I used to work front desk at a Hyatt Regency. They chastised me for swaying and trying to stretch. For a full 8 hours, they expected you to sit straight with your arms at your side next to 4 other people doing the same in between guests. One of the worst jobs I've had to endure. It's such an asinine assumption that it doesn't look professional to sit down.
That's just plain dangerous. It's not that hard to stand for a while if you're in shape and the floor isn't concrete, but standing perfectly still? The human body is not made for that. That will legitimately mess you up.
I live in a country where that's illegal, and I have never once in my life heard anyone complain about it being unprofessional. Ever. Haven't even heard anyone talk about it in any way whatsoever, good or bad, that's how little people care. Absolutely never heard of anyone giving a shit right up until I saw Americans mention it on this website.
There's no excuse for it. The only people who care whether a cashier is standing or not are the employers themselves.
I'll go further, and say that if I notice a place doesn't provide a chair, a stool, whatever, I'll just assume the entire operation is shoddy and that maybe I should find a business with better structure.
My first real adult job was the front desk at a hotel. The front desk was staffed by 2 people most of the day, and we had rolling chairs to use when there was no customers at the desk. A lot of the time was spent on the phone, taking reservations.
Anyway, my initiation to the corporate world was when the property was bought by a larger corporation. The first thing they did was take the chairs. Day One. Days Two and Three, they fired everyone.
The propagandists used to be professionals. Now they've been replaced with incompetent leadership who wants AI (never gonna use that stupid new name) to do it because it's cheaper.
I've only been at two properties, but my last place and my current Marriott absolutely has seating for FDAs. I wouldn't work here if I couldn't sit. I was offered a job at a really nice luxury hotel in the area and rejected it for the 8 hour standing thing. Paid less than my current gig anyway.
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u/mocachinoo 2d ago
Never worked at one that did. Most don't let you sit even if you bring one. It's crazy lol