Administrative Professionals Day 2026
Administrative Professionals Day is the Wednesday of the last full week of April — a workplace thank-you date for secretaries, assistants, receptionists, and other administrative support staff. In 2026 that Wednesday is April 22.
About Administrative Professionals Day
History & origins
The observance began in 1952 as National Secretaries Week / National Secretaries Day. Leaders involved in creating it include Mary Barrett of the National Secretaries Association, C. King Woodbridge of Dictaphone Corporation, and public-relations executive Harry F. Klemfuss. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Charles W. Sawyer proclaimed the first National Secretaries Week for June 1–7, 1952, with Wednesday, June 4 as National Secretaries Day. The campaign also answered a postwar need to recognize and attract skilled office workers.
In 1955 the date moved to the last full week of April, with Wednesday as the focal day — the rule still used in the United States and Canada. The sponsoring association renamed over time: National Secretaries Association, then Professional Secretaries International, then the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). The week and day names updated to Professional Secretaries and, in 2000, Administrative Professionals, to match broader job titles. Administrative Professionals Day is associated with IAAP trademark registrations; it is not a federal holiday.
Typical recognition includes cards, flowers, lunch, or a public thank-you — gestures that work in offices, hybrid teams, and remote settings when done sincerely.
Why it matters
Administrative professionals keep schedules, communication, and operations moving. A named Wednesday will not replace fair pay or year-round respect, but it gives managers and coworkers a clear date to say thank you out loud.
How to celebrate
Thank the administrative professionals you work with — specifically, for real work they did. Send a card, bring flowers or a thoughtful non-alcohol gift, or treat them to lunch if that fits your workplace culture. Managers can review recognition and professional-development support beyond one day. Remote teams can still do a video shout-out or delivered thank-you. Keep it about appreciation, not a generic party.
Facts
- The first National Secretaries Day was Wednesday, June 4, 1952, during a Commerce-proclaimed week
- Since 1955 the U.S. date has been the Wednesday of the last full week of April
- Creators associated with the launch include Mary Barrett, C. King Woodbridge, and Harry F. Klemfuss
- The name became Administrative Professionals Day/Week in 2000 under IAAP’s era of branding
- It is observed in the U.S. and Canada on the same April Wednesday rule; it is not a federal day off
Upcoming dates
- Wednesday, April 22, 2026
- Wednesday, April 21, 2027
- Wednesday, April 26, 2028
- Wednesday, April 25, 2029
- Wednesday, April 24, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is Administrative Professionals Day in 2026?
Administrative Professionals Day in 2026 falls on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Is today Administrative Professionals Day?
No. Administrative Professionals Day in 2026 falls on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, not today.
What is Administrative Professionals Day?
A workplace observance thanking secretaries, administrative assistants, and related support professionals, evolving from 1952’s Secretaries Day.
Who started Administrative Professionals Day?
It grew from the 1952 National Secretaries Week effort tied to the National Secretaries Association (later IAAP), with Barrett, Woodbridge, and Klemfuss among the key figures; Commerce Secretary Sawyer proclaimed the first week.
How do you celebrate Administrative Professionals Day?
Offer a sincere thank-you, card, flowers, lunch, or professional recognition — matched to what your colleagues would actually appreciate.
Is Administrative Professionals Day a federal holiday?
No. It is a voluntary workplace observance, not a U.S. federal holiday.
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