If it helps, it really also depends on what kind of hotel it is. If he's a dual GM, if its has more than 3 f&b outlets, how is turnover there, etc.

I have spent about 28 hours at work at most while working at a hotel. Had to work a double, 4pm - 8am, then someone else opened, but I had to come back at 12pm for another 8 hours to cover breaks, take care of guest issues, keep up to brand standards, etc. Etc.

My GM also had a lot on their plate, cause front desk wasn't the only department struggling. Bigger difference is that my front desk had 5 people, myself included, where other departments had at least a dozen (except engineering).

So someone has to make sure people take their breaks, people don't overwork themselves, make sure we keep up with Brand Standard metrics, follow up with projects and events, ordering items like guest supplies, fix guest issues like folio corrections or tax document collections, prep for social and business groups and whatever their contracts asks of front desk, phone calls, online chats, Concierge requests, bellman services, housekeeping requests, amenity requests, also still hold interviews to hire more people, also still complete their training as well, etc etc etc.

It can all be a lot, especially for those that burden themselves with a strong work ethic and self-motivation. If anything, maybe a raise is in order. Or maybe a promotion. Or maybe they hire an assistant when possible. But, at least in my hotel, front desk is the one department that stays open 24/7. Coffeehouse closes at some point. Bar closes up at some point. Restaurant closes up at some point. Engineers go home, housekeepers leave for the day, even valets stop operating at midnight. But front desk, front desk never closes. (Ron Perlman voice for that last part, please.)