7 ways to show appreciation on Administrative Professionals’ Day

Administrative professionals are the hub of your workplace. From preparing important documents to scheduling meetings to even ordering your favorite red pens, your admin always has your back. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were nearly 4 million secretaries and administrative assistants working in the United States in 2014. In 2013, Staples' survey revealed that administrators play a key role in boosting office morale, and two-thirds of employees believe their admin is a bigger team player than the boss.

On April 27 it's time for all you business professionals to thank your real-life Pam Beasley/Halpert. Not sure what to gift? Well, greeting cards are always a great place to start. And you're in luck because through CardsDirect, you can save $10 dollars on orders of $49 and up! Simply use the code CRADMIN6.

In addition to thank-you cards, here are seven ways to show appreciation for your office guru:

1. Make an online quiz
Companywide emails are always a great way to target employee engagement, especially if they are humorous or offer some type of incentive. Consider creating a quiz based on your admin and send it out to the entire office via email. Ask tricky questions from your admin's childhood to those crazy college days. Be sure to include some easy questions in there, too. Reward the winner with a gift card to a local restaurant – perhaps the winner will treat your admin for a nice lunch! Although this isn't a tangible gift, your admin will appreciate that employees are taking the time to read and take a quiz solely about them. It's a great way to boost office morale, too!

While you're at it, post a message about Administrative Professionals' Day on your company website. Include a recognition and a photo of your admin, and remind employees to thank those who efficiently run the office.

2. Decorate his or her office
This may seem small, but decorations have the power to go a long way. Plus, who wouldn't want to walk in to a beautifully decorated office? We're talking streamers, balloons, confetti – the whole nine yards! You can even leave a surprise box of donuts on his or her desk for an extra special touch. Attach a note to the box of delicious pastries that says, "We donut know what we would do without you!"

3. Create coffee care package
Coffee in the workplace is essential – everyone knows that. And while you may need at least three cups in order to get through all those emails before lunch, it's probably double for your admin! Double referring to both the amount of coffee needed and emails to read. Create a coffee care package for him or her and include all sorts of java-related products. This could be anything from gift cards to ground beans to coffee-flavored gum. Maybe even include a personalized mug in the package, too!

4. Give a bouquet of flowers
You can never go wrong with gifting a blooming bouquet of flowers – it's a classic for a reason. Dig around to figure out your admin's favorite flower and gift them a beautiful arrangement that he or she can place on the desk.

5. Lunch on the company
Typically, it's the administrative professional who handles expense accounts and collects receipts. On April 27, turn the tables and let your admin take the corporate card for a spin so he or she can enjoy a nice lunch, courtesy of the company.

6. Give something personal
If you're looking for a surefire way to win your admin over on this day, gift them something personal – something that means something to them. Is she a museum goer? Give her some day passes to local museums and major tourist attractions that are located downtown. Does he love to cook? Give him a gift card that he can use to take a cooking class. By giving a gift of something he or she loves, there's no way you can go wrong.

7. Frame a photo
The group photo that was taken on headshot day finally has some use! Visit your local office supplies store, have them blow the photo up to a descent size and frame it. Ask employees to write a note about a time when the admin went above and beyond for them, took notes during a client call or fixed those pesky Excel formulas. Get creative with it and have employees write the note on the frame and sign by their photo. Your admin will love walking into his or her office and seeing the photo every day.