Administrative Professional's Day
On My Desk This MorningWhat used to be called Secretary's Day is now known as Administrative Professional's Day. They changed the name to make it gender appropriate, because many more men have entered the secretarial field in the past 15 or 20 years. What's so female about being called a Secretary? What about the Secretary of the Navy? Secretary of State? Oh wait a minute, the Secretary of State is a woman this time!
I found this description of the "holiday" online:
National Professional Secretaries Week and National Secretary's Day was created in 1952 through the work of Harry F. Klemfuss of Young and Rubicam. Klemfuss recognized the importance and value of the position to a company or business. His goal was to encourage more women to become secretaries. Using his skill and experience in public relations, Klemfuss, promoted the values and importance of the job of secretaries. In doing so, he also created the holiday in recognition of the importance of secretaries.
Today, the title is changing and evolving. But, the recognition is equally important. There are two new terms in use today. They are "Administrative Professionals" and "Executive Admins". The two names sometimes mean different roles and responsibilities to different companies. Both are broader terms, that encompass more positions than the original "Secretary" role.
The name change recognizes and acknowledges that the role has changed significantly since 1952, and for the better at that. In Harry Klemfuss' day, these postions were the realm of women. Today, you find some males in these positions.
The most common ways of recognizing your Administrative Professional(s) today are with: Flowers, cards, often with shopping gift certificates, take them to lunch, candies, assorted gift baskets
Today, the title is changing and evolving. But, the recognition is equally important. There are two new terms in use today. They are "Administrative Professionals" and "Executive Admins". The two names sometimes mean different roles and responsibilities to different companies. Both are broader terms, that encompass more positions than the original "Secretary" role.
The name change recognizes and acknowledges that the role has changed significantly since 1952, and for the better at that. In Harry Klemfuss' day, these postions were the realm of women. Today, you find some males in these positions.
The most common ways of recognizing your Administrative Professional(s) today are with: Flowers, cards, often with shopping gift certificates, take them to lunch, candies, assorted gift baskets
I don't mind being called a Secretary. It's what I do. Even though many of my duties are considered to be administrative, I still answer the phone, type and file. I must say, I am lucky to work where I do. This year, the Human Resources staff went all out and invited us to a conference room luncheon (with party favors) and gave us a card signed by the company brass, along with a few chocolates.
The gesture was lovely and a free lunch is always appreciated. HOWEVER, a simple "thank you" and more money in my paycheck would have been sufficient!
The gesture was lovely and a free lunch is always appreciated. HOWEVER, a simple "thank you" and more money in my paycheck would have been sufficient!My Cube Neighbor, Dana Received Flowers from her Boss
Labels: Food, Friends, Job, Los Angeles
posted by Ellen Bloom @ 2:41 PM
3 Comments:
Someone dropped off Von's cupcakes in our break room for Admin Professionals day. I want to come work at your cube farm!
A local non-profit puts on a "Celebrity Waiter" luncheon for AP day and the executive assistants at our work have gone the past 2 years. The "celebrities" are some of the local on-air personalities - weather persons, sportscasters, news anchors and some local well-known physicians and business men - mostly just men. There's a fashion show from local boutiques and we get goodies, have a drawing for a special gift at each table and buy tickets for raffles. It's a fundraiser for the non-profit and it's fun! This year I also got flowers, gift card to a restaurant and Starbucks from my boss and coworkers!!
Thank you for sharing. Looks like you had some great admin professional day gifts. Do you continue to celebrate each year?
Post a Comment
<< Home