Administrative Professionals Day, also known as Secretaries Day or Admin Day, is celebrated every year on April 21 to honor and thank the over 3.6 million administrative and clerical assistants in the US, who work tirelessly to make businesses successful.

It falls on the Administrative Professionals Week observed every year from April 18 to 24.

This year, the day assumes added significance as the majority of administrative professionals has been working from home, battling the COVID-19 outbreak.

Initially christened National Secretaries Day by the International Association of Administrative Professionals in 1952, using the last full week of April to thank the administrative professionals has undergone many changes, depending on the changing face of administrative responsibilities in today's workforce.

Here are five different ways to show administrative professionals your gratitude for their hard work.

1. Gifts To Cheer Them Up: According to staffing firm Robert Half, gifts can help a manager express his gratitude to his support staff. A sweet treat, gift basket, or a book can show them their work is valued. Now that the pandemic has forced us indoors, a video tribute or an e-card can also be a great gift idea.

2. Time Off To Relax: Allowing them to log off early or giving them some extra rest time is an ideal way to thank them. Virtual breaks, where the staff can share a coffee or talk about a non-work topic, is also a refreshing idea.

3. Words Of Appreciation: Though one needn't wait for Administrative Professionals Day to thank support staff, the day is a reminder as to why good words are important. Also, ensure that your words are tailor-made for each staffer, as a personal touch can work wonders.

4. Team Building Activities: Gift them with training activities. Every administrative professional would appreciate the effort to hone his or her skill. This can have an immediate effect on productivity besides boosting employees' job satisfaction.

5. Giving Awards: Robert Staff also stresses the significance of offering internal accolades such as employee of the month. Giving a certificate that acknowledges and honors the staffer and sharing an email praising their work on the company's intranet can make the employee feel special.

Also, a simple thank-you can boost your employee's confidence. Here are five quotes that can express your gratitude.

1. It’s easy to make a buck. It’s a lot tougher to make a difference. –Tom Brokaw

2. No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks. – James Allen

3. Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well. -John W. Gardner

4. No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude. - Alfred North Whitehead

5. Thanks for all the ways you pitch in around here.

Administrative staff
Representational image Pixabay
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