Directors also strive to foster a cooperative spirit and friendly attitude among employees and a compassionate demeanor toward the families. Most funeral homes have a chapel, one or more viewing rooms, a casket-selection room, and a preparation room. Equipment may include a hearse, a flower car, limousines, and sometimes an ambulance. Most funeral directors are also trained, licensed, and practicing embalmers. Working Conditions Funeral directors often work long, irregular hours.
Shift work is sometimes necessary because funeral home hours include evenings and weekends.
Funeral directors occasionally come into contact with the remains of persons who had contagious diseases, but the possibility of infection is remote if strict health regulations are followed. To show proper respect and consideration for the families and the dead, funeral directors must dress appropriately. The profession usually requires short, neat hair cuts and trim beards if any, for men. Suits, ties, and dresses are customary for a conservative look. Employment Funeral directors held about 27,000 jobs in 1992.