In certain fields of work we've moved from 'pink' or 'blue' jobs to 'purple' jobs. Purple is what you get when you mix blue with pink, when the division between traditionally male and female positions fades.
We've exchanged the title Stewardess for Flight Attendant. For the same reason, we've moved from Secretary to the politically correct title Administrative Professional. Both changes were necessitated by stereotypes of submissive skirted women wearing bright red lipstick with their hair up in a twist, which didn't match the changing profile of real human beings employed in these occupations.
My recent flight from Mexico was fully staffed by a compliment of four male flight attendants. One of the best executive assistants I've met was a man. And so next week, within this non-gender specific zone, we look forward to celebrating Administrative Professionals Day, formerly known as Secretaries Day.
Administrative Professionals may not be a familiar title but this overarching group is made up of administrative assistants, office coordinators, executive assistants, and office managers. There are more than 500,000 administrative professionals in Canada and we annually celebrate them on the Wednesday which lands in the last full week of April.
This year, the special day is April 23 which means that, if you employ admin professionals in your office, you have exactly 6 days to figure out what you are going to do to make them feel appreciated. 6 days until you either become 'boss of the year' for your thoughtfulness and generosity, or alternatively, until you spend the day drinking cold coffee, answering missed calls and finding your favourite parking spot taken. Aren't you glad that you're reading this column now?
So, gift ideas.
Try moving beyond the traditional to finding a creative way to show your appreciation. Check out Pinterest for a few fun ideas that are inexpensive yet very thoughtful. Male and female admin professionals alike will enjoy things to add interest to their workspace: a bonsai tree, a funky desk organizer, or a fun sticky note dispenser with a handwritten note attached stating, "The office wouldn't be as much fun without you around." Of course everyone loves free food so you may want to consider taking your admin staff out for lunch or participating in the Prince George Chamber of Commerce's Appreciation Breakfast at the Civic Centre with keynote speaker Tasha Moodley presenting "Make the Leap to Remarkable" (tickets are $35-40 each available online: www.pgchamber.bc.ca under 'Events Tab' or by calling the Chamber at 250-562-2454).
More important than stressing about the right way to show appreciation to your staff is to just do something that lets them know you value their hard work and dedication to the team. Administrative professionals are the consummate supporters in our lives, often overworked, underappreciated, and totally dedicated to their jobs. In most cases, your business looks and functions better because of them. Let them know it.
Until next week, stay in the black and keep coming back.
