Workplace Insight

NOVEMBER 27, 2023

Far fewer employees have laptops (39 percent), mobile phones (40 percent) or tablet computers (13 percent) available to them at work. Furthermore, neuroscience teaches us that our brain is not designed for multitasking and that staying focused requires energy – by definition a limited resource.

Collaborate 98

Collaborate Environment Stress Promotion 98

Laughing all the Way to Work

MAY 9, 2010

I breathe a sigh of relief when I get someones assistant on the phone or receive an email from them. Knowing assistants and having a working relationship with them is very important and can make the difference when you need to set up a meeting or if your boss needs to have a quick phone call with their boss. 23, 1 p.m. (for

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 20, 2010

Minute taking definitely isnt easy, but it doesnt have to be stressful. My goal for this blog is to give good tips and ideas and occasionally put a smile on your face as you start your day!Lets Lets enjoy our day together.© © Copyright Patricia Robb 2010 20 February, 2010 Minute taking made easier. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones Agenda IAAP 2010 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MAY 10, 2009

Of course before I recommend anything I try it out so I picked up the phone and it asked me what I was looking for and what city and province. I chose details and was given the street address and phone number and I still had the option of having my call put through to the store number. You can use google to get similar information.

Google 100

Google Time Zones IAAP International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 13, 2010

If I am told that I should have it in the next few weeks, or can expect to receive it in a couple of months, that doesn’t really help me with my follow up as it is not a definite date. I can only guess when I might get it. I would prefer they say you will have it by March 4th. That I can track. Dates are important. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 27, 2009

This time I came up with a site called Karens Linguistics Issues. It will definitely be added to My Favourites on the side bar of the blog under Spelling. It gives the proper spelling for British, Canadian and American words and is very user friendly. By the way, behaviourial is spelled this way in Canada. 23, 1 p.m. (for

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes Google 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JULY 16, 2010

Doing too many things can actually waste time. Check: Are phone calls planned? For each one, write down what you hope to accomplish with the phone call to help you stay focused. I run the outlook journal and it logs the time I spend with a given task. Manage: Create a list of calls to be made and make them all at once.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 28, 2010

CountryCode.org is a comprehensive guide to make phone calls from anywhere to any country in the world. Hello Patricia, You have some great resources at [link] Given your interest in country codes, I wanted to make you aware of my site, [link] for possible inclusion as well. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 7, 2010

They said it works with most phone services. I have never used this escape route, but was reminded about it at a webinar I participated in recently and will keep these instructions close at hand. I thought I would pass this tip along in the event you find yourself wishing you could take your words back. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

DECEMBER 19, 2009

When I receive an initial request for a meeting, I use a meeting form and write down the information I need: who is requesting the meeting, what is the purpose of the meeting, where it will be held and a phone number or an e-mail address and dates that are available. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Meeting Minutes 100

Professional Assistant Blog

DECEMBER 5, 2007

This is definitely good for sharing ideas and skills among teammates and other departments. Just remember not to divulge particular company information, since this can definitely land you in hot water. Internal blogging refers to employees writing blogs that are stored on an intranet or company server.

2008 100

2008 Cubicle 2007 Google Docs 100

Professional Assistant Blog

JULY 16, 2008

This definitely helped my position. Try creating a list of tasks and tackle one thing at a time. I am sure that this will definitely help quite a few readers. Check with your company to see if they have a similar program in place. One more thing, multi-tasking has been shown to decrease productivity.

2008 100

2008 Cubicle 2007 Google Docs 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

OCTOBER 10, 2008

That definitely can be a challenge. .© Copyright Patricia Robb 2010 10 October, 2008 Working for the Disorganized. I was recently reminded by a reader of what it can be like to work for someone who is completely disorganized. In all my career I have only worked for one person who fit this description. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2008 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JULY 9, 2010

Did I phone to get my electricity turned on? The meetings were stress free and I was able to depend on my checklists and templates. Now I am on holidays and preparing for a big move to a new home. You can be sure I have checklists for that as well. Yes, it is ticked off on the checklist and the lights did turn on when I pressed the switch.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Holidays International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

NOVEMBER 8, 2009

What dates and times does he or she have available (keeping in mind time zones for away meetings)? Secure the date and time in his or her calendar, taking into consideration travel time if outside the office. Does your boss need to be at the meeting? Can someone go in his or her place if they are not available?

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Calendars 100

Professional Assistant Blog

JANUARY 4, 2008

It will definitely help you and your business. These will inflate you stats and wont show a true indication of what your site really has to offer. Talk to you IT department and see if they can help you with getting a trial copy of the software. Hopefully, your boss will notice that you are taking a proactive approach in your job.

2008 100

2008 Google Docs Cubicle 2007 100

Professional Assistant Blog

DECEMBER 28, 2007

I will try to write posts when my time permits. If I find a really great or juicy story, I will definitely post it on here. I realized that blogging is great, but you have to try to have a life outside of the computer world as well. Wireless internet providers provide internet access without attaching cables and wires to your system.

2008 100

2008 Google Docs Cubicle 2007 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 19, 2009

The switchboard can get so busy at times that its just not possible to introduce every call that comes through (except, of course, for those calling for the big bosses). The cure: always answer the phone professionally - this way youre never caught off-guard. January 19, 2009 Patricia Robb said. I am happy to hear from a receptionist.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2009 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

NOVEMBER 27, 2008

A change of scenery and a change of conversation is good for us to recharge and just get away from it all from time to time. Talking about work all the time is not healthy for anyone. I am not taking a wireless phone with me and I am not going to talk about work with my friends where I am visiting. I cant wait!

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Holidays International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

DECEMBER 5, 2009

I have a network of assistants that I call friends, although some are just phone colleagues, but we help each other. The assistant/boss relationship certainly is one of the closest working relationships with some comparing it to that of a work wife. GET TO KNOW YOUR CO-WORKERS. and find out early on who you can go to and trust.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Interviewing Holidays 100

Professional Assistant Blog

FEBRUARY 14, 2008

If the e-mails are quite lengthy, this can definitely help. I figured there must be an efficient way to do that. Thanks for the great tips! Posted on 15 February, 2008 4:22 PM The Professional Assistant Hi Jenna, Thanks for the comment.

Microsoft Outlook 100

Microsoft Outlook 2008 Cubicle Google Docs 100

Professional Assistant Blog

FEBRUARY 13, 2008

I know that you might have a large workload to deal with, but this will definitely help. The best way to deal with stressful situations like this is to stop, take a breath and relax for a few minutes. Once you get your body to relax for a bit, your focus will be much more productive on what you have to accomplish.

2008 100

2008 Cubicle Google Docs 2007 100

Office Dynamics

SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

It is called Executives and Assistants Working In Partnership: The Definitive Guide. If the partners meet in the morning (whether in person or by phone) they are able to ensure they’re working in tandem, confirming the day’s top priorities are agreed upon, and can be proactive on any new issues that might have arisen.”.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones Calendars Stress Phones 100

Professional Assistant Blog

JANUARY 10, 2008

Flu season can definitely be debilitating to your health. Did your co-worker, significant other or a client give you a surprise by coughing and sneezing around you? Dont you wish you could be where they are (to the left) instead? It happens each and every year, even if you end up getting the flu shot.

2008 100

2008 Cubicle Google Docs 2007 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

APRIL 8, 2009

Yes, yes and yes, but I would definitely recommend college or business school as it gives you the edge. I know many sort of "fall" into this profession, but are there people out there who CHOOSE to go into this field? Thanks-in-advance! April 09, 2009 Patricia Robb said. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Administrative Professionals 100

Administrative Professionals Time Zones IAAP 2009 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 19, 2009

The last online course I took was under $70 and was interactive using both the computer and a speaker phone for audio. I have found them to be really helpful. They can be contacted at: Louis@lastminutetraining.ca If you find some are outdated please let me know so I can remove them from this list. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Training 100

Training Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JULY 5, 2009

I am sure after that call her husband got off the phone and kicked the dog or was cranky with a sales clerk at the grocery store. It ended up that the phone lines were down because of a thunderstorm in town and he had been trying to reach her since early that afternoon. What happened? Crankiness and bad moods can be passed on.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 15, 2010

I use this all the time on my calendar and my boss's calendar, and it helps us both to know which events are phone calls which he can take in the office or on the road (yellow) or which events will require travel (blue). I LOVE the color feature. If you find some are outdated please let me know so I can remove them from this list.

Calendars 100

Calendars IAAP Time Zones 2010 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

AUGUST 1, 2010

Even if you phone the bank they need your secret passcode or they wont speak to you about your account. It's been the most efficient way for me to keep track of them since it's so handy to get to and I 'back myself up' by putting the log-in info for my outlook account in a notes area on my cell phone. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones 2010 IAAP Filing 100

Professional Assistant Blog

JULY 20, 2009

Well, keep in mind that if you keep doing this on a regular basis, it will definitely become a big deal. You think to yourself, "Its just one bag of chips" or "Its just one chocolate bar" and no harm done. I lost about 30 lbs. in about 6 months because I changed my lifestyle.

2008 100

2008 2007 Cubicle 2009 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

NOVEMBER 1, 2008

I can interact where I am now, but I have to get up and go if I want to speak with someone and then when I get there I may find they are busy or on the phone so I have wasted my time. Of course there is a down side to being able to do that. (for If you find some are outdated please let me know so I can remove them from this list.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Meeting Minutes 100

Professional Assistant Blog

SEPTEMBER 14, 2007

Outsourcing has been around for quite some time now and I will discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of it. This definitely saves you time and money, so that you can focus on doing whats most important to your business - making money.

2007 100

2007 2008 Cubicle Google Docs 100

Professional Assistant Blog

JANUARY 15, 2008

Work is work, which can definitely be fulfilling, which I have to admit, is great in my life. You feel that your work life is in place and need to find some balance in other parts of your life? Up until recently, I too felt this way. There is life outside of the office, but of course, you need to go to work to get your bread and butter.

2008 100

2008 Cubicle Google Docs 2007 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 10, 2010

If you find some are outdated please let me know so I can remove them from this list. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

DECEMBER 28, 2009

If you find some are outdated please let me know so I can remove them from this list. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Gifts Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

OCTOBER 11, 2009

Your point about confirming the supervisor's definition of administrative support is so important! so you clearly understand the supervisor's expectations, especially if this is the first time the supervisor has had their own assistant! (for Thank you, October 14, 2009 Foley-In-Charge said. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2009 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

SEPTEMBER 17, 2010

There is value in getting to know people, even if it is just over email or the phone. Important relationship building In all these cases I had much better results because I had established a relationship with the venue contact. Once they start to have a relationship with you they are much more open to trying to help you. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Negotiating International 100