What was the typical work environment for a switchboard operator?

The typical work environment for a switchboard operator in the past was a large room filled with rows of switchboards, each with multiple lines and buttons. The operator would sit at a desk, wearing a headset and using a switchboard to connect incoming and outgoing calls. It was a fast-paced and often noisy environment, with operators handling multiple calls at once and communicating with coworkers through a system of lights and buzzers.