In many cases, secretaries have assumed new responsibilities and learned to operate new office technologies. In the midst of these changes, though, their core responsibilities remain much as they were. Most organizations still employ secretaries to perform and coordinate office activities and to ensure information gets disseminated to staff and clients. Managers, professionals, and other support staff still rely on them to keep administrative operations under control. Secretaries are responsible for a variety of administrative and clerical duties necessary to run and maintain organizations efficiently.
Secretaries are often the information clearinghouse for the office.
They schedule appointments, provide information to callers, organize and maintain paper and electronic files, manage projects, and produce correspondence for themselves and others. They may also type letters, handle travel arrangements, or contact clients. In addition, secretaries operate office equipment such as facsimile machines, photocopiers, and telephone systems. Because they are often relieved from dictation and typing, they can support several members of the professional staff. Secretaries often work in groups of three or four so that they can work more flexibly and share their expertise.