comprise administrative personnel. Various countries all around the world acknowledge the holiday and hold annual recognitions for offices and their employees.
The Office Orchids design is a sweet reminder of thanks for employees at work.
Its origins tie back to WWII, when there was a need for skilled administrative staff due to a boom in American post-war business. In 1942, the National Secretaries Association was founded, recognizing the work of administrative personnel and their contributions to the economy while simultaneously attracting potential workers in the administrative fields. A couple significant people involved in the creation of Administrative Professional’s Day and Week include Mary Barrett, a former president of the association, now called the International Association of Administrative Professionals, C. King Woodbridge, the president of Dictaphone Corporation, and Harry F. Klemfuss, a public relations account executive at Young & Rubicam.
Desktop Daisy adds sunshine to any desk!
In 1952, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Charles Sawyer, proclaimed the first observance of National Secretary’s Week that June 1st through 7th, and a specific National Secretary’s Day was set to be celebrated that Wednesday. Three years later, the celebration was moved back to the last full week of April, and it wasn’t until 2000 when the holiday’s name was changed to Administrative Professional’s Week/Day. The name change encompasses the many responsibilities and diverse job titles of various administrative staff in workplaces. Today, much of that work is recognized, and companies and businesses set aside time during Administrative Professionals Day – or even during the week – to appreciate their employees in administrative positions.
If you are an office, business, or workplace looking to showcase your appreciation for your administrative staff, visit our Administrative Professional’s Day page on our website for great flower and plant ideas. From beautiful bouquets, plants employees can take home, or simple but sweet desktop flower designs, give us a call and let Radebaughs help you show your workers the value they deserve this Administrative Professionals Week.