Administrative Professionals Day or Secretary's Day
About Administrative Professionals Day or Secretary's Day
When is Administrative Professionals Day? The Secretary's Day holiday is observed on April 23, 2025; April 22, 2026; April 21, 2027; April 26, 2028; April 25. 2029; April 24, 2030
Administrative Professionals Week: The last full week in April - April 20-26, 2025; April 19 - 25, 2026; April 18 - 24, 2027; April 23 - 29, 2028; April 22 - 28, 2029; April 21 - 27, 2030
Is your Admin awesome? Today is Administrative Professionals Day, also called Secretary’s Day. Professional Secretaries Week and Secretaries Day were created in 1952 through the work of Harry F. Klemfuss of Young and Rubicam. Klemfuss recognized the importance and value of the secretarial position, to a company or business and management. His goal in creating this day was to encourage more women to become secretaries. (Nowadays, that would be both women and men). Using his skill and experience in public relations, Klemfuss, promoted the values and importance of the job that secretaries do. In doing so, he also created the holiday in recognition of the importance of secretaries.
The name of this special day has changed and evolved over the past few decades. Yet, the importance of recognizing these vital individuals has continued to grow. The two new terms in use today are: “Administrative Professionals” and “Executive Administrators (or Admins)”. The two names sometimes mean different roles and responsibilities in different companies and organizations. Both are broader terms, that encompass more positions than the original “Secretary” role.
The name change recognizes and acknowledges that the role has changed significantly since 1952, and for the better at that. We think Klemfuss would agree with the evolution of Secretary’s Day. In Harry Klemfuss’ day, these positions were the realm of women. Today, you find males in these positions, too.
Lilies are the official flower of this holiday. This big, bright flower represents commitment, patience, and purity. Kinda sounds like an administrative professional or secretary, doesn’t it!?
Did You Know? This professional position is also sometimes called “Executive Admin”.
An Invaluable Position
Among the places you can find these critical professionals are in business, education, government, healthcare, the legal profession, and many other areas. Over many years, the position of secretary and office administrative personnel has evolved. And, these smart, hardworking individuals sometimes did not get the respect they deserved. Secretaries were once seen as a combination of receptionists, coffee procurers, schedulers, stenographers, and typists. Nowadays, their responsibilities are often much broader.
When you stop and think about it, your business would be in a world of hurt without these professionals. Office secretaries and Admins are the wheels that make your office run smoothly. Secretaries, in particular, are often the first contact clients and visitors see. They are the image of your business. That first impression is very important. Usually, secretaries and admins are the professionals that make the office work smoothly. They are a wealth of knowledge about the company and how it works on a daily basis. If you have a task that needs to be done, they are the ones to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Did You Know? In 1941 a law was passed allowing women to work in an office!
How to Celebrate Administrative Professionals Day
As a manager, whatever you do, do not give your admins and secretaries the day off today. Rather, they need to be in the office so you can give them the recognition and appreciation that they deserve. But, you can give them the day off tomorrow. The most common ways of recognizing your Administrative Professional(s) today are:
- First and foremost, tell them how much they are appreciated.
- Tell them how vital they are to the smooth operation of the office.
- Give them recognition in your company newsletter.
- Give them flowers for their desk. Lilies are the perfect choice.
- Cards, often with restaurant or shopping gift certificates, are a great way to show your appreciation.
- Take them to lunch.
- Give them a box of candy. We hope you know their favorite candies.
- Assorted gift baskets are a great way to say thanks for all that you do.
- If there is something they want for their desk, now is the perfect time to procure it.
- Encourage students to consider a career in any of these fields.
Thoughts for Administrative Professionals Day
“The first thing the secretary types is the boss.” – – Donald Trump
“It takes one minute to change your attitude, and in that one minute you can change your whole day.” – – Author Unknown
Did You Know? In the United States, there are over 4 million administrative professionals in the workforce.
History and Origin of Secretary's Day (Administrative Professionals Day)
In 1952, U.S. Secretary of Commerce created National Secretaries Week. Then, National Secretaries Association with the support of corporate groups created National Secretary’s Day. The word “National” was later removed from the title.
In 1955, both of these events were moved to April. Then, in 1981 the word “Secretary” was replaced with the words “Professional Secretaries”. Then, in 2000, the name was changed again to “Administrative Professionals”. The name change reflected the changing role of this profession and the definition includes more people.
Today, the International Association of Administrative Professionals is among the organizations that promote this holiday.
While this is a very important holiday, it is not a public holiday. Nor, is it a national holiday.
There is no congressional records or presidential proclamations for this day.
Definition of “National” Days – Learn why it is so important to distinguish true “National” days.
Related Holidays
People who like Secretary’s Day will also like:
International Fun at Work Day – If you have to go to work, you might as well have fun while you’re there.
More About Today
Enjoy more things about this day and every day:
Recipe of the Day: Asparagus Wrapped Bacon
Flower of the Day: Daffodils
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Did You Know? There are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. Many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. April is no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.