Office support jobs in London have undergone a remarkable transformation over the past five decades. Once characterised by typewriters, dictation machines, and piles of paperwork, these roles have evolved into dynamic positions driven by technology and a shift towards hybrid working models.
We thought it’d be interesting to take a journey through the key changes that have shaped office support jobs, comparing the traditional landscape with the modern era.
The 1970s: The Traditional Secretary Role
In the 1970s, office support roles were largely defined by the position of the secretary. These jobs were highly administrative and manual, revolving around typing documents, answering phones, and handling correspondence. Technology was limited, with typewriters being the primary tool of the trade. Many offices still operated on paper-based systems, with filing cabinets and physical records dominating the workflow. Secretaries were often tied to a single executive or manager.
Office support professionals were the linchpin of any business, ensuring that day-to-day operations ran efficiently, even though the tasks were repetitive and labour-intensive.
The 1990s: Technology Begins to Evolve
Fast forward to the 1990s, and technology began to have a significant impact on office support jobs in London. The introduction of computers revolutionised how work was done. Word processors replaced typewriters, making document creation faster and more flexible. Email became a common tool, reducing the need for physical mail and improving communication efficiency.
Office support professionals still handled administrative tasks, but the role became more varied as they started working with spreadsheets, databases, and early project management software. There was also a shift towards using Microsoft Office, which became a staple in every workplace. The introduction of computers made office support roles more technical and required professionals to be adaptable to changing technologies.
The 2000s: The Rise of Multi-Tasking
By the early 2000s, office support roles had evolved significantly. No longer just focused on administration, professionals in these positions were expected to manage a variety of tasks, with increasingly more project-based work. The role of the personal assistant (PA) grew, with responsibilities extending beyond traditional secretarial duties, and specialist support roles grew within finance, HR, etc. Office support staff needed to be tech-savvy, capable of using advanced software for document preparation, and skilled in communication tools like email, instant messaging, and teleconferencing.
The development of internet connectivity meant that some tasks could be done online, streamlining processes and saving time. Office support jobs in London became more complex and required a greater range of skills than ever before.
Post-2020: The Impact of the Pandemic and the Shift to Remote and Hybrid Working
The COVID-19 pandemic was a pivotal moment for office support jobs in London. Suddenly, remote working became the norm, forcing professionals to adapt to home offices and virtual meetings. Technology became the backbone of the workforce, with platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and cloud-based systems enabling teams to stay connected and productive from anywhere.
As restrictions eased, the rise of hybrid working models emerged. Office support professionals were required to be even more flexible, splitting their time between working from home and the office. The focus shifted towards ensuring smooth operations, whether teams were collaborating in person or remotely.
Now, in 2024, many companies are encouraging employees to return to the office more frequently, but hybrid working still plays a significant role. Office support jobs in London have adapted once again, with professionals mastering a mix of virtual and in-office skills. As such, employers demand demand tech-savvy, adaptable, and resourceful support staff.
Today’s roles are more dynamic and varied, requiring a blend of traditional organisational skills and modern technical know-how. Want to find one to suit you? Register today.