What occurs if the front desk staff is busy when a visiting party arrives?

When the front desk staff is busy upon the arrival of a visiting party, the appropriate protocol is for the party to wait in the lobby. This allows the staff to manage their current tasks without creating confusion or disrupting ongoing operations. Waiting in a designated area ensures that the visitors are in a safe and organized environment until they can be attended to. It also conveys professionalism and respect for the time of the visitors, indicating that they are valued and will be assisted as soon as possible.

In contrast, escorting the party to an office might not be feasible due to the staff's current responsibilities or might lead to misunderstandings about the availability of space and staff. Requiring the party to leave would be discouraging and reflects poorly on the department's customer service. Having visitors fill out a questionnaire while waiting could also be inappropriate or ineffective in such situations, as it could add to the existing workload or create confusion instead of providing a seamless experience.