April 25, 2012 is the 60th anniversary of Administrative Professionals Day. This day of employee recognition has been sponsored by the International Association of Administrative Professionals since 1952. It was originally called Professional Secretaries Day, but the name was changed in 2000 as a way to keep up with the changing responsibilities of administrative personnel. Aside from employee birthdays and national holidays, it is one of the most recognized workplace observances.
Administrative Professionals Day is a part of the broader Administrative Professionals Week. The concept was rooted in the work of Harry F. Klemfuss of Young and Rubicam. Klemfuss acknowledged the contributions of secretaries in the workplace, wanted to encourage more people to become secretaries and wished to set aside a time when the importance of these professionals could be celebrated.
Importance of employee recognition
Employee appreciation days such as Administrative Professionals Day are a good start for employers that want to recognize their employees for their efforts. However, “one-size-fits-all” holidays such as Administrative Professionals Day, National Nurses Week and Boss’s Day take away some of the individuality necessary for effective employee recognition. If an employer waits until a recognition holiday to express their gratitude for a job well done, they are losing out on countless chances to provide feedback and express appreciation. Employees who feel valued show better job satisfaction and productivity, even going so far to make extra effort and improve their performance to a level above expected standards.
Employee feedback, whether positive or negative, should be immediate and specific. Feedback cannot always wait until a performance evaluation or an employee recognition day. Most employers understand that it is bad for business to let negative performance issues slide. But letting positive feedback slide is also costly. Employers run an unnecessary risk of losing good talent if employees feel they are being taken for granted. It costs more to replace good employees than it does to retain them. It does not always require a celebration or an award; a simple “thank you” can go a long way.
Even workplaces that have a recognition program in place may find it necessary to revise it from time to time. Some programs can lose their effectiveness after a while. One idea to keep a program from stagnating is a multiple-layered employee recognition program, with clearly designed goals and rewards. Having several levels of performance incentives can make a recognition program more appealing because once one reward is achieved, a bigger reward awaits as more goals are achieved.
Ideas for employee recognition
Employee recognition does not have to be expensive. If an employer needs for ideas for Administrative Professionals Week, or for any other recognition program, the University of Washington lists several no cost and low cost ideas to consider, such as:
Employee Recognition Ideas (no cost)
Post a thank you note on an employee’s door.
Give employees an extra long lunch break.
Establish a place to display memos, posters, photos and so on, recognizing progress towards goals and thanking individual employees for their help.
At a monthly staff meeting, award an Employee of the Month and invite co-workers at the meeting to say why that person is deserving of the award.
Write a letter of praise recognizing specific contributions and accomplishments. Send a copy to senior management and the employee’s personnel file.
Post a large “celebration calendar” in your work area. Tack on notes of recognition to specific dates.
Use 3x5 cards to write “You’re special because…” statements. People can collect the cards and refer to them when things aren’t going perfectly.
Recognize those committed to personal health and wellness.
Smile. It’s contagious.
Employee Recognition Ideas (minor to moderate cost)
Plan a surprise picnic.
Make and deliver a fruit basket.
Once a year, have a “Staff Appreciation Day” where the managers supply, cook and serve food.
Give flowers to an employee at their home or office as a thank you.
Design and give magnets with appropriate messages.
Give a deserving employee a mug filled with treats.
Local links for Administrative Professionals Day
In Rockford, employers wishing to observe Administrative Professionals Day can find deals at local florists. Some that are offering floral arrangements specifically for this day include:
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Broadway Florist, 1010 Broadway, Rockford, Illinois 61104, (815) 968-3342;
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Cherry Blossom Florist, 3304 North Main Street, Rockford, Illinois 61103, (815) 654-1188;
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The Flower Bin, 923 Logan Avenue, Belvidere, Illinois 61008, (815) 544-2800.
If a different award is preferred, Rockford employers may check out:
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Adams Awards, 4235 Maray Drive, Rockford, Illinois 61107, (815) 315-1825;
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Awards By Jody, 7315 N. Alpine Rd. Suite D, Loves Park, Illinois 61111, (815) 516-8181;
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Creative Awards and Promotions, Inc., 205 West Grand Avenue, Beloit, Wisconsin, (608) 365-5064.
Rockford employers are encouraged to keep these and other local vendors in mind for other recognition events throughout the year.
