A person employed as the supervisor of office and administrative support workers is responsible for ensuring the administrative support team works efficiently by coordinating the support provided.  As such, he or she may be employed as a customer service manager, a teller supervisor, or even as a shipping and receiving supervisor.

The specific duties of office and administrative support supervisors vary depending upon the type of business they are employed within.  Nonetheless, all of these supervisors are responsible for ensuring their staff works efficiently while also making sure all machinery and equipment used by the staff is in proper working order.  The supervisor may be called upon to make the repairs, or he or she is responsible for contacting the proper personnel to make the repairs.  In addition, he or she must request new equipment and supplies as needed.

The supervisor must plan work for the administrative staff in accordance with each person’s weaknesses and strengths.  He or she then must supervise the completion of this work and make sure deadlines are met and that the work is completed to the proper standard.

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Those wishing to become a supervisor of office and administrative support workers may be able to earn the job by being promoted through their current employer.  In order to increase the likelihood of receiving such a promotion, it is helpful to obtain a business management degree. In fact, some businesses require a minimum of an associates degree in business management or a related field before considering a person for a promotion.  Some also provide in-house training or courses in areas such as project management, time management, and interpersonal relations to further prepare individuals for a supervisory position.

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In addition to requiring a business management degree, employers look for administrative staff with a proven track record or leadership skills, teamwork abilities, problem-solving skills, and strong communication.  Other factors include loyalty, determination, confidence, and poise.  General office skills and supervisory skills, including the ability to coordinate work, organize projects, motivate others, and set priorities, are other important skills to have when working toward a position as the supervisor of office and administrative support workers. 

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The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment opportunities in the area of office and administrative support supervisor will grow more slowly than the average occupation through 2014.  This is mostly because the number of qualified applicants will outnumber the available jobs.  Furthermore, employers are tending to reduce office staff as work can be completed more efficiently through the use of modern technology.  Therefore, those with the most training and with business management degrees will have the greatest chance of gaining employment in this field.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual earnings of administrative and office support supervisors in May of 2004 was $41,030.  Those receiving the highest annual salaries where those working for insurance carriers with an annual median income of $49,610.  Those working for depository credit intermediation earned the least with an annual median income of $36,980.  Some supervisors of office and administrative support workers also receive extras, such as bonuses and stock options, to further supplement their income.