Maximize Your Secretariat's Potential

The secretariat is often unfairly regarded as a mere supportive side aspect of the workplace. Yet strong administrative professionals have the power to transform and significantly enhance the efficiency of any organization. Unfortunately, many companies invest little in their development. Think of missed opportunities such as AI training, business software courses, or language proficiency programs. As a result, a valuable source of talent and potential remains untapped.

Administrative professionals are far more than routine task executors; they are the backbone of a well-functioning organization. This understanding calls for a cultural shift in which the secretariat is not only acknowledged but also actively involved in innovation and growth. When administrative professionals are given the space to develop their department and adapt to new technologies, they can contribute to an organization that runs like a well-oiled machine.

I still vividly remember working as an office assistant in a building on the Coolsingel in Rotterdam. The nearby tourist information office meant that I often had to guide tourists. With limited language skills, I found creative ways to assist them in various languages. The sense of contributing to the image of both the organization and the country was invaluable. This illustrates how important it is to provide administrative professionals with the tools and opportunities to fulfill their roles even more effectively. Why not offer language courses so they can professionally assist clients in multiple languages? This goes beyond just signing a name in another language – it's about meaningful interactions.

Additionally, administrative professionals should be the first to receive training when new systems are implemented. With the right knowledge, they can play a pivotal role in disseminating and applying that knowledge within the organization. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked.

However, there is a significant disparity between companies. Law firms and multinationals often take the lead in developing their secretaries, offering opportunities to advance into legal support, project management, or HR roles. Hospitals and consultancy firms provide similar prospects, such as the transition to medical secretary or team coordinator. Yet, in many other organizations, secretaries are still assigned repetitive and unchallenging tasks. In such environments, they are reduced to 'typists,' while they could hold key positions within a dynamic team.

The lack of investment in the secretariat can have dire consequences. The risk of bore-out, caused by under-stimulation and a lack of challenge, looms large. This not only leads to physical and mental complaints among employees but also undermines the overall efficiency of the organization. Bore-out can be prevented by making tasks more challenging, improving processes, and encouraging administrative professionals to develop themselves through courses and new skills.

The secretariat is not a side issue but an essential link within any organization. Companies that invest in their administrative professionals are investing in their own success. By acknowledging the potential of these professionals and involving them in innovation and development, you build a strong organization ready for the challenges of tomorrow. Invest in your secretariat – it's an investment that pays off time and time again.