Administrative Professional’s Day, also known as Secretaries Day, is a day set aside to draw attention to the important work done by administrative support professionals, in all industries across the board.  Many employers and supervisors take a few moments to show their appreciation for all of the work done by these professionals.

A bit of history:

During WWII, the United States saw an increase in the need for skilled administrative personnel and The National Secretaries Association was formed to emphasize the role of secretaries as well as other administrative assistants.  The group’s aim was to attract more people to administrative careers.  In 1981, the association’s name was changed to Professional Secretaries International and then in 1998, it changed to International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).  The name changes reflect the changing tasks and responsibilities of the members. IAAP continues to offer education and training to reach excellence in the business community.

National Secretaries Week began in 1952 with Wednesday of the week designated as National Secretaries Day.  In 2000, the IAAP renamed the events, Administrative Professionals Week and Administrative Professionals Day to align with changing job titles as well as increasing responsibilities.

Administrative Professional’s Day is celebrated on the last Wednesday of the last full week of April in the United States. It lands on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 this year.

Many organizations take this time to recognize the support staff with gifts. It is not uncommon to take administrative professionals out for lunch, allow them to leave early for the day, or give them flowers, candy or gift cards.  The IAAP recommends that organizations offer training opportunities for the administrative assistants.

Here at Edible Fruit we think any combination of those signs of gratitude would be much appreciated but we also recommend the gift of delicious and healthy fruit.  A basket of fresh fruit, a bowl of berries or a deliciously beautiful edible arrangement would be a gift that could be shared at the office or at home with the family. The gift of fruit is not only delicious but it is healthy making it a good option even if your administrative professionals are following a weight loss plan or have dietary restrictions.

There is still time to place an order or create your own gift for the administrative professionals in your life.  Even a small gesture of appreciation can go a long way.