Who Runs the World? Administrative Professionals Do.

Let’s be honest - where would we be without them?

Every seamless meeting, every perfectly prepared report, every last-minute miracle pulled off with gusto… that’s the work of an Administrative Professional. Every polished presentation, every organized calendar, every “How did they even pull that off?” moment at work - there’s almost always an Administrative Professional behind it.

They’re the backbone of every team, department, and company; they’re the steady hands, the calm in chaos, and the detail-oriented teammates who keep business running smoothly.

Luckily, there’s a whole dedicated day each year to pause and celebrate their magic. And trust us - this is one workplace holiday you don’t want to miss.

Mark your calendars: Administrative Professionals Day falls on April 23rd this year.

Originating some time back in the 1950s, Administrative Professionals Day has come a long way since it started (like most things).

What began as a nod to critical support staff during the post-WWII business boom has grown into a full day to honour the diverse and essential work of Admins, Coordinators, Associates, Office Managers, Analysts, and more. These are the people who make sure everything keeps running - often without asking for a shred of credit.

It’s more than just a calendar reminder. It’s a moment to pause and say: "We see you. We appreciate you. We couldn’t do it without you."

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So...who counts as an Administrative Professional, anyways?

Great question. It’s a broader group than most people realize. If you think it’s just for people with “Admin” in their titles - think again. Administrative Professionals span a broad spectrum of roles and responsibilities. They’re the planners, organizers, communicators, fixers, and calm-in-the-storm people that you rely on daily.

While “Administrative” may appear in some job titles, the broader range of professions that encompass Administrative Professional-esque tasks also includes (and is not at all limited to):

• Executive and Administrative Assistants

• Office Managers and Coordinators

• Clerks, Schedulers, and Receptionists

• Project and Program Coordinators

• Business Operations Associates

• HR and Facilities Support

• Analysts with cross-functional admin tasks

Whether they’re coordinating complex schedules, wrangling expense reports, fielding last-minute requests, or simply keeping your team humming - Administrative Professionals bring structure, sanity, and heart to the workplace.

So - if a teammate is organizing, streamlining, supporting, or stepping in to solve problems - there’s a good chance they’re a part of this essential group to be appreciated.

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Why Appreciation Matters (And Why It Pays Off)

Implementing an appreciation program for Administrative Professionals isn’t just about saying thank you (though that’s a very good start). It’s about building a culture that values the people who make work work.

Here’s what the data tells us:

• 69% of employees say they’d work harder if they felt their efforts were better recognized.

• Companies with high employee recognition see 31% lower turnover rates.

• Organizations that prioritize employee appreciation are 4.6x more likely to have highly engaged employees.

In short: when people feel seen and valued, they show up stronger.

A thoughtful note, a small gift, or a team-wide recognition moment goes a long way. Even better? Make it part of a broader company culture where gratitude isn’t seasonal - it’s standard. Launch a company-wide appreciation program that highlights the incredible work these professionals do - not just this April 23rd, but all year long.

Because the truth is: behind every smooth-sailing team, there’s an Administrative Professional steering the ship.

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The Bottom Line

Administrative Professionals aren’t just supporting your work - they are the work. They’re the behind-the-scenes heroes making everything run better, faster, and smoother. Recognizing their contributions isn’t just the right thing to do - it’s smart business.

This April 23rd, let’s make sure they know just how much they’re appreciated.

Want help planning your recognition strategy or curating thoughtful gifts for your team?

👉 Schedule a Call to Start an Appreciation Program

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What’s next on the 2025 Corporate Gifting Calendar?

Spring is a busy season for gratitude and giving! Make sure these upcoming key dates are on your radar:

• Earth Day - April 22nd

A perfect time for eco-conscious gifts or a sustainability initiative.

• Administrative Professionals Day - April 23rd

(That’s what we’re here for!)

• Mother’s Day - May 11th

Show some love to the working parents in your organization.