The article from the New York Times in my mind, to a certain extent, stresses the need corporate america to wake up and smell the flextime. Be it compressed hours, reduced hours, job-sharing, or telecommuting, studies are showing that workers who have flextime options and utilize it are more likely to to engage in a lifestyle of exercise, healthful eating, and better sleep.
Administrative Assistants in these times are more savvy technology-wise than 25 years ago (Anyone out there remember the IBM Selectric?). Slowwwwwly the corporate world is embracing in allowing flextime for their administrative assistants and other support staff. Especially useful, for example, if their colleagues are located in Europe and with a 5 – 6 hour time difference. Allow an administrative assistant to come in an hour or two earlier, international businesses are more in synch and more productive. The AA leaves an hour or two sooner, has the benefit of being home with their children after school and has less of a hassle in dealing with commuting. Of course my personal favorite option prior to changing my career and becoming a Virtual Assistant is the telecommuting option. For the ‘old-school’ manager it can be a nerve-wracking experience. A level of trust and productivity is expected from their assistant in the office. Do they have the strength to ‘let go’ in allowing their assistants work from home even for a couple of hours a week and still get the same amount of productivity? With a set of ground rules, goals, and technology protocols (VPN [or Virtual Private Network], email, IMs, telephone communication, etc.), a manager will have a much happier and productive assistant.
Now what about small businesses? Small business owners by necessity are much more hands-on and (rightfully so) have the need to control every aspect of their company. However there does come a time when some aspects can be better handled by an experienced administrative assistant. What? You do not have an administrative assistant, you say? Not a problem. Consider a Virtual Assistant and Remote Admin Services can help!
This will likely be my last post until the New Year. Until then, be joyful, keep safe, and I look forward in posting & doing business with you in 2008.
