Understanding the history of Secretary’s day gifts would be incomplete without knowing the story behind the origination of National Secretary’s Day (NSD). Together, Mary Barrett, president of the National Secretaries Association (NSA), and C. King Woodbridge, president of Dictaphone Corporation, inspired the formation for a National Secretary’s Week (NSW) in 1952. They were working on how to address the issue of a national shortage of skilled office workers and sought a way to both honor staff and attract more people to administrative careers.

Lobbying the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, the first NSW was proclaimed in 1952 and since 1955 has been observed during the last full week of April. Over time, the changing professional views toward administrative support staff led to the change of holiday’s name to Professional Secretary’s Week in 1981 and finally Administrative Professional’s Week (APW) in 2000. National Secretary’s Day (NSD), now known as Administrative Professional’s Day (APD), is always honored on the Wednesday of APW.

The National Secretaries Association (NSA) has since changed its name to the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) and is the sole sponsor of APW. The 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.” Local chapters of IAAP work annually to offer seminars and networking events focused on professional development during APW. Each year there is a theme to call attention to the value and contribution of administrative professionals in the workplace.

History of Secretary’s Day Gifts: How best to honor your Administrative Professional

Giving elaborate presents is not common in the history of Secretary’s day gifts. Still, giving greeting cards is a familiar way to celebrate a holiday and Hallmark has been creating “Secretary’s Day” cards since 1973. Cards are a simple and thoughtful way to recognize staff members, and one can easily find a greeting card that reflects the relationship between you and a staff member, as well as the changing terminology used to title your administrative staff. Most important for this holiday is to convey appreciation for the contribution administrative professionals make to the workplace. Not surprisingly, the overwhelming majority of the U.S. workforce is made up of people who have administrative and supportive roles, with responsibilities that require the ability to multi-task and keep up with rapidly changing technology.

According to the IAAP, Administrative Professional’s Week is a time to facilitate professional development and open lines of communication between executives and administrative staff. Thus, the history of Secretary’s day gifts includes more than material presents. Though greeting cards or gift certificates are appropriate, administrative professionals, when asked, often report wanting something professional, such as personalized business cards, a desktop name-plate, or even a monetary bonus appropriate for performance. They also report needing computer upgrades, membership to professional organizations, reimbursement for training programs, or registration for local conferences or continuing education workshops. For some of the best ideas on how to celebrate APW, talk to your staff or consult the IAAP.