Administrative Professionals Day is just around the corner, and it's time to celebrate the invaluable contributions of administrative professionals across the country. With over 18.5 million office and administrative support jobs making up 12.2% of total employment, it's clear that these roles are vital to every organization. This year, we’ll be recognizing and honoring the hard work of millions of administrative professionals, including assistants, office coordinators, and executive assistants.
In this updated blog, we’ll take a fresh look at the history of Administrative Professionals Day and share some of the best gift cards for administrative professionals day to show appreciation for the essential administrative staff in your workplace.
History of Administrative Professionals Day
- 1952: National Professional Secretaries Week and National Secretary’s Day were created to highlight the importance of secretaries and encourage more women to pursue the profession.
- 1981: The National Secretaries Association became Professional Secretaries International (PSI), and the holiday name was updated to Professional Secretaries Day/Week.
- 1998: PSI became the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), and the day was rebranded to reflect a more diverse and dynamic workforce.
- 2000: The holiday name was changed to Administrative Professionals Day/Week to recognize the broadening scope of administrative roles, which now include a growing number of men in the profession. Still, only around 11% of administrative professionals are male, although 40% of individuals interested in the career are men.
Gift Card Ideas for Admin Day
Gift cards have become the most requested reward in recent years, offering flexibility and personal choice. To help you find the perfect admin assistant day gift, here are some top gift ideas for administrative professionals day that are sure to make your admins feel appreciated:
1. Lunch Gift Cards
Whether you’re treating your admins to lunch at the office or encouraging them to enjoy a meal on their own time, food gift cards are always a hit. Popular choices include:
- Panera Bread
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Starbucks
- DoorDash
- Darden Restaurants
- Subway®
2. Relaxation Gift Cards
After a busy year of supporting the team, your admins deserve a little relaxation. Consider admin professional day gift ideas like gift cards for:
- Fragrancenet.com
- Barnes & Noble
- Groupon
- The Vitamin Shoppe®
- Spa & Wellness Gift Card by Spa Week
- Soothe
3. Experience Gift Cards
The Incentive Research Foundation reports that 82% of employees prefer experiences to a traditional gift. Say "thank you" by empowering your administrative assistants to have fun with friends and family. Popular options include:
- Dave & Buster's
- Regal
- iFLY
- Topgolf
→ Browse experience and entertainment gift cards
4. The Engage2Reward™ Choice Card
If you're not sure which gift card would be the best fit for your staff, the Engage2Reward
Choice Card offers total flexibility. With over 250 digital gift card brands to choose from, including retailers, entertainment, groceries, and restaurants, admins can redeem the value of the card in the Engage2Reward Gift Card Ordering Platform and select a brand that excites them the most. Plus, the Engage2Reward Platform allows for customizable messages, photos, and even videos on digital delivery. No more stressing over finding the right admin day e-cards; simply add a personal touch to your appreciation through the Engage2Reward Platform.
→ Register for the Engage2Reward Platform
Why Gift Cards Are the Perfect Admin Day Gift
Gift cards are more than just a convenient choice—they show your administrative staff that you recognize their hard work and value their contributions. They allow employees to choose something they truly want or need, and they are especially popular in a workplace where personalization and flexibility are important.
As we celebrate Administrative Professionals Day, let’s take a moment to recognize the incredible work of these professionals who make offices run smoothly, whether they're managing schedules, coordinating meetings, or solving complex problems behind the scenes. Whether you’re looking for secretary week gift ideas or the best gifts for administrative assistants, a well-chosen gift card can make all the difference.
