[Lindyloo]

Tea Ladies​

Just a follow-up to the recent post on tea-ladies. How much has the office changed in the past 50 years? There are no tea-ladies anymore, secretaries are now personal assistants and no longer need shorthand. The boss and senior execs used to smoke at their desks (as well as most workers), and a big boozy lunch was the accepted norm (especially on Fridays). There was a central switchboard and all calls went through the receptionist. Most people dressed formally for the office, collar and tie for the men and a suitable dress for women (slacks were not allowed in most big offices). There was a lift driver to take you to your floor and generally a 'clock-on, clock-off' punch card for all staff. Wow, offices have certainly changed! What are some of the changes you can think of over the past 50 years. Photo of an exec in his 3-piece suit with ashtray on his desk.

 

[Sethia Soliman]

Oh wow! I can't believe smoking was allowed in work spaces before!

 

[Lindyloo]

Oh wow! I can't believe smoking was allowed in work spaces before!

Back in the 80's I worked for Australian Airlines as a travel consultant and we smoked at our desks while we had customers sitting in front of us. They did the same. I look back at it now and it was abhorrent