Office Manager Interview Question:

What are the typical work activities of an office manager?

Submitted by: Ali Hassan Siddiqui

The role varies according to the type of employer, the size of the organisation and the management structure, but activities typically include:
☛ Using a range of office software, including email, spreadsheets and databases.
☛ Managing filing systems.
☛ Developing and implementing new administrative systems, such as record management.
☛ Recording office expenditure and managing the budget.
☛ Organising the office layout and maintaining supplies of stationery and equipment.
☛ Maintaining the condition of the office and arranging for necessary repairs.
☛ Organising and chairing meetings with staff - in lower paid roles this may include typing the agenda and taking minutes, but senior managers usually have an administrative assistant to do this.
☛ Overseeing the recruitment of new staff, sometimes including training and induction.
☛ Ensuring adequate staff levels to cover for absences and peaks in workload, often by using temping agencies.
☛ Carrying out staff appraisals, managing performance and disciplining staff.
☛ Delegating work to staff and managing their workload and output.
☛ Promoting staff development and training.
☛ Implementing and promoting equality and diversity policy.
☛ Writing reports for senior management and delivering presentations.
☛ Responding to customer enquiries and complaints.
☛ Reviewing and updating health and safety policies and ensuring they are observed.
☛ Arranging regular testing for electrical equipment and safety devices.
Submitted by: Ali Hassan Siddiqui