No doubt about it-you've got an amazing support staff and
there's no way you could make it through a work day without
them. Each and every one of them deserves a heartfelt thank
you, but when and how should you do that? Well, lucky for
you, there's an entire week that celebrates the magnificent
work performed by administrative professionals around the
world.

Countries all over the world recognize the last week in
April of every year as Administrative Professionals Week.
This special week has become one of the biggest workplace
observances and is a tradition of honoring these hardworking
professionals for everything they do throughout the year.

Also known as Professional Secretaries Week, this observance
was originally thought up by Mary Barrett who was the
president of the National Secretaries Association (now
called the International Association of Administrative
Professionals), public relations consultant Harry Klemfuss,
and the president of Dictaphone Corporation, C. King
Woodbridge. The observance was made official in 1952 by
Secretary of Commerce Charles Sawyer, but was celebrated in
June. Then, in 1955, the date was changed to the last full
week in April.

While it's true that good work etiquette calls for the
appreciation of those who make success a reality on a daily
basis, making a special statement during Administrative
Professionals Week can boost workplace morale by letting
your staff know just how important they are. A gift of
flowers is an excellent way to make that statement in a way
that even the busiest boss can fit into his or her day. And,
to add to that great news, research conducted by Texas A&M
University shows that flowers are a natural way to improve
an employee's mood and increase productivity. The lead
researcher on the Texas A&M Research team, Dr. Roger Ulrich,
stated that when flowers and green plants were present,
"People's productivity, innovation and creative problem
solving improved-which in certain circumstances could mean
the difference between mild and great business success."

Want to make your gift of flowers even more meaningful to
your staff? Try these tips:

 * Take this opportunity to thank everyone on your support
staff, not just your administrative professional. Include
employees from secretaries, to assistants, to junior
managers. Expressing your gratitude goes a long way toward
enhancing employee loyalty.

 * Include personal notes with the flower arrangements that
specifically state some of the ways in which the employee
has personally helped you throughout the year. This says you
notice and are grateful for the things they do.

 * Make Administrative Professionals Week your starting point
for continuing great office etiquette throughout the year.
While this observance is meant to formally recognize your
employees, make every day an occasion to appreciate your
staff.
 

Wesley Berry is the President of Wesley Berry Flowers, 
a successful multi-million dollar business that was 
established in 1946. He is also the Headmaster of the 
Professional Florists' Institute, a floral design school 
located in Michigan. Visit Wesley Berry Flowers on the 
web at http://www.800wesleys.com.