INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The work of a secretary is very delicate and confidential and as such a healthy office environment is necessary to enable her discharge her duties efficiently.

An understanding of the office environment in the enhancement of a secretary’s morale via-a-vis job performance is necessary in every organization.

Generally, office environment has serious impact on the job performance of workers. The office and its appearance conduction of work, materials available and their location, safety measures medical care, relationship among the members of staff and the boss remunerations and other social welfare recognized to be main elements of work on office environment which directly related to workers moral, and intelligences to discharge their duties effectively.

The secretary is an indispensable staff and as such management has to place high priority on how best to motivate her.

The nature of work environment invariably has direct effect on the morale and state of health of a secretary, hence, her general performance in the discharge of her duties.

The office environment thus, influences the volume and quality of work, interest and happiness of a secretary.

Office environment in the context of management has been defined to include to include, office building and layout, furniture and equipment the physical conditions under which the secretary operates- lighting, heating, ventilation, decoration, sound proof measure, safety measures and such, social conditions as relationship with members of staff and boss, remuneration and welfare package etc.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Generally, it is believed that when on environment is not conducive, a worker cannot discharge his/her responsibilities as efficiently and effectively as expected.

In effect the fundamental duties of a secretary are highly prejudiced and jeopardise by an areas and un-stimulating environmental.

Today, there are many problems encountered by secretaries resulting from poor work environment which greatly affect their job performance. Amongst these is lack of private office secretaries most times share offices with other staff, some of which lack basic amenities befitting her status.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

This study is meant to investigate the following:

1. The effects of a depressing and un-stimulating nature of the office environmental on the secretary’s job performance.

2. the effect of small floor space and congested office surroundings on the secretary’s job performance vis-à-vis her attitudes to work.

3. the effect of absence of some basic amenities such as air conditioners, fan, executive seats and jesles on the moral of a secretary and her general attitude to work.

4. other problems in the office environmental militating against effective job performance of secretaries.

5. recommend how best to improve the office environment for the smooth operation of secretaries if it has any serious effects on their job performance.