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Author Topic: Advanced Planning  (Read 984 times)
chris68
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« on: April 23, 2002, 02:49:34 pm »

I would like to plan ahead as much as I possibly can as of June 15 to July 8th I'll be out of the office on the longest vacation I have had since I've started working.  I know all of the usual stuff, have the files ready for anything, a list done ahead for a temp, making sure all the monthly stuff is done ahead as much as possible, rescheduled my Receptionist breaks, etc. etc.

Is there anything else that I may be missing that I should be thinking of between now and June?  I'm a bit nervous leaving the boss alone for so long with a temp and want things to go as smoothly as possible.  I'm already dumping files and organizing that mess for him to be able to retreive things easily while I'm gone.

Just need some ideas on some things and recommendations if there is something I am missing.

Thanks for your help.

Chris68
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Jackie G
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« Reply #1 on: April 23, 2002, 05:14:40 pm »

Chris

Many people, particularly in the UK, will wonder why you're getting so het up about a 3 week break, but I know your holiday times aren't that brilliant in the US!

It sounds like you've thought of everything.  Only you will know whether your boss likes to throw curved balls in temps' direction, or whether they'll wait till you get back from your long holiday!

I once had a boss who asked for a temp when i was on holiday ( I also did all the admin as we were a small advertising agency so there had to be someone there!) and he never used her once!  I started in the agency as a temp so I was aware that was likely to be the case.  Most of them were quite bored and I came back to a huge pile of work that was simply put to one side till I got back - some break!

Jackie
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chris68
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« Reply #2 on: April 23, 2002, 05:41:46 pm »

I have a feeling that this is exactly what I will come back to.  My only saving grace is that bossie is on vacation the entire week I return.  (Yes it was planned that way!:-))  I'm just trying to avoid as much of a headache when I get back as possible.

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Jackie G
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« Reply #3 on: April 23, 2002, 07:28:19 pm »

Oh what an inspired choice!

Jackie
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countrigal
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« Reply #4 on: April 23, 2002, 08:31:55 pm »

I'd have a list of contacts for the temp, just in case bossie does ask her to do something that she might need assistance on.  Include the # to call for copier repairs, for ordering emergency items, who to call for media assistance, etc.  Not knowing how your facility is set up it's hard to say, but here I'd give my temp a list of folks to call for repairs, computer troubles, paper supply ordering, reproduction, along with the main service lines/directors (complete with title AND name).  Since our office deals with so many of these offices and bossie is known to ask for a number for the Chief of Staff or by the individual's name, that would be a big help for anyone.

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smitkit
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« Reply #5 on: April 24, 2002, 09:32:04 am »

You could also try talking to those people who you interact with on a daily basis and ask if they are likely to have anything coming your way through that period, and let them know you won't be around, so they can re-prioritise.  

Another tip is to keep your temp on for at least 1 day after you come back, to do a handover and also so you can fire all the quick stuff to her, like photocopying, filing etc, quick memos etc, while you get on with catching up.

Smitkit

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karenlucas
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« Reply #6 on: May 02, 2002, 09:53:05 am »

It's also a good idea to have the temp in for a day or at least half a day before you go, if you can, so that you can introduce them to bossie and anyone else they'll have contact with or need to talk to, and so you can show them the ropes - where you file things (physically and electronically), what systems you use, etc.  It's very useful to have it all written down for reference purposes, but much easier  if you've had a little training and don't have to wade through piles of notes just so you can find a simple document, especially if you've just arrived on your first day in the job and bossie flies out with something urgent.

Also, of course, the same applies as for keeping the temp for an extra day - they can help with the little things like photocopying and faxing, to help you get right up to date - and learn a little of the job in the process.

I've been a temp, and I know of what I speak.  Jackie's so right - often bosses don't expect the temp to do anything but sit and answer the phone (which is deeply boring if it only rings twice an hour - don't you just wish!), but if you've introduced the temp to the boss and he knows they've been shown the ropes, he just might be a little more willing to let the temp do some of his work!

In any case, have a great holiday, and don't even think about work while you're away - you don't want to spoil a good thing, do you?

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