Perform clerical duties, such as filing, typing, operating switchboards, or routing mail and messages.

I need the routing instructions for incoming mail updated so staff know who takes which pile. Move the student transcripts to Admissions, route alumni letters to Development, and send faculty personnel packets to HR. Do a final pass Friday morning to check names and office numbers match the latest staff list before I print the labels.

Before I hand the front desk a new mail-routing sheet, make the rules obvious to anyone covering the switchboard: put the department name first, list the two people who can accept packages, bold any items that require signatures, and flag anything that must go to a locked office. Highlight exceptions that trip up temps so the supervisor can sign off quickly.

I just watched a temp hand a sealed personnel packet to the wrong desk; the packet names HR but sat on Program Services. The temp is apologetic; the recipient already glanced inside. I am worried about a privacy breach and a grievance. I cannot tell whether the personnel file has sensitive disciplinary notes. What is the likely immediate damage, which steps stop further leaks now, and how do I contain the HR relationship to avoid escalation?

Every time a receptionist is out or schedules shift, confidential mail gets misrouted and we spend hours tracing it. We lose trust with HR and faculty, and front-desk staff feel blamed. Which three small habits should I change so routing survives shift swaps — and which two checkpoints will catch errors without adding daily busywork?