Administrative Professional’s Week - Administrative Professional’s Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Administrative Professional’s Week - Administrative Professional’s Day

April 18, 2008

Contact: Rick Steven (209) 522-9220
giftshops@higsi.com

(MODESTO, California)

When is it?
Administrative Professionals Week is held annually during the last full week in April (April 20 – 26, 2008). Administrative Professionals Day is always held the Wednesday of that week (April 23, 2008).

Who is considered an Administrative Professional anyway?
International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) defines administrative professionals as “individuals who are responsible for administrative tasks and coordination of information in support of an office related environment and who are dedicated to furthering their personal and professional growth in their chosen profession.”

That’s a little on the wordy side, so let me put it this way: If your job title is Office Coordinator, Secretary, or office manager, or if you hold a job title called Administrative Anything, of Assistant to Anyone, then you belong to the family. If you’re not sure if you qualify, check out the IAAP’s website. They list literally hundreds of job titles considered part of their family.

Brief History
Many people think recognition holidays such as Administrative Professionals Day were created as a conspiracy by flower distributors, candy manufacturers, and greeting card companies so they could sell more products. Although these industries may well receive some benefit from the holiday, the truth is that Administrative Professional’s Day was originally organized in 1952 as National Secretaries Day, by the National Secretaries Association - now known as the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).

According to IAAP, Secretary’s Day was originally established as an effort to recognize secretaries for their contributions in the workplace, and to attract more people to administrative careers.

An official name change took place in the year 2000. Due to increasing pressure for political correctness, and to keep pace with changing job titles and expanding responsibilities of today’s administrative workforce, the IAAP announced the new names of Administrative Professionals Week and Administrative Professionals Day.

Since its inception, Administrative Professionals Week has grown to be one of the most recognized and celebrated workplace observances worldwide.

So What Happens on Administrative Professional’s Day?
For starters, Administrative Professionals can expect a little recognition for their hard work. After all, it’s your day. Many employers even give their administrative office workers a small gift, or take the office out to lunch as a token of appreciation for their hard work. In any case, (employers and bosses take note) a simple and sincere “thank you” this Wednesday will go a long way in the eyes of your hard working staff.