Also known as Secretary’s Day, Administrative Professional Day is the one day of the year when office administrative assistants are praised for all their hard work. It’s been awhile since I’ve worked in an office, but I have fond memories of this day.

It was March or April 1997 - my first real job after high school. I had only held the position for a week. But on Secretary’s Day, I was taken out to lunch, and I received flowers and goodie baskets from some of my co-workers. Needless to say, I began to look forward to this day.

Fast forward 12 years - I don’t have an office assistant, so I don’t have the privilege of showering someone with appreciation and gifts. But if I did, believe me - I would. Administrative assistants or office assistants do a lot of brunt work. And oftentimes, they don’t receive the credit they deserve.

It doesn’t matter whether you run a home-based business or rent an office space, if you have someone to answer your phones, type your memos, file your paperwork, run your errands, babysit your children, brew your coffee, handle customer complaints, etc - let them know how much you appreciate their services. Nobody is suggesting breaking the bank and going beyond your means. Do what you can - a gift card, roses, a simple acknowledgment. Or if you’re feeling very generous - how about a raise?

It doesn’t take much to show your thanks.