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BlogSep 21, 2023

Our ultimate guide to administrative professionals day gift ideas

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How to thank your administrative professionals and administrative assistants? A job that is often overlooked but whose smooth running helps every company to grow.

The importance of the admin professionals in the workplace is multifaceted and encompasses various aspects. Here's an overview of the role and importance of these professionals: day-to-day operations management, documentation management, administrative support, human resources management, internal and external communication, diary management, facilities management.

Here you'll find the perfect ideas for personalized gifts for administrative professionals. From basics to originals, every thank you counts for your administrative staff.

Of course, a pen, a notebook, a notepad, a pencil case, office supplies, a water bottle, a laptop stand or a laptop case are great gift ideas! But we've also thought of more out-of-the-box gifts, such as a candle, a plant, a pen holder or a fragrance diffuser. Let's go through it together.

1. The Importance of Valuing To Your Administrative Team

It's not breaking news that administrative jobs are often socially undervalued, and yet they shouldn't be. Administrative professionals often work behind the scenes, but without them, the company could not exist or be so different. There are a number of reasons why administrative jobs can sometimes be underestimated or undervalued. Here are some of these reasons:

- Lack of visibility: Administrative jobs are often behind the scenes, meaning their impact on the business may not be immediately apparent. Yet, they keep the office running smoothly. People working in these roles are often responsible for essential support tasks, but they may not be properly recognized for their contribution.

- Stigma: There is sometimes a social stigma around administrative jobs, seeing them as less prestigious or less rewarding than other positions within a company. This perception can be unfair, as these jobs are often crucial to the smooth running of the organisation.

- Low pay: Many administrative jobs tend to be paid less than other positions within the company. This financial undervaluation can contribute to the negative perception of these jobs.

- Automation: With the increasing automation of administrative tasks, some people may feel that these jobs are under threat and therefore less valuable. However, although some tasks can be automated, there are still many administrative functions that require human skills, such as communication, relationship management and problem solving.

- Lack of understanding: People who don't work directly in administration may not have a full understanding of the complexity and importance of these roles. This can lead to an underestimation of their value.

It is important to note that administrative jobs are essential to the smooth running of any organisation. They can require a variety of skills, including time management, communication, planning and organisation. Administrative professionals play a crucial role in coordinating operations, managing paperwork, and maintaining business efficiency. Therefore, it is important to recognize and value these roles to ensure the overall success of the organisation.

2. History of Administrative Professionals Week & Administrative Professionals Day

The Administrative Professionals Week

Administrative Professionals Week, also known as Administration Week or Public Administration Week, is an event that aims to celebrate and recognize the crucial role of administrative professionals in the effective functioning of governments and most companies around the world. While the specific details of the history of the week may vary from country to country and organisation to organisation, here is a general overview of its background:

The idea of celebrating a week dedicated to administrative professionals has its roots in the recognition of the importance of administrative work in public and private management.

Administrative Professionals Week has grown in popularity over the years and has been adopted by many countries and organizations around the world. Special events, conferences, workshops and training activities are organized to raise awareness of the importance of administration and to promote excellence in this field.

The objectives of Administrative Professionals Week are manifold. These include raising awareness of the importance of administration in decision-making, promoting ethics and transparency in public management, recognizing the work of administrators and creating a space to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the field of administration.

Each year, Administrative Professionals Week can have a specific theme that focuses on a particular aspect of administration. For example, this could focus on digital transformation, crisis management, responsible governance, or other relevant topics.

The celebration of the week can vary from place to place, but generally the work week includes activities such as conferences, seminars, awards, round tables, training, discussion forums and volunteering initiatives focused on administration.

Administrative Professionals Week aims to highlight the vital role of administrators and encourage individuals to consider careers in this field. It also contributes to improving administrative practices and promoting transparency and efficiency in public and private management. Discover here some administrative professionals day gifts !

The Administrative Professionals Day

The perfect opportunity to show your appreciation to your administrative team is just around the corner: Administrative Professionals Day! This day is celebrated every year in the US on the Wednesday of the last full week of April - this year, on 22 April. The day pays tribute to all those who can be considered administrative professionals; a secretary, an office assistant, a receptionist and a personal assistant are all considered members of this group. The holiday celebrates their crucial role in modern business and recognises the hard work they do every day to keep a company on track.

According to TIME Magazine, the holiday originated during the Second World War because of the large number of citizens involved in the war in Europe and the Pacific. Administrative professionals mobilized to fill vacancies in the economy, keeping American business on track during and after the war. Very quickly, the importance of administrative professionals became part of the public consciousness and Administrative Professionals Day was established as a holiday to celebrate their contributions.

3. Personalized Gifts Ideas For Administrative Professionals:

Here you'll find a list of the perfect gift for administrative team members for all their hard work. National secretary's day, administrative professionals day, employee recognition, every occasion is sweet for your unsung heroes. Discover here our best selection of pens, notebooks & desk accessories !

Pens, those little writing instruments, have become faithful companions in our daily lives. Their simple yet ingenious design makes them accessible to everyone, from schoolchildren to professionals to artists. Bics reflect elegant simplicity combined with remarkable efficiency.

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Notebooks are little treasures of paper that capture our thoughts, ideas, dreams and memories. Their apparent modesty conceals an unsuspected richness, as these modest notebooks often become the silent witnesses of our lives. Catch an idea on the fly and bring it to life.

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Office decorations, whether discreet or bold, add a touch of personality and comfort to our working environment. They transform a simple space into a place that reflects who we are, where we can feel inspired and at ease.

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This short list of administrative professional day gifts and desk accessories represents an opportunity to offer them a personal touch, an appreciation gift. Here is a list of material gift, but it cans also be a spa day, your favorite beverage, wine glasses shared with the whole admin team at an afterwork party. Get the office life of your team better with thoughtful gifts for you admin employees.

4. 6 Ways to Celebrate Administrative Team:

It's important to recognise and celebrate admin professionals for the vital work they do to keep organisations running efficiently. Here are a few ways to do :

- Admin Day: Organise a special day dedicated to administrative professionals. It's an opportunity to highlight their work and show your appreciation.

- Public recognition: publicise the successes of administrative professionals by publishing articles, mentioning them in the company newsletter or highlighting them on social networks.

-Recognition lunches or dinners: Organise special meals or receptions in honour of management professionals to show your appreciation.

- Leadership opportunities: Encourage and support administrative professionals to take on leadership responsibilities within the company, if they so wish.

- Mentoring and coaching: Offer mentoring programmes where administrative professionals can receive advice and guidance from more experienced colleagues.

- Regular positive feedback: Get into the habit of giving positive and constructive feedback on a regular basis to encourage and support directors' professional growth.

By celebrating administrative professionals in a meaningful way, you help to increase their commitment and motivation, which can have a positive impact on the whole organisation. In short, celebrating administrative professionals is an important way of recognizing their vital contribution to the smooth running of organisations. Their work supports the efficiency, productivity and overall success of the business.

Don't wait for National Secretaries Week to celebrate the work of your administrative support staff !

5. Beyond the Week: Ongoing Appreciation:

Don't forget that consistent and sincere appreciation is essential. It's not just an occasional gesture, but an ongoing effort to make your administrative professionals and administrative assistant feel appreciated and supported in their role. By doing so, you are likely to see an increase in the motivation, job satisfaction and productivity of your team members. Work does not have to be celebrated annually.

1. Regularly Acknowledge Their Efforts: Don't wait for special occasions to appreciate your team. Make it a habit to regularly acknowledge their hard work and dedication. This can be done in team meetings, through emails, or even with a simple "thank you."

2. Personalized Thank You Notes: Send personalized thank-you notes or messages to each team member, highlighting specific contributions or achievements. This shows that you've noticed their individual efforts.

3. Provide Professional Development: Invest in your team's professional development. This can include offering training opportunities, conferences, or courses that help them grow in their roles.

4. Encourage Feedback: Create an open and transparent environment where admin professional feel comfortable providing feedback and suggesting improvements. Act on their feedback when possible.

5. Surprise Treats: Occasionally, surprise your team with treats like breakfast, lunch, or snacks. It's a simple gesture that can brighten their day. Set up an admin day gifts with thoughtful gifts.

6. Company Events: Organize team-building events or company-wide events to foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie. Recognize your administrative team's contributions during these events.

7. Listen Actively: When team members share their concerns or ideas, listen actively and take their input seriously. This demonstrates that you value their opinions.

The importance of regular feedback and recognition is crucial in many aspects of life, whether in a professional, personal, educational or social context. Here are some of the reasons why they are so important:

- Continuous improvement: Feedback lets you know what you're doing well and what you can do better. This encourages learning and personal or professional growth. Constructive feedback helps you adjust your behaviour, actions or performance to achieve your goals.

- Motivation: Receiving recognition for your achievements or efforts can be highly motivating. It boosts your self-esteem and encourages you to persevere in your actions or maintain good practice.

In conclusion, ongoing appreciation is not just a nice-to-have but a critical component of a healthy workplace culture. Organizations that prioritize and practice appreciation benefit from more engaged, motivated, and loyal employees, which ultimately leads to improved performance and long-term success. Therefore, it is important for leaders and organizations to establish a culture of appreciation and recognition that is integrated into their daily operations.

6. Conclusion:

In conclusion, Administrative Professionals Day is a valuable occasion to recognize and appreciate the hard work, dedication, and indispensable contributions of administrative professionals in our organizations. These individuals play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of offices, supporting teams, and helping businesses thrive.

Taking the time to acknowledge their efforts on this special day not only boosts morale but also reinforces the importance of their roles within the workplace. Administrative professionals are the backbone of efficient administration, and celebrating them on this day is a small yet meaningful gesture that goes a long way in fostering a positive and productive work environment. This is the perfect solution.

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