Yes, today is that day, Administrative Professionals Day. Before writing another word, please let me pause to exclaim heartfelt thanks, and thanks, and a million times thanks to all of you Administrative Professionals reading this note out there.
No one who has ever experienced true success does so without acknowledging the help of others. There is great wisdom and confidence in expressing gratitude for a helping hand when help was needed.
As it turns out, the earliest elements of this year’s Administrative Professionals Week can be traced back to the first full week of June in 1952. As with this year, the celebration was weeklong back then. Over the years and depending in which of the dozen countries where this day is marked, it could be called Administrative Professionals Day, Administrative Assistants Day, Admin Day, or Secretaries Day. Since 1955, the celebration has been set for the last full workweek of April.
Here are five ideas of how you might turn your words of gratitude into acts of appreciation:
Idea #1: Make an investment in software to facilitate administrative functions. Everyone wants to feel as if what they do is important. The best way to underscore importance is by making investments that make workaday activities more efficient, easier, and possibly even fun. This, in turn, will pay dividends as your administrative team becomes energized while freeing up time for other tasks.
Idea #2: Arrange a fun team building experience. Having a little fun at work doesn’t just lead to a great company culture, it builds productivity. The pandemic caused many of us to create some distance, both figuratively and literally, between us and our co-workers. This week might be an excellent time to introduce a new corporate game or ice breaker to bring folks back together, create new bonds, and make connections.
Idea #3: Give the gift of knowledge. It’s energizing for both individuals and organizations to receive professional training from recognized experts. I’ve personally watched with amazement the transformations that Caz Russell can make with groups of employees who may have become lethargic, unfocused, and less productive. Caz presents programs throughout the Leadership Susquehanna Valley (LSV) yearlong experience, which earn high praise and really make a profound difference. Feel free to check out his resources, or better yet book him to work with your administrative professionals, at cazrussell.com or 570-809-2493.
Idea #4: Honor them. When employees see that their company is actively supporting issues and organizations that matter to them, it boosts morale and improves organizational culture. A simple donation will suffice, but also consider hosting a charitable event. This event could involve the employees donating their time and talents, thereby adding some ‘sweat equity’ to the contribution.
Idea #5: Send a gift. Who doesn’t like receiving a gift or memento? This is an easy, yet meaningful way to show your administrative team that you appreciate them and their hard work. Self-care items, such as spa certificates or a cozy blanket top every list of possible gift-giving ideas. Close behind are experience gifts, such as a cooking class or a wine tasting, or maybe happy hour with some mixology training thrown in for good measure. You might also consider presenting them with surprise office supplies such as a customized stationary set, note pads, or a high-quality pen set.
Most of all, a simple and sincere “Thank You’ is what we all need from time-to-time. Blend in a ‘Well Done’ and Administrative Professionals Day becomes heavenly for each of us as we work together to ensure that our best days lie just ahead.
Idea #2: Arrange a fun team building experience. Having a little fun at work doesn’t just lead to a great company culture, it builds productivity. The pandemic caused many of us to create some distance, both figuratively and literally, between us and our co-workers. This week might be an excellent time to introduce a new corporate game or ice breaker to bring folks back together, create new bonds, and make connections.
Idea #3: Give the gift of knowledge. It’s energizing for both individuals and organizations to receive professional training from recognized experts. I’ve personally watched with amazement the transformations that Caz Russell can make with groups of employees who may have become lethargic, unfocused, and less productive. Caz presents programs throughout the Leadership Susquehanna Valley (LSV) yearlong experience, which earn high praise and really make a profound difference. Feel free to check out his resources, or better yet book him to work with your administrative professionals, at cazrussell.com or 570-809-2493.
Idea #4: Honor them. When employees see that their company is actively supporting issues and organizations that matter to them, it boosts morale and improves organizational culture. A simple donation will suffice, but also consider hosting a charitable event. This event could involve the employees donating their time and talents, thereby adding some ‘sweat equity’ to the contribution.
Idea #5: Send a gift. Who doesn’t like receiving a gift or memento? This is an easy, yet meaningful way to show your administrative team that you appreciate them and their hard work. Self-care items, such as spa certificates or a cozy blanket top every list of possible gift-giving ideas. Close behind are experience gifts, such as a cooking class or a wine tasting, or maybe happy hour with some mixology training thrown in for good measure. You might also consider presenting them with surprise office supplies such as a customized stationary set, note pads, or a high-quality pen set.
