SA: Gripes and Grunt WorkSA: Gripes and Grunt Work
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,
October 1, 2001
Rick Weinberg
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:
Being spread thin by covering other office positions and being unable to complete projects for my brokers.
As most SAs — filing.
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.
Lack of recognition for passing Series 7.
The lack of appreciation for the job we do. Also, the lack of respect for our intelligence — we are NOT secretaries.
Inadequate support from the home office. Unrealistic demands from clients.
Office politics. Not enough money.
No clear path to become broker. Requires self-starter to seek necessary training.
Forms, forms, forms — it never ends.
It tends to be a little redundant at times.
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. | |
