There is no doubt that quality customer service is a vital part of any good call center. Unfortunately, when you have done the same things for so long, the customer service level can get stale. Eventually, that same routine your employees are so used to becomes monotonous and annoying, and it can show throughout their service.
From unclear requests to dealing with rude comments, customers can make a customer service rep’s job even more difficult. To continue moving forward and take your call center to the next level, here are four ways to achieve your goals.
Create a fast and consistent environment through communication
Getting information to you agents when they are on the phone is no easy task. We all know issues can arise mid-shift that your workers need to be apprised of in a timely fashion, and shutting your dialer down to have a quick meeting is disruptive and counter-productive.
Not to mention repeating that information when the next shift comes on or to the agents that aren’t in on the day you have your meeting.
With the use of technology tools like a desktop ticker, you can effectively communicate important announcements, product changes and unique circumstances to your employees, right on their screens in real time. This allows them to keep working and still have up to the minute information.
Spend time with new agents
A good call center ensures that everyone is on the same page. This all starts with training when a new agent comes into the workplace. From the beginning, you want to instruct the agent on the company policy and ensure that the training covers everything they need to know to do their job well.
Teaming an exceptional customer service rep with a new one can help the new employee see firsthand what is expected of them and how to handle different scenarios. Everything from basic troubleshooting with their equipment to detailed training on the company manual should be done before the agent is set out on their own.
Learn to adapt to change
As times change and customers change, it is important that your call center learns to adapt to these changes. Spend time focusing on the different trends you and your agents are seeing so that you are well prepared to react to the changes.
By being proactive, you can avoid many hiccups that you and your agents are faced with. Networking with other managers can help you brainstorm and understand how the industry is changing so that you can react in a timely fashion.
Gain knowledge from your agents
Your agents are on the front lines and get firsthand interaction with the many different types of customers. To understand what customers require from your agents, you need to go straight to the source.
Sure, the internet and books can help you achieve better customer service but if you want to fully understand the industry, then you need to communicate with the customer service reps who talk to the customers daily. This allows you to determine what changes need to be made so you can get to that next level of customer service you are striving for.