Celebrate National Secretary Day on April 24, 2024: Show Appreciation and Thank Administrative Professionals

The last full week of April is designated Administrative Professionals Week, with Wednesday (April 24 this year) being the highlight—Executive Secretary Day 2024. This special day has its roots in the early 1950s when the National Secretaries Association (now known as the International Association of Administrative Professionals) was founded to honor secretaries’ vital work.

Over the years, the name has evolved to reflect changing job titles. Still, the essence remains—to celebrate the hard work of our administrative teams, secretaries, executive assistants, and support staff who keep offices running smoothly. As we approach National Secretaries Day on April 24, it’s the perfect opportunity for executives and colleagues to express gratitude and find creative ways to make their secretaries feel valued for their invaluable contributions.

Origins and History of Secretary Professionals Day

National Secretaries Week was established by the United States Secretary of Commerce in 1952.

These two events were rescheduled for April 1955. The term “Secretary” was later replaced by “Professional Secretaries” in 1981. It was then renamed as “Administrative Professionals” in 2000. The name change reflects the expanding role of this profession, and the term now includes more individuals.

These days, the International Association of Administrative Professionals is one of the groups promoting this holiday. Although it is a very important holiday, it is not a public or national holiday.

How to Celebrate Secretary Day 2024?

With these unique and amusing ideas, you can have a great time celebrating National Secretary Day. Let us make this a memorable day for our office’s organizational wizards!

First, why not have a surprise party? Consider this: decorations appear overnight, and morning coffee arrives with shouts and smiles.

It’s a great way to begin the day on a positive note. Next, consider a personalized present. Consider something more unique, such as a handcrafted mug celebrating their superhero status at work.

What about a ‘Thank You’ parade? Yes, you read it correctly. Gather the crew and march to their desks, holding homemade placards and expressing appreciation.

It will be an unforgettable experience for them. There may also be plans for an extended lunch break. The group demands a longer lunch when you take them to their preferred eatery. When you return, the work will still be there, but the memories will be enduring.

Don’t forget to include a professional development gift, such as a workshop or seminar tailored to their interests. It demonstrates that you care about their development and value their efforts.

Finally, a genuine message may make all the difference. Take the time to jot down how their hard work improves your day. It’s simple, sweet, and really effective.

These ideas are more than just about celebrating; they are about expressing true gratitude in exciting and memorable ways. Let’s make Secretary Administrative Assistant Day a memorable occasion!

Showing Appreciation for Support Staff on Administrative Professionals Week and Beyond

Traditional gift cards are still a solid choice to honor your support staff. However, if you want a more unique way to express gratitude in a hybrid work environment, try these ideas:

• A Heartfelt Gesture — A sincere thank-you can go a long way, but don’t stop there. Let your Secretaries know how their work has helped you or the department. Share positive feedback from happy clients, celebrate achievements, and recognize their contributions publicly with peers. An even nicer touch is a verbal commendation followed by a thank-you card or e-card. Administrative assistants can keep these accolades, reminding them how much their efforts are appreciated.
• Rest and Relaxation — Administrative staff work hard, and finding personal time to unwind can be challenging. If policies allow, allow them to log off early and recharge. Or if extra time off isn’t feasible, consider a gift card so they can treat themselves to something they enjoy.
• New Opportunities — Show your secretaries that you’re invested in their future by offering new professional challenges and opportunities. If interested, ask them to oversee a project or encourage them to consider joining a mentorship program. This gesture will demonstrate that you value their contributions and career growth and have confidence in their skills and abilities.
• Professional Development—Offer reimbursement for professional organization memberships or online courses. Secretary are eager to learn and expand their skills and must stay abreast of their field’s latest technologies and best practices. Encouraging employees to grow in their careers benefits the entire organization.

This Administrative Professionals Week, go beyond the traditional “Secretary’s Day” celebrations and find meaningful ways to show your appreciation for the vital work of secretaries, assistants, receptionists, and support staff. Their efforts help keep operations running smoothly, and acknowledging their contributions can boost morale and foster a positive work environment.

Celebrate Secretary Day, aka National Administrative Professionals Day

Now that you’ve learned about Secretary Appreciation Day’s origins and why these personnel are so important to an organization’s success, brainstorm ways to celebrate the Secretary. SwagMagic offers thousands of entertaining and insightful administrative assistant recognition ideas to wish them a happy secretary day. Make sure to express your thanks on National Secretaries Day, April 25, 2018, and present tokens of appreciation year-round to encourage good performance.