Internet redefines roles of administrative staff

The Internet's prevalence in the workplace is reshaping the job descriptions of today's administrative support professionals, according to a new survey of the nation's top executives.

The vast majority (92 percent) of respondents said it is important for assistants to be proficient in navigating the Internet, according to a news release from OfficeTeam.

The survey was developed by OfficeTeam, a staffing service specializing in highly skilled temporary office and administrative professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and includes responses from 150 executives with the nation's 1,000 largest companies.

Executives were asked: "How important is it for administrative assistants to be proficient using the Internet?" Their responses:

?Very important: 33 percent

?Somewhat important: 59 percent

?Somewhat unimportant: 6 percent

?Not at all important: 2 percent

"The Internet has become an integral tool for business research and communications, and administrative assistants are taking advantage of its many uses," said Diane Domeyer, executive director of OfficeTeam. "These professionals, in particular, are being relied upon increasingly as the key source for online searches that yield industry news of value to their departments."

Domeyer added, "Internet proficiency requires more than just sending e-mail or being familiar with a few web sites or search engines. Assistants who take a proactive approach and not only look for new sources of information online, but also instruct others on effective search methods are extremely valuable to companies today."