Office Management & Administration
Overview
A well-run office rarely happens by accident. This office management course shows administrators how to organise workflows, records, resources and people so that daily operations run smoothly, deadlines are met and managers can rely on accurate information. Weak administration quietly wastes time and money, while strong administration gives every department a dependable base for its work and its decisions.
Over five days, participants learn to plan office workflows, control budgets and supplies, coordinate schedules and meetings, use digital tools sensibly and lead small administrative teams. The programme suits office managers, administrative officers and executive assistants in companies and government departments. Participants leave with practical templates, a clearer view of their role and a personal plan to improve administration in their own office.
Who should attend
Office managers, administrative officers, executive and personal assistants, secretaries, support services supervisors and administrative staff in ministries, municipalities and other public bodies.
Training methodology
Interactive presentations, practical exercises, case studies, group discussions, role-plays where relevant, and a personal action plan that participants apply in their own work.
Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define the scope and value of modern office management
- Design efficient workflows and clear administrative procedures
- Control office budgets, supplies and shared resources
- Apply digital tools to reduce paperwork and delays
- Lead and motivate administrative support staff effectively
Course outline
Day 1The Modern Office
- Role of administration in organisational performance
- Core responsibilities of the office manager
- Mapping internal customers and their needs
- Common causes of administrative inefficiency
- Professional standards for administrative staff
- Self-assessment of current office practices
Day 2Workflows and Procedures
- Mapping office processes from start to finish
- Removing duplication, delays and unnecessary approvals
- Writing clear standard operating procedures
- Delegation rules and approval authority limits
- Service levels for internal requests
- Workshop: redesigning a slow office process
Day 3Resources and Budgets
- Preparing and monitoring the office budget
- Purchasing supplies and controlling stock levels
- Managing equipment, space and shared facilities
- Working with service contracts and suppliers
- Cost saving without reducing service quality
- Exercise: building a simple office budget
Day 4Digital and Information Management
- Choosing practical digital tools for administration
- Electronic filing structures and naming conventions
- Managing shared calendars, rooms and diaries
- Information security and confidentiality in offices
- Handling correspondence and requests efficiently
- Exercise: designing a shared electronic filing structure
Day 5Leading the Administrative Team
- Setting clear roles and daily priorities
- Motivating support staff and recognising performance
- Handling workload peaks and competing demands
- Measuring office performance with simple indicators
- Building positive relationships with senior managers
- Personal action plan for office improvement
