On Administrative Professionals Day, employers and colleagues are encouraged to show their appreciation for the work of those who are in administrative roles.

In 2000, the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) changed the name from Professional Secretaries Day to Administrative Professionals Day to reflect the change in job titles in today's workforce. According to IAAP, there are more than 4.1 million administrative professionals in the US, and 8.9 million work in admin support roles. In Canada, there are more than 475,000 secretaries and admin assistants.

Administrative Professionals Day is also known as Administrative Professionals Week, starting April 18 to 24 this year in 2010. It is celebrated through community events, social gatherings, and corporate activities. In the US, administrative assistants often receive gifts like flowers, candies , lunch in restaurants, or time offs. The IAAP encourages employers to provide professional trainings for their admin staffs.

ince 1952, the International Association of Administrative Professionals has honored office workers by sponsoring Administrative Professionals Week. Today, it is one of the largest workplace observances outside of employee birthdays and major holidays.

In the year 2000, IAAP announced a name change for Professional Secretaries Week and Professional Secretaries Day. The names were changed to Administrative Professionals Week and Administrative Professionals Day to keep pace with changing job titles and expanding responsibilities of today’s administrative workforce.

Over the years, Administrative Professionals Week has become one of the largest workplace observances. The event is celebrated worldwide, bringing together millions of people for community events, educational seminars and individual corporate activities recognizing support staff.

Today, there are more than 4.1 million secretaries and administrative assistants working in the United States, according to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, and 8.9 million people working in various administrative support roles. More than 475,000 administrative professionals are employed in Canada. Millions more administrative professionals work in offices all over the world.

APW is always the last full week in April. In 2010, Administrative Professionals Week is April 18-24 with Administrative Professionals Day on Wednesday, April 21.

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