Fitting In and Standing Out in the Workplace

2 About the Survey Partnership between OfficeTeam, IAAP and HR.com Human resources managers and administrative professionals were surveyed Follow up to Office of the Future: 2020 study

3 What We’ll Cover How can you find or create your ideal work environment? How can you set yourself apart from other colleagues? How can you ask for and receive the training and recognition you deserve?

4 The Value of the Right Work Environment 87% of administrative professionals said work environment is a major consideration when evaluating a new job opportunity

5 Fitting In “In which type of environment are you most likely to succeed?” Busy Casual attire Traditional environment Small office Startup office Unpredictable Collaborative Constantly changing Team-focused Calm Business attire Nontraditional environment Large office Established office Predictable Autonomous Structured Hierarchical Source: IAAP survey of more than 300 administrative professionals Mean response; five-point scale

6 The Value of the Right Work Environment More than three-quarters of managers admitted that their work environment isn’t suitable for everyone

7 Determining Your Ideal Work Environment How does your current or prospective work environment align with your preferences? –OfficeTeam Workplace Culture Calculator at

8 Determining Your Ideal Work Environment What are your Workplace Culture results? How does the manager describe the culture? Did you bond with potential coworkers? What does your network think? Can you envision working at the firm every day?

9 Your Role in Enhancing the Work Environment Adopt an upbeat attitude Be a good communicator Avoid office politics Question inconsistent policies

10 Getting Ahead Key factors: –Strong soft skills, technical expertise –Commitment to continuous learning –Management’s awareness of your talents and contributions

11 Technical vs. Soft Skills Would an employer hire a candidate with good technical skills whose soft skills were lacking?

12 Value of Soft Skills to Employers “I would hire a candidate with good technical skills whose soft skills were lacking.” Source: HR.com survey of more than 400 HR managers Strongly agree Somewhat agree Undecided Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree

13 Soft Skills in Greatest Demand “When hiring for administrative positions, which of the following soft skills are in greatest demand by your company?” Source: HR.com survey of more than 400 managers. Multiple responses were allowed. Negotiation Leadership Analytical skills Business writing Tact/diplomacy Problem solving Teamwork/collaboration Verbal communication Organizational skills

14 Enhancing Your Soft Skills Seek constructive criticism Take action Seek opportunities for refinement Study role models Engage in active listening –Ask questions –Take notes –Paraphrase

15 Showing Off Your Soft Skills Show empathy Go the extra mile Don’t prejudge

16 The Technical Skills in Greatest Demand “When hiring for administrative positions, which of the following technical or software skills are in greatest demand by your company?” Source: HR.com survey of more than 400 HR managers. Multiple responses were allowed. Business intelligence software HTML/web page editing Customer relationship management software Project management software Desktop publishing/graphic design software Accounting software Database software Presentation software /calendar software Spreadsheet software Word processing software

17 Enhancing Your Technical Skills 88% of administrative professionals say they are using skills today that they didn’t need just three years ago

18 The Value of Training Your skills stay current You demonstrate commitment to your career You enhance your marketability You increase your job satisfaction

19 Training Roadblocks “I have all the training I need for my current position.” Source: IAAP survey of more than 300 administrative professionals Strongly disagree Somewhat disagree Undecided Somewhat agree Strongly agree

20 Training Roadblocks Only 59% of managers say their firms budget for training for administrative staff

21 Making a Case for Training Keep it relevant Point out clear benefits Know the options –Seminars/classes –Online –In-house See a need, fill it

22 Increasing Your Visibility Build name recognition Be a problem-solver Speak up Go beyond the job description Document your work effectively Take and give credit appropriately Become an expert Get involved outside of work

23 Increasing Your Visibility Build name recognition Be a problem-solver Speak up Go beyond the job description Document your work effectively Take and give credit appropriately Become an expert Get involved outside of work

24 Increasing Your Visibility Build name recognition Be a problem-solver Speak up Go beyond the job description Document your work effectively Take and give credit appropriately Become an expert Get involved outside of work

officeteam.com Fitting In and Standing Out in the Workplace © 2007 OfficeTeam. An Equal Opportunity Employer.