Mailroom
Encyclopedia
A mailroom is a room
in which incoming and outgoing mail
is processed and sorted. Mailrooms are commonly found in schools, offices, apartment buildings, and the generic post office
.
In the workplace, a mailroom can be associated with the breakroom; these rooms can be combined into one. For instance, a mailroom can contain an area for employees to take a break
. Besides mailbox
es and mail slots, this area might have a kitchenette
with a coffee maker, microwave, table and chairs, refrigerator, sink, pantry, or oven.
A person who is in charge of a mailroom is known as a mailroom clerk (referred to some employees as a gofer
, which implies as a menial job position, for example: an employee who starts off "at the bottom", working in the mailroom doing errands, making copies, filing papers, and so forth). This person usually works independently and is responsible for a company's incoming and outgoing mail. A mailroom clerk deals with the preparation of packaged goods, letters, and other mail for shipping by the local post office or by an independent shipping service. Additionally, this person also delivers mail for other employees in different departments using a mail cart. A mailroom clerk's job may be with a private firm, government agency
, non-profit group, or a military operation
.
Room
A room is any distinguishable space within a structure.Room may also refer to:* Room , by Emma Donoghue* Room, Nepal* Room for PlayStation Portable, a social networking service* Thomas Gerald Room , Australian mathematician...
in which incoming and outgoing mail
Mail
Mail, or post, is a system for transporting letters and other tangible objects: written documents, typically enclosed in envelopes, and also small packages are delivered to destinations around the world. Anything sent through the postal system is called mail or post.In principle, a postal service...
is processed and sorted. Mailrooms are commonly found in schools, offices, apartment buildings, and the generic post office
Post office
A post office is a facility forming part of a postal system for the posting, receipt, sorting, handling, transmission or delivery of mail.Post offices offer mail-related services such as post office boxes, postage and packaging supplies...
.
In the workplace, a mailroom can be associated with the breakroom; these rooms can be combined into one. For instance, a mailroom can contain an area for employees to take a break
Break (work)
A break at work is a period of time during a shift in which an employee is allowed to take time off from his/her job. There are different types of breaks, and depending on the length and the employer's policies, the break may or may not be paid....
. Besides mailbox
Mailbox
Mailbox may refer to:* Letter box, copper box, or other sturdy material compartment, or slot for incoming postal deliveries.* Post box, a physical box for outgoing postal deliveries....
es and mail slots, this area might have a kitchenette
Kitchenette
A kitchenette is a small cooking area.In motel and hotel rooms, small apartments, college dormitories, or office buildings a kitchenette usually consists of a small refrigerator, a microwave oven or hotplate, and, less frequently, a sink...
with a coffee maker, microwave, table and chairs, refrigerator, sink, pantry, or oven.
A person who is in charge of a mailroom is known as a mailroom clerk (referred to some employees as a gofer
Gofer
A gofer or go-fer is an employee who is often sent on errands. "Gofer" reflects the likelihood of instructions to go for coffee, dry cleaning, or stamps, or to make other straightforward or familiar procurements. The term gofer originated in North America...
, which implies as a menial job position, for example: an employee who starts off "at the bottom", working in the mailroom doing errands, making copies, filing papers, and so forth). This person usually works independently and is responsible for a company's incoming and outgoing mail. A mailroom clerk deals with the preparation of packaged goods, letters, and other mail for shipping by the local post office or by an independent shipping service. Additionally, this person also delivers mail for other employees in different departments using a mail cart. A mailroom clerk's job may be with a private firm, government agency
Government agency
A government or state agency is a permanent or semi-permanent organization in the machinery of government that is responsible for the oversight and administration of specific functions, such as an intelligence agency. There is a notable variety of agency types...
, non-profit group, or a military operation
Military operation
Military operation is the coordinated military actions of a state in response to a developing situation. These actions are designed as a military plan to resolve the situation in the state's favor. Operations may be of combat or non-combat types, and are referred to by a code name for the purpose...
.