[libby02127]

Hi There!
I am curious to see how companies out there are providing front desk coverage while the Receptionist is on break.

I work for a company of about 1000 employees and all 6 Admins cover breaks for the receptionist. Does anyone have a unique alternate suggestion for coverage?

Thanks in advance!

[jfoushee]

At our office, everyone chips in! But then again, we do not have an office of 1,000 people. We have found that our interns are very savvy at rotating into and out of the front desk position when needed. It gives them a change of scenery and often provides them the opportunity to learn something new.

I also know of a larger company that employs a different department each month to be on "Receptionist duty" - each day, one person from the department is responsible for stepping in when the front desk person is away. This way, everyone gets a turn and learns to appreciate that role all the more!

[Robin Holtson]

My experience has been that Administrative Assistants would rotate to cover the front desk. Executive Assistants (individuals who support EVP and C-level) were exempt. Make sure the company policy is clear, and it is discussed during the interview.

[musicalmommy]

Good question! In our office, there are five people who each have a day of the week to cover the front desk. My day is Monday, another gal's is Tuesday, etc. We cover the half hour before the receptionist arrives (since she drops off the mail on her way home), a 10am break, 12-1 lunch hour, and a 3pm break. I am an exec assistant but this duty was explained to me when I interviewed. I've done it elsewhere so it was not a big deal for me.

[faebee]

In my office which is a small office we have 5 coordinators that cover the receptionist."A" covers on Monday and Wednesday "B" covers on Tuesday and Thursday and Fridays are covered by "C" and "D" who alternate between each other---"C" has every other Friday. I supervise the receptionist and this seems to work for my company. When the receptionist is out for a day they all cover in 2-3 our shifts. When she is out for a week I have a temp come in. On occasions if needed, I will step in to cover if she needs to step away quickly. When the coordinators are hired they are told that part of their job responsibilities is to assist reception when needed.

[bparnell]

Originally Posted by libby02127

Hi There!
I am curious to see how companies out there are providing front desk coverage while the Receptionist is on break.

I work for a company of about 1000 employees and all 6 Admins cover breaks for the receptionist. Does anyone have a unique alternate suggestion for coverage?

Thanks in advance!

We use volunteers. We always have at least one floater so that person substitutes for the receptionist while on breaks and lunch time.
Hope this helps.
Brenda