Small business productivity has been pushed through the roof and beyond by the recent economic woes. In just about every business you find one person trying to do two (or three) different jobs. Unfortunately, ALL the roles suffer; none get done properly and while the business ‘appears’ to be ’saving money’ in the end it hampers further productivity and growth.
More often that now the 2nd or 3rd hat worn is a position that, because of the businesses size, is hard to justify a full-time person. Roles like IT Manager, Network Administrator, CFO, HR manager, etc. are filled partially by someone on staff whose primary reponsibility is some other function.
We call these people ’slashes’. Because their title always has a slash in it…
- Office Manager / Network Administrator
- Office Manager / HR Administrator
- CFO / CIO
Unfortunately, this doubling up always ends up with NEITHER job being done right, more stress than necessary and important tasks being put off because of urgent items.
In my experience, the most often doubled up position is that of Network Administrator. More often than not, business owners believe that someone on staff (a ’slash’) can be doubed up, doing their ‘real job’ AND that of a Network Administrator.
I have seen it MANY times; a network in shambles, Office Manager duties NOT being done and a key employee pulling his or her hair out trying to keep up with two jobs!
Do yourself, and your Office Manager a favor and partner with a firm that has the experience and man-power to properly handle the Network Manager position!
Good Networking!
Eric Hobbs
Technology Associates
ehobbs@technologyassociates.net
919-459-0109 – Direct
