Should everyone who works in a corporate environment have to do a stint as the receptionist?

Question

I have been working as a receptionist for a year while taking some time off from my career as a teacher. I worked as an administrative assistant right out of university while I was earning my master's degree.

I want to know if anyone agrees with me. Shouldn't everyone have to be a receptionist at one point in their lives in order to know how awful administrative staff can be treated? When people don't return their calls, we are the ones who get screamed at. Yes, literally, SCREAMED at. What do you think?

Answer 1

You've my vote for this.

The receptionist has a highly visible, critical position within an organization. He/she is usually the first impression someone has of a company, either by phone and especially in person. Additionally, it's an excellent way for someone holding that job to learn about the people, positions and places to go within a firm.

The position deserves respect and fair compensation. And those who come into contact with a receptionist need to smarten up and realize that making friends with 'em is a wise move too.

A good receptionist knows where the bodies are buried....;)

Answer 2

Most every job is going to have it's downfall. I've never actually been a receptionist, but worked as a secretary, transcriptionist, biller, answering a comment/complaint line and payroll person. I think by far the worst has to be payroll. I did that for a year and a half. I've been dressed down by people of every class - once an administrator of one of our nursing home had me in tears only for me to find out later, he was wrong, I was right - of course I never got an apology. I did spend time answering phones to cover the receptionist on lunch while working in a corporate environment...but I've dealt with much worse stuff than that (and it seems the higher the position I get, the worse I get treated).

Answer 3

I agree whole hearterdly. After 20 years in administrative, secretarial, and reception areas i have full knowledge and experience of where you are coming from. I suggested that staff should spend a week at reception to an employer that i worked for at one stage and was thought mad. I pointed out that anyone that conversed with the public and clients should be able to provide a professional manner when speaking over the telephone and that this was often a first impression of the organisation that clients and public observed of the organization. This made him reconcider, but staff only spent a few hours and only a few came to do training, most considered their position either too exalted or busy to spend time improving their skills.

Answer 4

I understand the basic principle, BUT, by the time many- maybe most- execs have reached the point where they are the screaming maniacs, they have long since forgotten what it's like to be one of the worker bees (since most of them were worker bees of some kind at one point, but perhaps not a receptionist). They don't remember or don't care- but one person mentioned that compassion comes from the heart and can't really be taught, so...... the end result is likely you have it or you don't and working as a receptionist won't get you any if it's not in you.

Answer 5

Thats like asking do I have to gt hit by a truck to know that it hurts? I'll pass if I have to. It has nothing to do with being administrative staff, it has to do with working with a butt! That person obviously doesn't know or doesnt' care that they have treated someone else badly. Federal law calls this harrassment and every HR department has a rule against it. Get your employee handbook out and read it. Take the proper steps to protect your job and be treated fairly.

Answer 6

I disagree. Not everyone is cut out for receptionist duty.

Since you *have* been an admin, this gives you empathy. You know as well as anyone, when you approach an admin with respect for their position, your requests get taken care of best. : )

BTW - having worked for a screamer, the solution that worked for me was to ask her (in a very quiet voice so she *really* had to listen) what exactly she would like for me to do...go to the other person's office, put a gun to their head, and dial the phone for them?

Good luck! : )

Answer 7

No they shouldn't perform the job but realize the abuse you sometimes put up with because the caller usually takes it out on you. They should respect you and appreciate what you do because this is a reflection on the whole company. You need to keep your patience, too.

Answer 8

We get paid for what we are doing, so I think we just have to deal with some of the problems that associated with it. It does not matter what kind of jobs you have, there are always some kind of problems you have to deal with. If you cannot handle the problems, then I do not think that is the kind of job for you.

There is no need to put someone on your position to let them learn how bad your situation was. You can just talk to them about it. Just be friendly and diplomatic. They will be happy to cooperate.

Answer 9

Absolutely.

Unfortunately, though, I think the same people who are rude to receptionists would make terrible receptionists themselves - I just don't think they'd ever 'get' it (the concept of common courtesy).

Answer 10

People should at the very least shadow for one week every job in the company. If you are unable to understand how the TEAM works, you can't possibly be part of it.