Working Conditions for Communications equipment operatorsMost communications equipment operators work in pleasant, well-lighted surroundings. Because telephone operators spend much time seated at keyboards and video monitors, employers often provide workstations designed to decrease glare and other physical discomforts. Such improvements reduce the incidence of eyestrain, back discomfort, and injury due to repetitive motion. Switchboard operators generally work the same hours as other clerical employees at their company. In most organizations, full-time operators work regular business hours over a 5-day workweek. Work schedules are more irregular in hotels, hospitals, and other organizations that require round-the-clock operator services. In these companies, switchboard operators may work in the evenings and on holidays and weekends. Central office and directory assistance operators must be accessible to customers 24 hours a day; therefore, they work a variety of shifts. Some operators work split shifts, coming on duty during peak calling periods in the late morning and early evening and going off duty during the intervening hours. Telephone companies normally assign shifts by seniority, allowing the most experienced operators first choice of schedules. As a result, entry-level operators may have less desirable schedules, including late evening, split-shift, and weekend work. Telephone company operators may work overtime during emergencies. Approximately 1 in 5 communications equipment operators works part time. Because of the irregular nature of telephone operator schedules, many employers seek part-time workers for those shifts that are difficult to fill. An operator�s work may be quite repetitive and the pace hectic during peak calling periods. To maintain operators� efficiency, supervisors at telephone companies often monitor their performance, including the amount of time they spend on each call. The rapid pace of the job and frequent monitoring may cause stress. More information on Communications equipment operators from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Communications equipment operators occupation Number of Communications equipment operators in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Communications equipment operators Working conditions for Communications equipment operators Significant points for Communications equipment operators Training requirements for Communications equipment operators Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |