Office administration is a combination of day-to-day tasks within a business that include financial planning, record keeping, and billing, staff management, physical distribution, and logistics. An employee who performs these functions is generally referred to as an office administrator or office manager, and they are critical components of any organization’s infrastructure, regardless of its size. Office administration is the daily management of an office. An office administrator or manager is usually in charge of administration. Depending on the organization’s structure and the complexity of the tasks involved, the manager’s or administrator’s responsibilities may be narrow or broad.

Office administration includes not only managing and assisting personnel, but also ensuring that the office has the resources it requires to be productive. This includes organizing repairs on any faulty office equipment, as well as planning and submitting requests for new equipment as needed.

An office administrator is responsible for ensuring that administrative functions inside an organization run smoothly by providing structure to other staff. These responsibilities might range from managing human resources, budgeting, and records to overseeing other staff. These tasks differ according to the employer and educational degree. Office administrators are frequently tasked with the responsibility of managing business supplies such as paper, writing instruments, printer ribbons, and other goods that are constantly in use throughout the office. The office administrator is responsible for keeping the office within its designated budget at all times and frequently participates in budget planning for upcoming accounting periods.

Office Practices on the other hand are the clerical and administrative tasks that office professionals execute on a daily basis in order to support work-related responsibilities and organizational decision-makers in their respective organizations.

In general, Office administration and Practices can be defined as the efficient and effective methods of managing/handling the office; this includes the following:-

• People, i.e. clients, visitors, bosses, and all staff
• Tools and equipment/machinery, i.e. computers, accessories, and stationery.
• General environment

Office management is the process of planning, organizing, guiding, communicating, directing, coordinating, and controlling the activities of a group of people who are tasked with the responsibility of accomplishing corporate objectives efficiently and effectively. This definition places a premium on staff because the route to an effective workplace is paved with diligent, well-managed individuals. Office managers are frequently in charge of desk space, supplies, the office or administrative budget, staff training, travel arrangements, and supervision of other facility personnel. A good office manager in any area must understand their employees’ behavior and needs in order to determine the most effective way to inspire them through the use of appropriate incentives.

Office Managers focus on “people” processes. They keep offices running happily and efficiently by providing employees with tools, resources, policies, and initiatives that enable good work. Office managers implement and oversee policies and procedures that nurture efficient environments where employees thrive. OMs serve as the “faces” of their companies, both internally and externally; office visitors usually meet the OM before anyone else, and employees usually visit the OM first when they have questions or concerns.

Office Administrators focus on “technical” processes. They keep offices running strategically and efficiently by implementing and improving technology solutions, processes, and schedules that keep work flowing. Office Administrators strategically complete all need-to-do items around the office.  They also find ways to make work even faster and more efficient. Office Administrators have a knack for organizing and processing information, turning out smart, informed decisions and getting things done.