LIFE OF A DAY IN THE ALLISON HARRISON OFFICE MANAGER IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Every day is different, but my working day starts early. First, I religiously need to do my back and neck exercises which have been a routine part of my life after a series of operations as a teenager. Then, being fanatical about cleanliness, getting up at 05.30 a.m. allows me to organise the house, pamper and feed my cat, Milly, who is my baby, then persuade my husband Paul to get up and motivated. The construction industry is also an early riser, so I’m at work by 07.30 a.m. ready for whatever the day brings.
The first priority is to check all the different means of communication to see what needs answering as precedence, then discuss any works with management before they rush off to sites and appointments. Updating and actioning in accordance.
I have to process a multitude of emails throughout the day from all areas including management, clients, subcontractors and suppliers and then update and action as necessary. This is tedious but such a vital part of the job. You never know what you are going to open!
I started off working on the reception desk in 2003, where I was a part office and part site-based administrator, so I’m used to variety. This split role allowed me to be involved in projects from tendering stage to completion which is very satisfying. I try to push myself wherever I have the responsibility, and although I occasionally feel outside of my comfort zone, that can be good. It certainly stops you from being complacent.
My job is to manage many of the company’s processes and improve them where necessary. Although front desk, I can be processing or chasing sales invoices one minute, recording job activity on spreadsheets another or ensuring new or revised documents are circulated proficiently within the office and site. I could then be doing office stock control, drawings, Company and Subcontractor Insurances, training to name a few. With so many different duties, one important factor is to stay disciplined and I can thank my mother and father for giving me that.
There is a good atmosphere in the company, and I have no concerns about being a female in what many would think is a male environment. In fact, in my experience, the language and attitudes were sometimes better on-site, and the labour and site personnel were very respectful towards me.
With starting early, and as our team has expanded, I generally try and leave the office about 16.00 p.m. This is where I must say thanks to my lovely assistant who shares some of the load. My father, who is 72 still runs his own scrap metal business and a true workaholic. He collects me and I assist with paperwork were possible to take some strain off his shoulders. It’s my turn to support him!
‘My time’ arrives around 18.30 p.m. where I meet up with my Page 108 20/20 A day in the life of...
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116
