A sophisticated orchid arrangement is a stand-out way to say “thank you” to an administrative professional.

When somebody makes your life easier, you say “Thank you.” When someone makes your business life easier, day in and day out, we call them an “administrative professional.” These hard workers have their own day for being recognized. This year, it is on April 25. That gives you some time to think about how to say “thank you” to the administrative professionals in your life.

History of Administrative Professionals’ Day

April 25, 2012 marks the 60th year of celebrating Administrative Professionals’ Day. When it was started in 1952, it was called “National Secretaries Week.” Ceremonies were held in Washington D.C. to kick off the celebration. One of the original purposes of the week was to address a shortage of skilled office workers that was happening at the time.

As years passed, the name evolved to truly reflect the wide range of job duties held by administrative specialists. The administrative professional title can cover a wide range of jobs, including executive assistants, office coordinators, office managers, receptionists and administrative assistants. These are the people who keep a business running smoothly. These are jobs that require a good eye for detail, strong management skills and the ability to meet deadlines. Administrative professionals are often working behind the scenes of a business. That’s why we have a dedicated day to celebrate their contributions.

Celebrate a special day

The International Association of Administrative Professionals has suggestions for honoring administrative professionals. Ideas include offering tuition reimbursement for college classes, supporting professional organizations, and providing registration for conferences or continuing education workshops.

The entire last week of April is dedicated to honoring administrative professionals, but that Wednesday is particularly special. One of the most visible ways to show your appreciation for an administrative professional is with flowers. Peoples Flowers has a special collection of bouquets and gift baskets designed especially for recognizing the contributions of administrative professionals.

Find the perfect flowers

A living plant arrangement lasts for a long time.

Think about the administrative professional you are honoring. Does he or she garden? Then the Blooming Basket of live plants or the European Garden collection makes a great gift that will continue to flourish for a long time to come. For a fun and contemporary look, check out the Dendrobium Delight. This eye-catcher features exotic orchids in a wire-wrapped cylinder vase that will really stand out on a desk.

Call 800-727-1600 or 505-884-1600 or come into any Peoples Flowers location (we have branches in Nob Hill, Northeast Heights and Far North on Montgomery) to pick out a customized arrangement for your administrative professional. Carry it out yourself or have us deliver it as a work day surprise. We cover the entire Albuquerque metro area, including Corrales, Rio Rancho and Bernalillo. We can also arrange for deliveries nationwide.

Administrative Professionals’ Day is a great reminder to take a moment and thank the people who keep your business going every single work day. Perhaps the best gift of all is to remember to say, “Thank you. I appreciate your hard work.” There’s no brighter way to say that than with a bouquet.