Mundane administrative and clerical work is what sales assistants like least about their jobs. And do not view them as mere secretaries, either, assistants say.
Almost a quarter (24%) mention something about mundane tasks when asked what they like least about their jobs. And 11% feel they should get more recognition.
Next on the list come critical comments referring to management — the bureaucracy, politics and home office operations (21%), as well as compensation-related complaints (21%).
Long hours, stress and workload were mentioned by 19% of respondents as a problem.
Dealing with difficult brokers (8%) and clients (5%) are also challenges, respondents say.
Here is a sampling of some of the write-in complaints from various respondents:
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Being spread thin by covering other office positions and being unable to complete projects for my brokers.
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As most SAs — filing.
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Sales assistants do a lot of “behind the scenes work” and we do not receive much credit for it. There's a feeling that we can easily be replaced.
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Lack of recognition for passing Series 7.
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The lack of appreciation for the job we do. Also, the lack of respect for our intelligence — we are NOT secretaries.
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Inadequate support from the home office. Unrealistic demands from clients.
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Office politics. Not enough money.
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No clear path to become broker. Requires self-starter to seek necessary training.
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Forms, forms, forms — it never ends.
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It tends to be a little redundant at times.
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Working with too many demanding brokers.
What Assistants Like Least
What do you like least about your job?
| Administrative/clerical/secretarial duties | 24% |
| Management/politics/bureaucracy/poor operations | 21% |
| Compensation/rewards (lack of) | 21% |
| Stress/hours/workload | 19% |
| Lack of recognition | 11% |
| Difficult brokers | 8% |
| Difficult clients | 5% |
| Nothing at all | 3% |
| Personal answer | 6% |
| Other | 21% |
| Note: Figures are based on 329 responses and add up to more than 100% due to multiple responses and rounding. | |
