Surrey, United Kingdom Aug 16, 2023 (Issuewire.com) - Customer service is not just a department set up to tick a box in a company’s to-do list. It’s a valuable tool for ensuring a good customer experience (CX). To keep customers happy, businesses need to ensure that their contact centres are designed for CX over anything else. That means designing processes based on customer preferences.
For example, studies show that over 80% of customers prefer voice interactions over other forms of communication. That means organisations need to have more than just an email or chat feature. Moreover, 66% of customers refuse to shop with a brand with whom they’ve had a bad experience. Unfortunately, a bad experience can be as simple as an excessively long wait whilst trying to speak to someone from the company.
Businesses aiming to transform their customer service operations must plan an advanced call queue management system. This solution can help reshape customer interactions, streamline agent workflows, and elevate overall call centre efficiency. Forbes, in a recent article, has provided a detailed explanation of call queues and how to manage them.
A call queue is much more than a digital waiting line. It’s a strategic tool for ensuring prompt customer assistance, even during high call volumes. By intelligently organising incoming calls, the system prioritises those who have been on hold the longest, effectively alleviating the frustrations linked to extended wait times.
The article goes on to explain the considerable benefits that call queue management can provide to businesses. As stated earlier, the most important advantage this solution provides is the reduction in customer wait times. Recent surveys show that over 55% of customers consider prolonged hold times their chief frustration. The call queue system counteracts this by swiftly matching customers with specialised agents, curbing the need for long waits or frequent transfers between departments.
At the same time, it also helps in quicker issue resolution. The immediate routing of customers to relevant departments significantly boosts the likelihood of resolving the issue promptly. This efficiency is pivotal in driving customer satisfaction, with 81% valuing expedited problem-solving.
The call queue system also empowers enterprises with comprehensive contact centre data, encompassing average wait times and peak call hours. This data-driven approach facilitates more informed resource allocation. That, in turn, leads to improved customer experiences and enhanced agent performance.
According to the article, call queue management not only benefits customers but also contributes to the well-being of agents. The system addresses agent fatigue by directing calls to those who have enjoyed the longest breaks, fostering a healthier work environment.
When it comes to implementing the call queue system, the article recommends following a user-friendly process, achievable in five steps. The first step outlined is having a personalised greeting. An individualised automated greeting establishes an impactful initial connection with callers, offering pertinent options for their concerns, the article states.
The second step is establishing precise operational hours, ensuring seamless alignment with agent availability. It helps manage expectations, so customers know when to call, reducing instances of them getting frustrated when they can’t reach an agent outside working hours.
The third step is the introduction of an intuitive IVR mechanism, which guides callers towards the most suitable department, guaranteeing accurate call routing. IVR automation and testing can be implemented quite easily with the help of reputed companies like Occam Global.
Agent categorisation should be considered as the fourth step. By demarcating agents based on their areas of expertise, businesses can optimise matches with customers and eliminate the need for multiple transfers.
Finally, the article asserts that having a callback option is an essential final step. The system should offer callers the choice of a callback instead of enduring on-hold times, enhancing their experience and engagement.
In addition to the implementation process, companies must also follow some call queue best practices, the article continues. Contact centres should adapt routing strategies based on departmental distinctions or VIP status, catering to the unique needs of different customer segments.
They should also invest in a simplified IVR design. The design of an uncluttered IVR menu simplifies caller responses and ensures effortless navigation. Efficient data accessibility is also noted as an important best practice by the article. It claims that, by empowering agents with pertinent customer data before calls, businesses can facilitate personalised interactions and expedite issue resolution.
Forbes goes on to say that contact centre automation does play a significant role in improving CX. However, it requires strategic implementation, and processes should follow best practices to make customers happy. That will make them more likely to continue giving the company their business.
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