As is the case with many hotels, front office managers often suffer from a lack of resources within the lodging
property’s operating environment. Free-flowing communications, extensive training prior to assuming
responsibility, on-the-job coaching, recognition and even praise are often found in short supply in many hotels.
Part of this phenomenon may be attributed to the 24-hour environment in which the front office operates while
other departments, especially the executive offices, tend to keep more traditional work days and hours. Another
issue to consider is the lack of mobility for many front office managers in the normal course of their duties. A
contained work environment often precludes Front Office Managers from being able to effectively interact on a
casual and easy basis with other peers. Finally, the extensive paperwork burden typically associated with a front
office management position certainly affects an FOM’s overall job satisfaction. Not surprisingly, as each of these
items contribute to define the hotel’s work culture, the perceived working environment and all items that affect it
play the most significant role in determining to what extent Front Office Managers will be satisfied in their jobs.