What is Skills Development? Skills development is the process of (1) identifying your skill gaps, and (2) developing and honing these skills. It is important because your skills determine your ability to execute your plans with success. Imagine a carpenter trying to build a house. He has the raw materials but lacks good woodworking tools. He only has a small hammer and a small screwdriver. Without the right tools like a hand saw, he can’t turn these raw materials into pieces to build a house. Why is training important in the workplace? The importance of training goes far beyond checking off a to-do task for your employees. A high-quality, comprehensive training program provides employees a greater understanding of your organization’s processes, procedures, and goals. It also enables them with the knowledge and skills they need to be effective in their roles. Equipping employees with relevant and ongoing training is one of the best ways to increase productivity and performance. In fact, organizations that invest in employee training experience 11% greater profitability over organizations that don’t. 10 benefits of training employees There are countless benefits to training employees. Oftentimes, they’re easy to overlook because it seems like training takes too much time and effort. Organizations that don’t invest in formalized training programs may overlook the importance of training and development for their employees. But, those that do, can measure the impact of their training programs and see the benefits of training and development in the workplace. If you need to make a clear case for investing in training and development, consider these benefits of training to employers and employees. Improved skill sets Research from IBM found that an employee’s skills generally have a “half-life” of about 5 years, with more technical skills needing improvement after just 2.5 years. IBM also found that nearly 30% of skills are lost annually because they aren’t performed regularly or reinforced through training. This means that employees continuously need to complete training that improves their business, technical, and soft skills. Increased productivity and performance Training has a direct impact on your organization’s productivity and performance. As mentioned earlier, training gives employees a better understanding of their responsibilities and the knowledge and skills they need to do that job. This will improve their confidence which can positively impact performance. In fact, Seismic’s 2023 Value of Enablement Report found that more than 80% of respondents believe that more training would help them close more deals and meet their goals. Faster ramp times New hire training is important because it teaches new employees about your organization’s values, missions, and goals. And in order to ramp new employees quickly, they need to complete training that covers the skills, knowledge, and tools they’ll need to hit the ground running. Higher job satisfaction By investing in training, companies show employees that they are valued. Because training gives employees access to information they wouldn’t otherwise have, they’re more likely to feel confident and prepared to do their jobs. This goes a long way in making employees feel appreciated and satisfied with their careers with 80% of respondents noting that more training would help them feel more satisfied in their job. Lower employee turnover Our report also found that 50% of employees are considering leaving their company due to a lack of training. Additionally, IBM found that only 21% of new hires intend to stay at an organization that doesn’t offer training for their current role compared to 62% of new employees who do have access to ongoing training. Improved buyer experiences More than 90% of buyers report buying from sellers who are able to provide them with the right information and content throughout the sales process. Instead of reps struggling to deliver the right knowledge and resources, proper training enables them with the right skills, information, and content to better serve buyers. Build customer satisfaction and loyalty Training increases lifetime customer satisfaction, loyalty, and revenue for your company. Customers who feel they receive great service from knowledgeable and friendly agents spend 140% more money compared to those who had a poor experience with a brand. Increased consistency An effective training program delivers a consistent learning experience and level of knowledge to every employee. Consistency is important when it comes to understanding processes, products, or services. For example, a robust customer service training program increases the likelihood that your agents will deliver a consistent experience to customers. Or, for a sales team, this means that everyone knows how to deliver a great first demo. Enhanced company reputation and demand A strong training program is a great way to improve your company’s brand and reputation. Employees want to have access to ongoing training and development opportunities. So, by offering different types of training, your company is likely to attract new talent.
Administration and Office Management: Best Practices and Technologies
In today’s competitive work environment, possessing a strong work ethic is more than a desirable attribute — it’s a fundamental component of professional success. But what precisely does ‘work ethic’ entail, and why is it so crucial? This article delves into the meaning of work ethic, its significance, and the top skills that exemplify a robust ethical framework in the workplace. What Is Business Ethics? Business ethics is the moral principles, policies, and values that govern the way companies and individuals engage in business activity. It goes beyond legal requirements to establish a code of conduct that drives employee behavior at all levels and helps build trust between a business and its customers. Understanding Business Ethics Business ethics ensure that a certain basic level of trust exists between consumers and various forms of market participants with businesses. For example, a portfolio manager must give the same consideration to the portfolios of family members and small individual investors as they do to wealthier clients. These kinds of practices ensure the public receives fair treatment. The concept of business ethics began in the 1960s as corporations became more aware of a rising consumer-based society that showed concerns regarding the environment, social causes, and corporate responsibility. The increased focus on “social issues” was a hallmark of the decade. Since that time, the concept of business ethics has evolved. Business ethics goes beyond just a moral code of right and wrong; it attempts to reconcile what companies must do legally vs. maintaining a competitive advantage over other businesses. Firms display business ethics in several ways. Skills that showcase a strong work ethic A range of skills, traits and behaviors characterizes a strong work ethic. Here are some relevant examples. Reliability: Being dependable and reliable, showing up on time and meeting deadlines are hallmarks of a good work ethic. Professionalism: Exhibiting professionalism through respectful behavior, dressing appropriately, and maintaining a positive demeanor reflects well on one’s work ethic. Initiative: Going above and beyond, seeking new challenges and being proactive demonstrate a readiness to contribute and a desire to succeed. Persistence: The willingness to persevere through challenges without giving up is a testament to a strong work ethic. Takes Responsibility: Taking ownership of one’s duties and being accountable for outcomes, whether good or bad, shows a mature approach to work. Time management: Efficiently managing one’s time to prioritise tasks and consistently meet deadlines is crucial for demonstrating a strong work ethic. Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with others, being a good listener, and contributing to team goals are indicative of a person who values their work and their colleagues. Ethical behavior: Upholding ethical standards, honesty, and integrity in all professional dealings is fundamental to a strong work ethic.
The Influence and Importance of Administrative Professionals
When it comes to running a business, the role of administrative professionals is often underestimated. These individuals are the backbone of organizations, ensuring operations run smoothly and contributing significantly to their success. They manage daily tasks, coordinate between departments, and handle critical information. This blog post aims to shed light on the critical role of administrative professionals and how their expertise drives organizational success in various sectors across the UK. Their strategic support, from small tasks to large projects, plays a pivotal role in the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization. Whether you’re looking for a foot in the door at a finance, insurance, or health care company or moving up the ladder, administrative jobs are the backbone of any office and can offer a great way to gain experience and prove your organizational and professional skills. Using Bureau of Labor statistics data, we give the stats on job responsibilities, requirements, and the median salary you can earn for five administrative jobs that are in high demand on Monster now. Administrative professionals encompass a broad range of roles, including secretaries, assistants, office managers, and more. They perform various tasks needed to maintain the smooth running of any organisation. These tasks include managing communication, scheduling, data management, and supporting other staff members and executives. Their versatility extends to organising company events, handling travel arrangements, and even playing a role in financial planning. Their diverse skill set and adaptability make them indispensable, as they seamlessly integrate various aspects of business operations to create a cohesive and well-functioning workplace. Four Key Contributions to Organisational Success Efficiency and Organisation: Administrative professionals are needed to ensure an office remains efficient. They manage schedules, organise meetings, and make sure that all administrative tasks are completed in a timely and efficient manner. Being organised is essential for the smooth running of any business, allowing other employees to focus on their core responsibilities without being consumed by administrative tasks. Communication Hub: Acting as a central communication hub, administrative professionals ensure that information is accurately and promptly shared with everyone within an organisation. They’re often the first point of contact for external stakeholders, representing the company and setting the tone for future interactions. Supporting Business Goals: By handling various logistical and organisational aspects, administrative professionals directly contribute to achieving business goals. They support project management, help to carry out business strategies, and make sure that resources are used effectively. Adaptability and Problem-Solving: The UK’s business landscape is ever-changing, and administrative professionals must adapt quickly. Their ability to handle unexpected challenges and find solutions is invaluable in maintaining business continuity and stability.
What is an Administrative Professional?
When people think of important roles or departments that make up a highly functional office culture, they would probably say things like upper management, finance, human resources, marketing and creatives, sales, and the like. That may sound a lot, but all of these job functions are often the responsibility of just one person: the admin assistant. Admin assistants, also called secretaries or admin professionals, work closely with management, HR, and finance departments. If you think that this role can be easily filled, that’s where you might be mistaken. A genuinely stellar and valuable administrative professional will add value to a company and improve processes that were previously in place, as well as help manage blind spots when it comes to employee moods and needs. Administrative professionals are an essential part of any business. They provide administrative support to an organisation or business, keeping things running smoothly and ensuring that the day-to-day operations of the company are well organised. The wide range of duties for an Administrative Professional includes effectively managing correspondence, scheduling meetings, maintaining records, preparing reports, handling business communications, and managing databases. The responsibilities of an administrative professional can vary depending on the size and type of organisation they work for. They can work in a variety of industries, such as healthcare, finance, education, and government. Of course, to be an effective administrative assistant, there are certain skills that are necessary. Essential Skills and Characteristics of a Modern Admin Professional 1. Emotional Intelligence Emotional intelligence is one of the top essential skills that an admin assistant should possess. Daily dealings with different staff members and understanding their concerns don’t just require logic and discernment, but compassion as well. If you have high EQ, you will not only improve the way things are done in your company, but you can help uplift your team as well. While emotional intelligence is not always innate, there are some best practices aspiring admin assistants should be aware of in an office setting. 2. Creative Problem Solving Sometimes, conventional thinking merely puts band-aid solutions to critical problems. This is where creativity and innovation are very much appreciated in terms of smoothing out complications or even improving outdated processes that are not working anymore. Some scenarios include boosting company morale through the implementation of poll-voted activities or addressing the root causes of issues in the workplace (budget, HR support, etc.). Think outside the box and show how resourceful you can be! 3. Foresight Dubbed as the most important leadership skill of the 21st century, foresight is still a term misunderstood by many. No, this doesn’t pertain to magically seeing into the future, but rather being able to predict possible outcomes when certain business moves are made, grounded by benchmarks and analytics. Since admin professionals closely monitor high-level business decisions, you should be able to counsel for or against specific plans and paint a big picture for those involved. This is particularly handy in terms of budget or new launch plans, for instance. 4. Organization It should go without saying that admin assistants are organized—and this doesn’t just mean with paper files and other documentation. You should know how to prioritize and execute tasks with proper order and structure, meticulously following processes, and checking for any errors made by other team members along the way. Admin assistants may even improve upon organizational flows of the company and suggest the most efficient project management strategies possible. 5. Adaptability Sometimes, businesses can take an unpredictable turn in terms of direction or pacing. No matter what crisis or massive opportunity awaits, adaptability is critical to ensure that the company can keep up with any curveballs thrown their way. Admin assistants are the best people to hold down the fort and ensure that things are running as smooth as they should. As such, you should be highly flexible with the demands of your business. 6. Grit A lot of emotions and situations arise in the workplace, and the work of an admin assistant can be demanding and stressful at times. The perfect fit for this role should possess grit and determination to work through even the most impossible tasks and shouldn’t be afraid of calling for help and extra resources should things go awry. This skill is not one to be overlooked, as many great and talented team members excel technically but are sometimes give up too quickly. Strength of character is necessary to weather difficult situations in the office setting. 7. Tech-Savviness The world now operates at a mostly digital scale. It would not be surprising if the business you own has an online component, or perhaps you are entirely digital. As such, the staff, most notably the admin assistant, should be comfortable with learning new forms of technology, including both software and hardware. This tech-savviness can also help the company develop new systems and migrate to much better practices. 8. Communication As an admin assistant, you will be talking to almost everyone in your team, whether in the form of sending emails, conducting small group talks, or addressing upper management. It’s imperative that you have great communication skills, both oral and written. Aim to be clear and confident with your wording. Be transparent with whoever you’re talking to.
The Evolution of the Administrative Professional
There was a time when professionals who handled all administrative and support duties in a business or organization were simply known as secretaries. A majority of secretaries including the most experienced were exempted from leadership roles. A lot has changed since then. Office managers are now charged with the important role of handling everything necessary to keep the organization or business going. Their job description varies with each employer and organization but common duties include training staff, conducting hiring interviews, terminating employees, handling payrolls, ensuring there’s an efficient document management system in place, and balancing the organization’s budget. Allow miles wound place the leave had. To sitting subject no improve studied limited. Ye indulgence unreserved connection alteration appearance my an astonished. Up as seen sent make he they of. Her raising and himself pasture believe females. Fancy she stuff after aware merit small his. Alteration literature to or an sympathize mr imprudence. Of is ferrars subject as enjoyed or tedious cottage. Procuring as in resembled by in agreeable. Next long no gave mr eyes. Admiration advantages no he celebrated so pianoforte unreserved. Read More
Skills Every Administrative Professional Needs
Administrative professionals wear many hats. They can have a multitude of duties that range from scheduling meetings to documenting bank deposits, handling mail, or making social media posts. While the position is technically a support job, administrative professionals are a vital part of any business. Administrative workers are multitaskers with the ability to split their focus between several tasks at a time. This type of work might seem hectic, but if you find the prospect of doing something different every day appealing, administration might be the right fit for you. With the rise of cloud-based collaboration software and video conferencing applications, it’s become increasingly easy for administrative professionals to operate from anywhere. There’s a wide array of abilities that fall under the umbrella of administrative assistant skills. Assistants need great soft skills, like communication, to interact with clients as well as hard skills to handle any technical aspects of the job. Communication skills Strong emotional intelligence Organizational skills Time management skills Problem-solving skills A capacity for learning new skills quickly Bookkeeping skills Experience with Microsoft Office Work Independently Technology skills Big-picture thinking A good administrative worker needs to be able to operate autonomously, as there’s always something to do. Let’s say you’re an administrative assistant for a membership-based nonprofit. One of your many duties is to manage the membership database. Every day, you have to check to see if any membership forms have come in by mail or submitted electronically. Because this is a daily task, successful administrative professionals learn how to be proactive about this work from the start. When you’re first starting, ask for a set of responsibilities. Depending on the length of your contract, designate which ones will need to be completed on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. From there, you can prioritize what needs to be done when without having to go back with questions. Administrative assistants should be able to use different types of software, browsers, and applications. For example, you might have to manage a client’s customer relationship management (CRM) software. CRM software helps businesses find leads and keep track of customer information and history. Another great skill to have is the ability to see the larger picture. Although you might be focusing on smaller tasks during your day to day, these tasks give you a strong pulse on your client and how their organization operates. You can provide valuable feedback should problems arise because you’ll be familiar with how the team works together.