Although most information clerks work a standard 40-hour week, about 3 out of 10 work part time. Some high school and college students work part time as information clerks after school or during vacations. In many cases, employees with the least seniority may be assigned the least desirable shifts. Interviewing clerks conducting surveys or other research may mainly work evenings or weekends. The work performed by information clerks may be tiring, repetitious, and stressful.
Many receptionists spend all day answering continuously ringing telephones.
Many reservation agents and travel clerks must work under stringent guidelines for the use of their time. Management may electronically monitor their use of the computer systems, monitor or tape record their telephone calls, limit the time that they can spend on each call, and have quotas on the number of reservations made. Such practices may make stress-related complaints more common. In addition, prolonged exposure to a video display terminal may lead to eye strain. The work of hotel and motel desk clerks and transportation ticket agents also can be stressful when trying to serve the needs of difficult or angry customers.