Administrative Professionals Day

Administrative Professionals' Day History

Administrative Professionals' Day acknowledges and celebrates the significant contributions of administrative personnel to efficient business operations. It recognises the critical role of secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists, and other administrative professionals, whose diverse skills and dedication contribute greatly to their organisations' success. These professionals' expertise in areas such as communications, technology, project coordination, and other key organisational skills, are vital to the smooth running of businesses, educational institutions, government agencies, among others.

The observance has a history dating back to World War II, when a shortage of skilled administrative personnel in the United States led to the creation of National Secretaries Week. Today, that tradition has evolved into what is known globally as Administrative Professionals' Day, with the United Kingdom being one of the nations acknowledging this key occasion. The celebration highlights not only recognition for the administrative workforce but also often features professional development opportunities, bringing benefits to both employers and professionals. The UK's observance is critical as administrative professionals form a significant and crucial part of its workforce.

In the United Kingdom, Administrative Professionals' Day is usually marked by employers showing appreciation to their administrative staff through means such as gifts, flowers, lunches or simply words of thanks. It serves as a reminder of the essential role they play in the ongoing success of their organisations. Administrative Professionals' Day occurs during the last full week of April, with Wednesday of that week often identified as the specific day of celebration.

Facts about Administrative Professionals Day

• The original Secretaries Day was designed to attract potential employees. It was thought that this would help alleviate the skilled office worker shortage.
• Always be nice to secretaries. They are the real gatekeepers in the world - Anthony J. D'Angelo
• In the UK, there are over 600,000 people employed in administrative and secretarial roles, making it a significant sector of the employment market.
• The salaries for administrative roles in the UK can vary widely depending upon the sector, level of responsibility, size of the company, and location. But they generally offer competitive pay and opportunities for career progression.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Administrative Professionals Day

Top things to do in the UK for this observance

• If you are an employer, provide a business-related gift to your administrative support staff.
• Attend a seminar or conference to expand your administrative capabilities.
• Some ways you can celebrate Administrative Professionals' Day:
  1) Go out for a team lunch or dinner
  2) Organizing team building activities and games
  3) Hosting a small office party or gathering
• Read a book to learn more about Administrative Professionals' in United Kingdom:
  1) The Definitive Personal Assistant & Secretarial Handbook: A Best Practice Guide for All Secretaries, Pas, Office Managers and Executive Assistants - by Sue France
  2) Administrative Professional: Procedures and Skills - by Ronald Hanson, Marilyn Manning