In the last few years, there has been a monumental shift in the way we work. Ever since the ’90s, people have been striving to achieve a better work-life balance and Covid has sped up that process. With no other option but to implement remote working solutions, business owners quickly gave staff the option to work from home. 

Today, even though many people are coming back to the office, there is still a huge majority of employees who work from home or who do a bit of both by following the hybrid working model. But in order to make this viable for the future, there has to be changes in the way we do things. So, in this blog we’ll explore how remote working is changing the nature of administrative jobs.

How is Remote Work Changing Administrative Jobs?

The integration of technology and the rise of virtual collaboration tools have reshaped the way we perform administrative tasks. These technologies have been designed to make administrative tasks smoother, swifter and more efficient. They also, importantly, make it possible for administrative tasks to be performed remotely. Here’s how remote working has changed administrative jobs.

Daily Tasks Have Gone Online

Gone are the days of catching up around the office water cooler. Now employees are checking in with each other via real-time messaging tools such as Slack or Microsoft Teams. Routine tasks such as scheduling, document management and communication have moved seamlessly over to the virtual realm, with the added bonus that documents, calendars and workflow schedules can all be viewed and commented on by members of your team. These shifts mean you can keep on top of administrative duties wherever you are in the world. 

Emphasis on Digital Literacy skills

With so much happening in the virtual space, there has been a corresponding demand for administrative employees to have good digital literacy skills. Proficiency in collaboration tools, project management software, and virtual communication platforms is now a prerequisite. And there needs to be a willingness to keep learning as new technologies are being developed all the time. 

A Flexible Working Day

Perhaps one of the greatest ways that remote working is changing administrative tasks is by shaking up the working day. Gone is the old fashioned 9-5 diktat; instead employers are increasingly allowing a more flexible approach, based on individual productivity peaks rather than a fixed timetable.

Location Has Become Irrelevant

Another major change that remote working has brought to administrative roles is that the role is not bound by geographical limitations. That means employees can work from anywhere in the world, allowing them to choose a role and company that matches their skills and values. It also means that employers have access to a much wider talent pool as they can recruit the right candidate from a global network.

Tighter Security and Confidentiality 

While there are many positives that have come with performing administrative roles remotely, one of the challenges is the increased risk of data breaches. Managing sensitive information becomes more complex when communication channels are digital, requiring a heightened awareness of cybersecurity practices to safeguard data and uphold privacy standards. 

Increased Training and Upskilling Opportunities

Working remotely undoubtedly requires a certain level of computer literacy, but companies don’t expect you to know it all. Especially when new software programmes are constantly in development. To help administrative staff keep up with new technologies, companies are offering training and development programmes on administrative software such as project management, cyber security and virtual collaboration tools.

Enhanced Employee Wellbeing 

Remote working has given employees a new sense of control and independence over their working life. Where once administrative staff were office-bound and suffered from presenteeism, now their work is more results-driven. This allows individuals to have some autonomy over their schedule, to create work environments tailored to their preferences, contributing to increased job satisfaction and overall engagement.

There is no doubt that it is an exciting time to be in the workplace. Remote working has brought with it cultural changes that benefit both administrative employees and their employers. The key to enjoying a successful career in administration is to embrace these changes and to continue to adapt and develop as new administrative technologies are introduced. If you are looking for a new administrative role, either remote or office-based, take a look at our real-time job search page. And if you are keen to improve your virtual administrative skills, talk to one of our recruitment consultants who can help you find programmes to suit you.