In 1952, Harry Klemfuss saw the need to recognize secretaries for their hard work and dedication. National Secretary’s Day was created on his notion that secretaries are essential to the corporate world. This unofficial holiday is presently celebrated on the last Wednesday in April. During the 1950s the majority of secretaries in the workplace were women. Since then, National Secretary’s Day has been renamed Administrative Professional’s Day. The name was changed to reflect the progression of women in the workplace and the fact that men have taken on administrative roles as well.

Modern corporations are realizing the importance of employee recognition and have adopted corporate gifting. Research suggests that corporate gifting increases employee morale and creates a more positive environment in the workplace. While women are still a minority in the corporate realm, many companies are encouraged to adopt Harry Klemfuss’ idea to recognize the importance of women in the office. In recent years, special gifts have been developed in order to recognize the hard work that women contribute to Corporate America. In the past, most business gifts were male influenced. Currently, there exists a unique line of corporate gifts for women called Professional in Pink.

During the 1950s, very few women existed in the corporate setting. If one did exist, she was limited to a secretarial or clerical position. Furthermore, such positions were not looked upon as being professional. We have come a long way since then. Secretaries have not only gained more respect but they earned a new name. Modern-day secretaries have been recognized as Administrative Assistants, Executive Administrators, and Administrative Professionals. These titles help to reflect the professionalism of, formerly known as, secretarial positions.

Today, we can celebrate the facts that not only have women succeeded in administrative roles, but they have reached new heights and deeper depths. More women have become doctors, lawyers, corporate executives, managers, and politicians, since the 1950s. With the ever-changing population in the corporate world, more corporations are encouraged to celebrate the accomplishments of women in the workplace. After all, women are just as professional as men—the only difference is that they are professionals in pink.

Maria Romain, President and Founder of Academic Success Management, Inc. is a writer for Corporate Snobs, a web-based company that offers practical and affordable corporate gifts. Find more articles on unique business gift ideas for women by visiting today.