A height-adjustable operating platform of a compact paver comprising a machine frame, a drive motor, travel units, a receiving container at the front in relation to the paving direction for receiving paving material, a longitudinal conveying device with which the paving material can be conveyed from the receiving container in a rearward direction in relation to the paving direction, a transverse distribution device that is height-adjustable in relation to the machine frame and with which the paving material can be distributed on the ground surface transversally to the paving direction, a paving screed that is height-adjustable in relation to the machine frame for compacting and smoothing the paving material distributed on the ground surface behind the transverse distribution device in the paving direction, an operating platform mounted on the machine frame and arranged behind the receiving container in the paving direction and a method for operating a compact paver.