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Andie B. |
October 01, 2024
Have you ever taken care of someone else? It can be exhausting at times, right? Now, imagine looking after an entire team in a professional setting. Can you picture the effort it requires and the fulfillment that comes with it? Here’s how our Operations Team manages the daily ins and outs of office life.
Managing operations and day-to-day office responsibilities is like juggling multiple tasks at once, making it both a rewarding and challenging experience for me. It’s not just about ensuring things run smoothly—it’s about balancing people, processes, and emotions to create an environment where everyone can thrive at their work.
Operations management involves making sure that every part of the business functions seamlessly. Whether it’s coordinating with teams, overseeing project timelines, or optimizing workflows, I always keep the employees’ well-being and the company’s goals at the forefront. It’s a delicate balance of planning, organizing, and keeping an eye on the details while making sure that our teams are happy and supported. This requires strong communication, organization, time management, and sound decision-making.
Each day starts with checking if the lights are on, the air conditioner is working, and the pantry is stocked. I then ensure the office is clean and organized. These small tasks contribute significantly to creating a positive, comfortable, and productive atmosphere.
I also believe in the importance of a welcoming and inclusive workplace culture. Simple gestures like greeting employees with a “Good morning” or “Goodbye,” chatting during breaks, asking how they’re doing, recognizing their achievements, and organizing team-building activities like “Spooktober,” year-end parties, and long-distance work (LDW) activities make a big difference in keeping morale high. When people feel appreciated, they’re more engaged and motivated, which ultimately makes the entire company more successful.
Handling the Unexpected
One thing I’ve learned is that no matter how well you plan, unexpected challenges will arise. Whether it’s a sudden employee issue, a last-minute client request, or an office equipment malfunction, being adaptable is key.
I’ve found that staying calm and approaching problems with a solution-oriented mindset helps keep things on track. Flexibility is essential, and sometimes, it means adjusting your plans for the day to deal with the issue at hand.
Over the years, I’ve learned that when unexpected problems arise, specifically regarding company operations, we need to focus on solutions rather than getting stuck on the limitations, which, if I’m honest, is often our first instinct. As the saying goes, for every problem, there is always a solution.
Building Strong Relationships
A big part of operations and office management is building strong relationships both within the team and with external partners. Open communication, mutual respect, and trust are the foundations of these relationships.
I am lucky enough to have amazing members in the Operations Team—Ma’am Annabell, Dianne, and Cheska. Their dedication and hard work keep the office running efficiently; without them, daily operations would be chaotic.
I try to stay closely connected with everyone, not just to make sure things are getting done but to understand how people are feeling. To me, it’s important that everyone feels supported and knows their contributions are valued. This not only helps in resolving issues quickly but also fosters a collaborative work environment.
Continuous Improvement
While many aspects of office management have improved, the team and I are constantly seeking ways to enhance our processes. Whether it’s streamlining workflows, introducing new tools, or gathering feedback from the team, I believe there’s always room for growth.
By staying proactive and embracing change, we help the organization remain competitive while ensuring our operations and office environment evolve to meet new demands.
Why I Love What I Do
At the end of the day, what keeps me going is the people I work with and the satisfaction of seeing things come together. It can be challenging and stressful, but it is rewarding to know that I play a big part in helping the company run efficiently and support a team that’s doing great work in our industry. Each day is different, even if it’s a struggle to come to the office four times a week, given the reality of commuting and traffic in the Philippines. However, having the chance to make a difference and learn something new, even within the walls of our humble office, is what makes this job so fulfilling.
And that’s it for now—off to do some grocery shopping!
