As has been stated elsewhere in this series of books, the modern plan for a large organization is to have an independent stenographic division or department. Instead of each department head and correspondent having one or more stenographers in his office, to handle his work only, this plan contemplates placing all stenographers and typists in one room, in charge of a chief stenographer. Except where an executive officer has a stenographer who acts as his private secretary, this plan is now carried out in the most highly organized of our larger enterprises. The stenographers are subject to the call of any correspondent, the chief stenographer supplying the one who is first available. The plan is sometimes modified to the extent of holding a stenographer for the work of a certain correspondent during stated hours; the stenographer being, at other times, available for any other correspondent. The plan has proved to be economical and beneficial in many other ways. It is economical, as it reduces the number of stenographers actually needed to handle the work. Under the old plan, some of the stenographers are idle a part of the time, or obliged to do copy work to keep busy. For example, in a certain house, two departments were located in adjoining rooms. The department heads each had more work than one stenographer could do, but not sufficient to keep two busy all the time; it was necessary for each to employ two stenographers--four in all--and let them fill in a part of their time addressing envelopes, and similar work. The plan of having a common stenographic force was tried, and three stenographers handled the work of both departments, with some time to spare for the work of other departments--a clear saving of 25%. The stenographer is benefited by becoming familiar with the correspondence of all departments. While not learning all of the secrets of one department, the stenographer obtains a much better insight into the business as a whole--far more valuable as a business training than a more intimate knowledge of a single department. Every correspondent is benefited by having several stenographers who are familiar with his work. If a certain stenographer leaves, is ill, or takes a vacation, he is not placed under the handicap of having his work stand still until he can break in a substitute. The new stenographer can be given some dictation in each department while becoming familiar with the work. The work is more evenly distributed, with the result that the mail is out on time and no stenographer is obliged to work after hours. When all work together under one chief, the efficiency of the stenographic force, individually and collectively, is materially increased.