Appreciate administrative professionals

Wednesday, April 25, is the day set aside to recognize and honor all of the administrative professionals who contribute to the success of organizations around the world as Administrative Professionals Day.

Whether it’s the receptionist who always greets you with a warm welcome, the office manager who effortlessly juggles 10 tasks at once or the executive assistant who is truly your right (or left) hand, we can’t imagine how businesses would function without their skills and expertise.

On Administrative Professionals Day, beyond ordering flowers, consider other meaningful ways to show your appreciation. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Pay for membership in a professional association, such as the International Association of Administrative Professionals.

• Offer to send your administrative professional to a conference or training to aid in his or her professional development.

• Give the day off (with pay, of course). If you’re not able to do that, plan a luncheon or other celebration. But please, don’t ask those people to coordinate.

• Pay for a college course.

• Ask your administrative professional what he or she would like.

If you’re a solopreneur without staff, you can still show your support of administrative professionals in the business community. Finding appropriate ways to recognize them doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

• Write a thoughtful note to let the administrative professionals know specifically how you appreciate their help. Make sure you also let their executives or immediate supervisors know you appreciate the professionalism and stellar service.

• When you visit offices, pay attention to what’s on the desks and walls of the administrative staff. You can tell a lot about their interests to get ideas for gifts that will be appreciated.

• More than likely you’ve spent time in business reception areas and have had several conversations with administrative staff. These are perfect opportunities to listen and learn about their likes, family, hobbies and other interests that will help you find the right token of appreciation.

• A book of motivational quotes or stories is a thoughtful gift sure to inspire the busy administrative professional (and, of course, shop your local bookstore first).

Make sure you invest time all year long, and especially on April 25, to acknowledge and thank the administrative professionals in your organization or business community that truly embody the professionals in their chosen careers.

Jeanette Gardiner gives the gift of time to overwhelmed consultants, coaches and entrepreneurs by strategizing with them on the systems and supports they need. She can be reached at jeanette@gardinerbusiness.com.