Insights

The Receptionist’s Role Redefined: From Front Desk to Office Leader

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an average of approximately 137,800 receptionist job openings are projected each year between 2023 and 2033. The openings should result from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force.

The receptionist’s role is being redefined to align with changing business needs. Rather than simply overseeing the front desk, the receptionist is becoming an office leader.

The receptionist is the first point of contact for individuals entering the building. Their friendly nature helps create a welcoming environment and form a positive impression of professionalism and the company’s values.

Versatility, multitasking, and excellent communication skills are required to carry out the receptionist’s role. Adaptation to new technologies and shifting office dynamics makes the receptionist indispensable to the modern workforce.

Receptionist Duties and Responsibilities

Managing office operations as a receptionist includes these duties and responsibilities:

  • Maintaining the reception area: Ensuring a clean atmosphere with company brochures, forms, pens, and related materials.
  • Greeting visitors: Welcoming clients and guests and directing them to the appropriate employee or meeting room.
  • Ensuring security: Issuing visitor badges, monitoring logbooks, and maintaining compliance with safety regulations.
  • Handling phone calls: Answering, screening, and forwarding calls and providing basic information.
  • Scheduling appointments: Setting and confirming employee, executive, and client appointments.
  • Communicating: Sharing information among departments and external parties.
  • Keeping records: Entering data, maintaining databases, transcribing notes, photocopying, faxing, and filing.
  • Organizing mail and packages: Receiving, sorting, and distributing deliveries to the appropriate employees or departments.
  • Managing office supplies: Ordering paper, pens, and other supplies and maintaining inventory.
  • Assisting with events: Helping prepare and coordinate logistics and catering for meetings and office events.
  • Providing support: Performing administrative tasks to support office operations.
  • Collecting feedback: Sharing client and visitor input to improve office procedures and customer service.

Top Receptionist Skills

A top receptionist has these skills:

  • Organization: Multitasking requires superior organization to ensure task completion.
  • Technology: Proficiency with office software, basic IT troubleshooting, and familiarity with social media platforms are essential.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required to interact with employees, executives, clients, vendors, and guests.
  • Problem-solving: Resolving unexpected issues requires quick thinking and creative solutions. 

Need to Fill a Receptionist Role?

Let Impact Staffing get to work connecting your Atlanta business with multi-skilled administrative professionals who bring more to the table. Contact us to discuss your administrative staffing needs today.