Administrative Professionals Day, also known as Secretaries Day, Admin Day, or Administrative Assistant Day, is observed annually across the globe on the Wednesday of the last full week in April to honor secretaries, assistants, receptionists, and administrative staff in various organizations.
- The day is led by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the administrative profession.
Key Dates:
In 2025, Administrative Professionals Day was observed on 23rd April 2025.
- In 2024, Administrative Professionals Day was observed on 24th April 2024.
- In 2026, Administrative Professionals Day will be observed on 22nd April 2026.
Administrative Professionals Week (APW):
Administrative Professionals Day coincides with Administrative Professionals Week (APW), a week-long celebration dedicated to secretaries and administrative professionals in recognition of their contributions to business and industries. APW is celebrated annually every last full week in April.
- APW 2025 is being observed from April 20 to 26, 2025.
- APW 2024 was observed from April 21 to 27, 2024.
- APW 2026 will be observed from April 19 to 25, 2026.
Background:
i.The origins of Administrative Professionals Day trace back to the period of World War II (1939–1945), when there was a significant shortage of skilled administrative personnel.
ii.In 1942, the National Secretaries Association (now IAAP) was established to recognize the contributions of administrative personnel, promote their professional development, and attract new talent to the field. Key contributors included:
- Mary Barrett: First president of the National Secretaries Association (United States of America, USA).
- C. King Woodbridge: President of Dictaphone Corporation.
- Harry F. Klemfuss and Daren Ball: Public relations executives at Young & Rubicam (USA).
iii.The first National Secretaries Week was declared in 1952 by Charles W. Sawyer, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and observed from 1st–7th June.
Evolution of Dates and Names:
i.1955: Secretaries Week shifted to the last full week of April, with Wednesday designated as Secretaries Day.
ii.1981: Renamed Professional Secretaries Week to reflect broader roles.
iii.2000: Rebranded as Administrative Professionals Week to include diverse job titles like executive assistants and office managers.
About International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP):
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Melissa Mahoney
Headquarters – Missouri, the United States of America (USA)
Founded – 1942
