In today’s evolving workplace, the concept of Administrative Professionals Day has become blurred. To understand the true sentiment behind this day, we analyzed opinions and discussions from real admin professionals on Reddit.
What we uncovered were complex views ranging from appreciation to criticism. These diverse perspectives will help you genuinely appreciate your support staff.
But before we dive in, let’s understand more about this day.
What is Administrative Professionals Day?
Administrative Professionals Day is an annual event recognizing the vital contributions of administrative support staff. It acknowledges the crucial role they play in keeping offices running smoothly.
This day honors a wide range of professionals, including:
- Administrative assistants
- Executive assistants
- Receptionists
- Office managers
- Data entry specialists
- Administrative coordinators
The day has evolved to encompass the expanding responsibilities and diverse job titles within the modern administrative workforce.
When is Admin Professionals Day?
Administrative Professionals Day is observed on the Wednesday of the last full week of April. In 2025, it will be celebrated on April 23.
The entire week is designated as Administrative Professionals Week, providing an extended opportunity to recognize these essential team members.
History of National Administrative Professionals Day
The roots of this day trace back to 1952 when U.S. Secretary of Commerce Charles Sawyer proclaimed the first National Secretaries Day. It was conceived by Mary Barrett, president of the National Secretaries Association (now International Association of Administrative Professionals), along with business leaders, to recognize administrative contributions and attract people to these careers in the booming post-war economy.
Over the decades, the day’s name and scope have evolved:
- 1955: Changed to “Secretaries Week”
- 1981: Became “Professional Secretaries Week”
- 2000: Renamed “Administrative Professionals Week/Day”
These changes reflect the shifting nature of administrative roles. However, the question remains: Is this day still relevant in today’s workplace?
What Admin Professionals Feel About This Day
We analyzed Reddit discussions from real administrative professionals. Here’s what we found.
Positive Views
Many administrative professionals appreciate the recognition:
- “I look forward to Administrative Professionals Day every year!” one staff shared, valuing the opportunity to feel acknowledged.
- Some enjoy the special treatment, such as being treated to a nice lunch or receiving thoughtful gifts from executives.
- For others, it’s a chance to bond with fellow admins, with one company organizing a lunch where all EAs go to a nice restaurant together.
Criticisms and Concerns
However, a significant number of administrative professionals view the day with skepticism:
- Some feel it’s patronizing or demeaning. “Even if it’s genuine, it sets us admins apart and that’s not a good thing. It infantilizes us and keeps us ‘in our place’,” one employee said.
- There’s concern that the day reinforces outdated stereotypes and fails to recognize admins as valued team members year-round.
- Many express a preference for professional respect, career development opportunities, and fair compensation throughout the year rather than a single day of recognition.
- Given that administrative roles are still predominantly held by women, some see the day as having sexist undertones or reinforcing gender stereotypes in the workplace.
Some administrative professionals have conflicted feelings:
- They appreciate the gesture but feel it shouldn’t be necessary in a truly respectful workplace.
- Many prefer more meaningful forms of recognition, such as increased responsibilities or professional development opportunities.
The inconsistent celebration of the day across organizations was a common complaint:
- This disparity can create tension and morale issues within the workplace.
- Some admins receive lavish gifts and recognition, while others are completely overlooked.
How to Celebrate Administrative Professionals Day
Given the diverse perspectives we’ve uncovered, here are some thoughtful ways to recognize your administrative team.
Showing Sincere Appreciation
The most important aspect of celebrating Administrative Professionals Day is demonstrating genuine appreciation:
- Write heartfelt, handwritten notes of gratitude.
- Express sincere verbal appreciation in person or via phone call.
- Take the administrative team out for a nice lunch.
- Organize an office-wide celebration with treats from a local bakery.
Gift Ideas For Administrative Professionals Day
When selecting gifts, consider these popular options mentioned by administrative professionals:
- Monetary Incentives:
- Cash bonuses.
- Increased monetary compensation for the day.
- Time Off:
- Additional paid time off (PTO).
- Sending them home early after a celebration.
- Professional Development:
- Cover the costs for a professional development opportunity or training.
- Tree Gifts:
- Tree Kits: Give the gift of growth with a personal tree-planting kit.
- Gift Stories: Offer a meaningful narrative along with your gift, explaining the impact of their work.
Happy Admin Professionals Day Card Ideas
A thoughtful card can be a meaningful gesture. Consider these ideas:
- Mention specific examples of how they’ve positively impacted the team or company.
- Include words of encouragement for their career growth.
- Share a personal anecdote that highlights your appreciation.
For an eco-friendly touch, mention that trees will be planted to celebrate their special day.
You could write, “In honor of your hard work and dedication, we’re growing a forest in your name. Your impact extends beyond our office walls!”
The trees are added to their own Forest Profile and linked to your brand’s Forest Profile.
Beyond The Day: How To Recognize Admins
In addition to celebrating Administrative Professionals Day, consider these year-round appreciation strategies:
Year Round Appreciation
Develop a culture of ongoing recognition:
- Regularly acknowledge admins’ contributions in team meetings.
- Implement a peer recognition program.
- Provide timely feedback and praise for jobs well done.
Professional Development
Support the growth of your administrative team:
- Offer mentorship programs.
- Provide opportunities to lead projects or initiatives.
- Support attendance at relevant conferences or workshops.
Inclusion in Team Recognition
Ensure administrative professionals are included in broader team celebrations:
- Involve them in project debriefs and success celebrations.
- Highlight their contributions in company-wide communications.
- Include them in decision-making processes where appropriate.
Over To You
How does your organization celebrate Administrative Professionals Day? What strategies have you found most effective in showing genuine appreciation for your administrative team? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
FAQs
No, Administrative Professionals Day is not always on the same date. It falls on the Wednesday of the last full week in April. For example, in 2024, it will be on April 24, while in 2025, it will be on April 23.
Administrative professionals include a wide range of roles such as administrative assistants, executive assistants, receptionists, office managers, clerks (financial, accounting, court, etc.), and chiefs of staff. Essentially, it includes any staff member who provides administrative support to keep an office running smoothly.
While HR professionals play a crucial role in organizations, they are typically not included in Administrative Professionals Day celebrations. This day is specifically for administrative support staff. However, many companies choose to recognize HR professionals separately or include them in broader employee appreciation events.
The celebration was first conceived by Harry F. Klemfuss, a public relations account executive at Young & Rubicam; C. King Woodbridge, president of Dictaphone Corporation; Mary Barrett, president of the National Secretaries Association (now IAAP). These individuals recognized the contributions of administrative personnel to the economy, especially during the booming post-war business era.
