If you’ve been following along with Mrs. Office Lady, you know that I’ve been spending some time exploring the wonderful world of Google Workspace. And for good reason!
Today’s school office is a busy place. Between answering phones, greeting parents, managing student records, coordinating events, tracking supplies, preparing correspondence, and keeping everyone on the same page, there’s never quite enough time in the day.
Wouldn’t it be nice if some of those everyday tasks could be a little easier?
That’s exactly what this latest installment in my Working Smarter series is all about!
First, let’s talk about the tools.
In previous blog posts, we’ve taken a look at some familiar Microsoft Office applications and their Google Workspace counterparts:
- Word vs. Google Docs: Two word-processing applications, different buttons, and plenty of similarities.
- Excel vs. Google Sheets: From spreadsheets and formulas to organizing information and keeping track of just about everything.
- PowerPoint vs. Google Slides: Creating presentations without getting lost in the formatting.
The goal of those articles was to help school office professionals recognize that while the buttons and menus might look a little different, many of the skills transfer from one application to another.
But knowing what the tools do is only half the battle.
The real trick is knowing how to put them to work!
Introducing: Working Smarter with Google Workspace – The Practical Manual & Workbook
I’ve taken the next step and created a downloadable workbook designed especially for school secretaries, administrative assistants, and school office professionals.
This isn’t just another list of Google Workspace features. It’s a practical guide to using these tools to organize your work, streamline everyday tasks, and make your office run a little more smoothly.
What’s inside?
Chapter 1: Google Forms – Collecting Information Without the Paper Chase
Learn how to create forms for staff sign-ups, event RSVPs, information requests, and surveys. Discover how to connect responses to Google Sheets and keep everything organized.
Chapter 2: Google Drive – Your Digital Filing Cabinet
Say goodbye to files scattered everywhere! Learn how to organize folders, name documents consistently, find files quickly, and create a more manageable digital filing system.
Chapter 3: Docs, Sheets & Slides Working Together
These applications are even more useful when you stop thinking of them as separate tools. Learn how to use them together for projects, reports, inventory management, and presentations.
Chapter 4: Templates and Automation – Work Smarter, Not Harder
Why recreate the same document every time? Learn how to develop reusable templates, use formulas, apply conditional formatting, and explore ways to automate repetitive tasks.
Chapter 5: Sharing and Collaboration – Working Together Without the Email Overload
Learn the difference between Viewer, Commenter, and Editor permissions, collaborate on documents, use comments, and manage version history.
And because Mrs. Office Lady believes in learning by doing…
The workbook also includes:
- Step-by-step instructions and practical examples.
- Hands-on exercises at the end of each chapter.
- Printable worksheets to plan your own office workflows.
- A Google Drive folder organization exercise.
- A template library planning worksheet.
- A sharing and collaboration checklist.
- A quick-reference guide to help put everything into practice.
Who should use this workbook?
Whether you’re a seasoned school secretary who wants to explore new ways of working, a newcomer learning the ropes, or an administrative professional making the transition from Microsoft Office to Google Workspace, this workbook is designed to help.
You don’t have to be a technology expert. You just need a willingness to try something new and a desire to make your workday a little less hectic.
Get Your Copy Today!
The Working Smarter with Google Workspace: The Mrs. Office Lady Practical Manual & Workbook is now available in my Shopify store.
Just $4.99 for your downloadable workbook!
A small investment in learning a few new tricks could save you time, reduce frustration, and make your school office more organized.
Visit the Mrs. Office Lady Shopify Store
