At Riverside Waste Machinery, we’re proud to have a team of employees possessing a range of extremely varied skills and qualities – each relevant to their own role. So, we’ve decided to let some of our staff fill you in on what a ‘typical working day’ looks like for them.
First up is Charlotte Walker, Riverside’s office manager. Find out more about her daily responsibilities, thoughts on meetings, and how she would describe her job…
What time does your day begin and what’s the first thing you do?
Usually 5.50am (I know, very precise!) and I have a coffee immediately!
Before you start work, what does your typical morning routine consist of?
Most days it involves a home workout followed by getting the kids sorted out and ready for the day, then I do the school run.
The working day begins – what’s the first task on your list?
Does making another coffee count? If not, probably the same as everyone else… check my emails!
How do you prioritise your jobs for the day?
Firstly, I tackle and respond to any emails that have come into my inbox overnight, and after that anything Jonathan – our MD – asks me to do is the priority, generally speaking!
Meetings – do you see these as important or avoid where possible?
I think meetings are useful as long as they are necessary.
Lunchtime arrives – do you take a break?
Working only five hours a day means it’s always a working lunch for me! I can’t really complain when the days are so short, can I?
What one item could you not be without to help you do your job?
An additional computer screen…. it’s a revelation!
When does your working day finish?
I leave at 2.30pm daily so I’m able to get back to Harrogate in time for the school run.
How do you prepare for the next day?
Work-wise, there isn’t much I have to prepare fortunately, but it’s the other job I hate the most – making four packed lunches!
What’s your wind-down tactic on an evening?
Chocolate and crime dramas.
If you weren’t an office manager, what would you like to be?
Probably a nursery nurse or teaching assistant.
What piece of advice would you give to anyone considering becoming an office manager?
Utilise your Outlook calendar, even for the smallest of things or dates you think you’ll remember!
Describe your job in one word….
Hectic!
