If they spend a lot of time typing, particularly at a video display terminal, they may encounter problems of eyestrain, stress and repetitive motion, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Office work can lend itself to alternative or flexible working arrangements, like telecommuting or flex time, and 1 secretary in 5 works part time. In addition, a significant number of secretaries work in temporary positions. A few participate in job sharing arrangements in which two people divide responsibility for a single job. Legal secretaries frequently work overtime.
Shorthand is necessary for some positions.
Knowledge of software applications, such as word processing , spreadsheet and database management , is becoming essential to most employers. Because secretaries must be tactful in their dealings with many different people, employers also look for good interpersonal skills. Discretion, good judgment, organizational ability and initiative are especially important for higher-level secretarial positions. As office automation continues to evolve, retraining and continuing education will remain an integral part of secretarial jobs. Continuing changes in the office environment have increased the demand for secretaries who are adaptable and versatile.