FrontLogix | Beyond Customer Care

Employee Experience

A Woman Talking on a Headset while Working

The CX Butterfly Effect

The butterfly effect is a concept from chaos theory that suggests small changes in the initial conditions of a dynamic system can have large and unpredictable effects on the outcome of the system over time.

It is often metaphorically represented by the idea that the flapping of a butterfly’s wings in one part of the world might ultimately contribute to causing a tornado in another part of the world.

Applying this principle to customer experience (CX) reveals that even seemingly minor issues, such as a long queue, can set off a chain reaction that ripples through an entire organization.

Let’s dive into how this CX Butterfly Effect happens and why it really matters.


The Spark – Customer Frustration

First off, nobody likes to wait. And in customer service, where the average person will spend 43 days on hold over the course of their life, long queues often mark the first point of frustration. Imagine one calls about a quick question on their bill and ends up stuck on hold for 20 minutes.

Studies show that the longer customers wait, the less likely they are to have a positive view of the company. When customers start off frustrated, the situation can quickly deteriorate.

Navigating through a long and complicated menu can add to this frustration. It’s akin to being lost in a maze, trying to find the right option that hopefully leads to a human voice. To make matters worse, sometimes when one thinks they’re about to get help, they are instead met with an unhelpful automated bot.

And when they finally connect with a human, they often find themselves having to repeat all the information they’ve already provided as if none of it was recorded. This kind of redundancy only compounds the irritation and can sour the overall customer experience.

The Ripple – Impact on Agents

This frustration doesn’t stop with the customer. It spills over to the agents too. Picture this: you’re a customer service agent, and almost every caller is already irritated by the time you greet them.

This constant barrage of negativity can really wear agents down, making their shifts feel longer and a lot more stressful. When every day is a bad day, it’s not surprising that many decide to throw in the towel.

Moreover, when agents aren’t adequately trained to handle diverse inquiries, their confidence and effectiveness diminish. They’re left feeling underprepared and overwhelmed, which can further impact their morale and performance.

Additionally, the need to juggle multiple software applications to manage customer interactions adds another layer of complexity and frustration. This disjointed tool landscape not only slows down the process but also increases the likelihood of errors, adding stress to an already tense environment.

The situation is made even worse during peak hours when there are not enough hands on deck due to inaccurate workforce forecasting. This lack of staffing leads to longer wait times, more frustrated customers, and even more pressure on the agents who are available, creating a vicious cycle of dissatisfaction and burnout.

Compounding these challenges is the relentless cycle of turnover. Experienced agents, worn out by the demands of the job, often leave, creating a gap that is filled by new, less experienced agents. These newcomers, still in training, are not fully equipped to handle complex customer issues effectively. This places an even greater burden on the remaining experienced agents, who must pick up the slack, often at the cost of their own well-being. 

A frustrated contact center agent woman Covering Her Face with Both of Her Hands

The Surge – Organizational Consequences

Workforce Management (WFM) helps reduce the expenses that come with agent churn. High turnover leads to added costs, from hiring and training to other less obvious impacts.

For example, when agents begin to leave, the responsibility falls heavily on the HR team. They find themselves back at the starting point, trying to fill positions that are notoriously difficult to keep filled.

The cycle of continuously hiring and training new staff is not only exhausting but also financially burdensome. Significant resources are invested in recruitment and training, only to have to repeat this process over again soon after.

This cycle of departing experienced staff and incoming inexperienced ones perpetuates inefficiencies and dissatisfaction across the board, straining the entire customer service ecosystem.

The Tsunami – Executive Headaches

Challenges such as high turnover, customer dissatisfaction, and escalating costs create significant operational and financial burdens. These pressures compel executives to address these problems swiftly to prevent broader organizational repercussions, including impacts on the company’s financial health.

The financial implications of these customer service challenges are substantial. Research from the Center for American Development (CAD) highlights the high costs of employee turnover, noting that replacing an agent typically costs about 16% of their annual salary for those earning under $30,000 a year. This figure increases to 20% for managerial positions with salaries between $30,000 and $50,000.

Furthermore, the consequences of customer dissatisfaction are extensive, affecting the bottom line significantly. Unhappy customers not only reduce direct revenue through churn but also deter potential future sales and referrals. The negative impact on a brand’s reputation from poor customer experiences can severely hamper efforts to attract new customers, particularly in an era dominated by online reviews and social media influence.

Companies can experience more than 80% churn due to poor CX, illustrating the critical need for robust customer service management and comprehensive agent training programs.

Conclusion

If you are seeking another compelling reason to focus on customer retention, consider the substantial financial impact: a modest increase of just 5% in customer retention can boost company revenues by 25% to 95%.

The significance of customer service cannot be overstated in shaping the success and reputation of a business.

 It’s often the case that many organizations are not fully aware of the inefficiencies within their contact centers, though they recognize that something isn’t functioning optimally. 

FrontLogix offers specialized Tiger Team services designed to refine and empower your support team . Through a comprehensive approach that includes a Deep Dive Assessment, Tailored Strategies, and Knowledge Transfer, FrontLogix integrates with your existing framework to pinpoint challenges and implement effective solutions.

6 simple yet powerful strategies to improve customer retention

Can you remember the last time you re-engaged with your customers and tried to win them back?

These strategies will do exactly that and more.

  Liked this post? Subscribe to our newsletter and get CX and WFM news delivered to your inbox.   Don't worry, we won't flood your inbox – just one insightful email a month!   
WFM specialists discussing data in a contact center

WFM: The nerve center of CX

At its core, WFM is all about aligning workforce resources with operational demands to ensure optimal efficiency and productivity.

However, its impact extends far beyond internal operations, directly influencing the quality of customer interactions and agent experience.

Here are three reasons why WFM is the nerve center of CX in Contact Centers:

WFM enhances agent experience | Close-Up Photo of a Woman Smiling while Holding Her Microphone

#1 WFM Enhances Agent Experience


Strategic Scheduling and Flexibility

One of the core components of WFM is strategic scheduling, ensuring that the right number of agents with the right skills are available at the right times. This level of precision in scheduling not only meets business needs but also supports agents by reducing instances of overwork or underutilization. Flexibility in scheduling, a key trend in modern WFM solutions, allows agents to have more control over their work-life balance. This flexibility can lead to increased job satisfaction, reduced stress, and a healthier work environment.

Skill Development and Career Progression

WFM systems contribute to an agent’s experience by identifying skill gaps and training needs through performance monitoring and workforce analytics. This allows organizations to offer targeted training and development programs, helping agents to improve their skills and advance their careers. Such opportunities for professional growth are vital for employee motivation and retention, making agents feel valued and invested in their roles.

Empowerment Through Self-Service Tools

Modern WFM solutions often include self-service portals that empower agents to take control of their schedules, swap shifts, request time off, and view their performance metrics. This autonomy and transparency foster a sense of ownership and accountability, enhancing engagement and satisfaction. Empowering agents in this way can lead to a more motivated workforce that takes proactive steps to manage their work and development.

Enhanced Communication and Feedback

Effective WFM includes mechanisms for clear and timely communication between management and agents. This can involve regular feedback sessions, surveys, and open forums facilitated by WFM tools. Such communication channels help in addressing agents’ concerns promptly, providing recognition for their achievements, and making them feel heard and respected. This open line of communication is crucial for maintaining high morale and a positive work environment.

Health and Wellbeing Focus

With the insights gained from WFM tools, organizations can better understand the workload and performance pressure on agents. This awareness enables management to take proactive measures to ensure agents’ health and well-being are prioritized. Initiatives may include workload adjustments, mental health support programs, and wellness activities. Prioritizing the health and well-being of agents not only improves their experience but also contributes to their overall productivity and the quality of customer service.

WFM saves costs and increases revenue | Diagram on a Board

#2 WFM Saves Costs and Increases Revenue

Saves Costs on Agent Churn

Workforce Management (WFM) plays a pivotal role in mitigating the costs associated with agent churn. High turnover rates bring about significant expenses, from the recruitment and training of new hires to the less visible but substantial costs of lost productivity and the time it takes for new agents to become fully efficient. WFM strategies focus on optimizing workforce planning and enhancing agent retention, directly reducing the financial impact of agent turnover. By fostering a more stable and satisfied workforce, WFM lessens the need for frequent recruitment and the cyclical costs associated with bringing new agents up to speed.

Saves Costs through Strategic Scheduling

Strategic scheduling, a core feature of WFM, substantially reduces operational costs by aligning workforce deployment with customer demand. This approach ensures that the right number of agents, with the right skills, are available at the right times, thereby avoiding overstaffing or understaffing scenarios that can lead to wasted resources or compromised service quality. Efficient scheduling minimizes idle time and enhances agent productivity, directly contributing to cost savings. Moreover, strategic scheduling helps distribute workloads evenly, preventing agent burnout and further reducing turnover-related costs.

Enhances Revenue through Improved Service Quality

Beyond saving costs, effective WFM directly contributes to revenue generation through enhanced service quality. By ensuring that experienced and well-trained agents are available to meet customer needs, WFM improves first-contact resolution rates, customer satisfaction, and loyalty. Happy customers are more likely to become repeat customers and brand advocates, leading to increased sales and positive word-of-mouth referrals. Furthermore, a streamlined, efficient service operation reduces response times and increases the capacity for handling higher volumes of customer interactions, thereby driving revenue growth.

#3 WFM Enhances Customer Experience

Enhancing Service Delivery Through WFM

Workforce Management (WFM) is instrumental in refining service delivery, ensuring that interactions between customers and agents are both efficient and meaningful. By leveraging advanced forecasting and scheduling, WFM guarantees that customer inquiries are addressed promptly by the right people.

This strategic allocation of knowledgeable and engaged agents not only cuts down on wait times but also boosts first-contact resolution rates. The genuine enthusiasm and expertise of agents, fostered by a supportive WFM environment, play a pivotal role in delivering a service experience that not only meets but exceeds customer expectations. This dedication is reflected in every interaction, significantly enhancing customer satisfaction and fostering loyalty.

Leveraging Data for Actionable Insights

In the current landscape where data is king, WFM offers crucial insights that propel continuous improvement in customer service. Analyzing metrics such as service levels and customer feedback, WFM provides a clear picture of performance and areas ripe for enhancement. This enables organizations to fine-tune their approach to more closely align with customer needs, ensuring that agents are not only well-informed but also genuinely invested in their roles. Such a strategic, data-driven approach allows businesses to proactively adapt, ensuring that customers consistently receive high-quality, personalized service from agents who are both knowledgeable and passionate about their work.

Embracing Agility and Adaptability

The capacity for agility and adaptability is vital in keeping pace with changing customer expectations and market dynamics. WFM empowers organizations to swiftly adjust to varying demands, be it scaling operations for peak times or navigating sudden shifts. This flexibility ensures that businesses can continue providing exceptional service without compromise, regardless of external pressures. Moreover, it underscores the importance of having agents who not only possess the necessary skills but are also motivated and happy in their roles—key factors that directly contribute to a positive customer experience. Through WFM, organizations can maintain a steadfast commitment to excellence, adapting as necessary to meet and surpass customer expectations in a constantly changing environment.

People Working in a Call Center Office

Conclusion: WFM as the Catalyst for Exceptional CX

In conclusion, Workforce Management serves as the nerve center of Customer Experience, shaping every interaction between organizations and their customers. By optimizing workforce resources, enhancing service delivery, leveraging data-driven insights, and embracing agility, WFM enables businesses to deliver exceptional CX that sets them apart from the competition. As organizations continue to prioritize customer-centricity in their strategies, investing in a robust WFM infrastructure becomes not just a necessity but a strategic imperative for sustainable growth and success in the digital age.

6 simple yet powerful strategies to improve customer retention

Can you remember the last time you re-engaged with your customers and tried to win them back?

These strategies will do exactly that and more.


FrontLogix Workforce Management (WFM) services offer a comprehensive solution tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses across various industries. With FrontLogix, companies can streamline their workforce operations, improve scheduling efficiency, and enhance employee productivity.

By leveraging cutting-edge technology and industry best practices, FrontLogix empowers organizations to achieve optimal workforce performance while delivering superior customer experiences. Whether it’s optimizing staffing levels, managing employee schedules, or analyzing performance metrics, FrontLogix WFM services provide the tools and expertise needed to drive operational excellence and ensure customer satisfaction.

Get in touch today!

  Liked this post? Subscribe to our newsletter and get CX and WFM news delivered to your inbox.   Don't worry, we won't flood your inbox – just one insightful email a month!   
A woman speaking on the phone with a smile

How Workforce Management Drives Customer Experience

The direct impact of workforce management on customer experience is huge. Continuing from How Workforce Management Drives Agent Experience, this time we will talk about how that translates into positive Customer Experience (CX) and ultimately boosts customer satisfaction and loyalty.

How proper agent utilization enhances Customer Experience

In an ideal world, you ring up a contact center, and a friendly representative will pick it up without delay. They’re attentive, understanding, and before you know it, your issue is resolved.

In reality, multiple factors must align to achieve this scenario:

  • Great Agent Morale: For representatives to sound upbeat and genuinely helpful, it’s crucial that they’re content in their role. Overwork, incessant app-switching, and short-staffed days can throw a wrench in that pleasant demeanor.
  • Propper Staffing: To avoid the dreaded hold music, contact centers must be properly staffed through accurate forecasting.
  • Efficient Routing System: To ensure you’re connected with the most suitable agent for your concern, a well-established routing system should be in place. This directs specific customer issues to agents with the appropriate expertise.

This is where Workforce Management (WFM) comes into play.

Workforce Management Expert at the computer.

A well-implemented WFM strategy aligns the right number of agents with the necessary skills to meet customer demand at the right time.

Here’s how:

1. Real-time Monitoring and Adjustments: Through continuous tracking of incoming customer interactions and real-time agent availability, WFM systems can make instant adjustments. For example, if there’s a sudden surge in call volume, the system can redistribute agents from non-critical tasks or even notify additional staff to log in.

2. Predictive Analysis: With historical data on call volumes, chat requests, and email interactions, WFM tools can predict future contact volumes. This predictive analysis allows centers to prepare in advance, ensuring agents are always ready to handle peak times efficiently.

3. Skill-Based Assignments: WFM systems not only ensure agent availability but also assign interactions based on each agent’s expertise. Whether a customer has a technical problem, billing query, or another specific issue, they’re directed to someone with the relevant knowledge and experience.

4. Emphasis on Agent Well-being: A comprehensive WFM solution goes beyond just meeting customer needs. It focuses on agent well-being by preventing burnout and ensuring breaks. Happier agents equate to better customer interactions.

5. Flexibility and Scalability: With the right WFM tools, contact centers can quickly adapt to changes. Whether it’s seasonal demand or unexpected events, a flexible WFM system allows for easy scaling up or down as required.

6. Continuous Training and Development: A robust WFM strategy will also incorporate regular agent training sessions. This not only ensures agents are up-to-date with product knowledge and company policies but also equips them with enhanced customer interaction skills.

7. Feedback Loop: An efficient WFM system establishes a feedback loop where agents can provide insights into their experiences and challenges. This feedback can be used to refine processes, making them more attuned to both agent and customer needs.

Workforce Management Expert analyzing graphical data on a big monitor.

The importance of WFM specialists in setting up the Workforce Management Solution

Workforce management systems are essential—but complex. To fully benefit from a WFM solution, it must be correctly set up, configured, and regularly maintained. Here are eight ways Workforce Management Specialists maximize the benefits of WFM solutions.

1. Expertise in Implementation: Deploying a WFM system is not merely about installing software. It requires careful configuration tailored to a contact center’s unique needs. WFM specialists possess the knowledge and experience to ensure that the system is set up to offer maximum efficiency right from the start.

2. In-depth Analysis: While many WFM systems offer predictive capabilities, WFM specialists can delve deeper into the data. They can identify patterns, forecast potential challenges, and make recommendations that algorithms might miss.

3. Continuous Optimization: The business landscape, technology, and customer preferences are ever-evolving. WFM specialists ensure that the system isn’t just set-and-forget but is continuously optimized to align with changing dynamics.

4. Training and Skill Transfer: Having a WFM system is one thing, but ensuring that agents and managers can use it effectively is another. WFM specialists often take the lead in training sessions, ensuring that everyone understands the tools at their disposal.

5. Troubleshooting and Support: Even the best systems can encounter hiccups. WFM specialists are instrumental in swiftly identifying issues, troubleshooting them, and ensuring minimal disruption to operations.

6. Collaboration and Integration: Modern contact centers use a myriad of tools and platforms. WFM specialists ensure that the workforce management system seamlessly integrates with other systems like CRM, ticketing platforms, and communication tools.

7. Keeping Up with Trends: The world of workforce management is dynamic, with new methodologies and technologies emerging regularly. WFM specialists stay updated with the latest trends, ensuring that the businesses they work with are always a step ahead.

8. Custom Solutions: Every contact center has unique needs. Off-the-shelf solutions might not always suffice. WFM specialists can create custom solutions tailored to specific challenges, ensuring optimal results.

In essence, WFM tools are the engine that drives optimal customer experience in contact centers, and WFM specialists are the skilled drivers ensuring the journey is smooth, efficient, and aligned with the destination.

Investing in WFM expertise is not just a smart move but an essential one for businesses serious about delivering unmatched customer experience.

6 simple yet powerful strategies to improve customer retention

Can you remember the last time you re-engaged with your customers and tried to win them back?

These strategies will do exactly that and more.


FrontLogix partners gain direct access to our decades of expertise in labor forecasting, scheduling, and best practices. With us, you’ve ensured the right agents at the right time, optimizing CX while controlling costs.

Interested in expert WFM services? Contact us now!

  Liked this post? Subscribe to our newsletter and get CX and WFM news delivered to your inbox.   Don't worry, we won't flood your inbox – just one insightful email a month!   
Warm and attentive call center rep wearing a headset.

How Workforce Management Drives Agent Experience

“Clients do not come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients“. 

Richard Branson, the founder of The Virgin Group

As discussed in the Employee Experience is the New Customer Experience post, one thing is clear: The best way to ensure a great customer experience is to create a great employee experience.

This is especially true when employees have direct contact with customers, such as customer service representatives.

But a call center agent’s job is not easy.

Besides handling customer complaints and dealing with rude customers, and often working at strange hours, which are common issues in customer support roles, there’s another topic that’s not talked about as much: How technology trends impact the experience of the agents.

Professional in headset ready to assist with customer inquiries.

The Consequences of Neglecting Agent Training in Technology Integration

With technology’s ongoing development, businesses increasingly rely on modern tools to enhance the customer experience. However, those who interact with customers on a daily basis – agents – are often overlooked in the process. Agents are expected to quickly learn new technology to address better customer needs, which can actually lead to increased complexity and stress. Integrating these new systems can be challenging, and many agents report that it negatively impacts their performance, through:

  • Disconnected back-end systems
  • Frequent app switching
  • Unnecessary, redundant systems
  • Clunky user interfaces
  • Inadequate training

Unfortunately, companies often assume that agents will simply adapt to new demands without the proper training and support. This lack of investment can ultimately lead to high turnover rates and decreased productivity. 

That is where Workforce Management steps in.

How Workforce Management impacts Contact Center and Customer Success

When you are overstaffed, you are wasting money. But when you’re understaffed, your employees are overworked, provide poorer customer experiences and might ultimately leave.

Staffing the right people at the right time is crucial, but it is easier said than done.

Workforce Management Systems acts as an intelligent planner for a contact center, ensuring it operates seamlessly and efficiently. It balances the two objectives: promptly addressing customer needs while evenly distributing tasks among agents, therefore ensuring the center meets its service goals.

However, the tool’s effectiveness isn’t just about its features; it’s about how it’s utilized.

While the WFM tool itself is valuable, it’s the WFM specialist’s knowledge and expertise that unlock its full potential. They ensure the tool is set up correctly, integrated seamlessly with other systems, and can adjust to the company’s evolving needs.

Here’s a breakdown of the integral components of workforce management:

Setup and Configuration take into consideration the setup of the WFM solution configuration of teams, agents, skills/queues in the WFM solution, any needed reminders/tasks/exceptions, as well as manual imports if and where needed.

Forecasting involves short-term forecasts of volumes across queues/skills/teams, based on established configurations.

Scheduling involves the creation of employee schedules based on preferences, availability and organizational requirements.

Capacity Planning involves estimating the staffing needs based on work volume, considering Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) and hours, including any shrinkages or expected absenteeism. Typically, this planning spans an entire calendar year or the remainder of it, broken down into weekly segments.

(RTA) Real-Time Adherence involves a WFM specialist monitoring agents’ adherence to their designated schedules. If an agent deviates from their set schedule, the WFM specialist communicates with Team Managers, Supervisors, or directly with the agent.

Skill and Competency Mapping involves evaluating agents’ abilities to handle phone calls, emails, and chats, detailing the types of calls they can manage and the specific queues they operate in, and categorizing agents into respective teams.

Compliance Tracking involves regularly reviewing policies and procedures, including scheduling practices, monitoring staffing levels, and ensuring employee breaks for optimal customer service.

Management Analytics includes analyzing data and historical trends across various key indicators.

Comprehensive Reporting encompasses extracting and analyzing information and providing detailed reports.

Staffing Gap Analysis involves analyzing the difference between the required hours or FTEs needed to complete the incoming work against available resources.

Creating Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and configuring reports and dashboards that provide valuable insights into individual and team performance is essential for evaluation and future improvement. By collecting and analyzing data, specialists can identify trends and patterns in customer behavior, which is crucial for informed decision-making regarding staffing and strategic planning.

Systems Integration takes into consideration the setup of the WFM solution (configuration of teams, agents, skills/queues in the WFM solution, any needed reminders/tasks/exceptions, and manual imports if and where needed).

6 simple yet powerful strategies to improve customer retention

Can you remember the last time you re-engaged with your customers and tried to win them back?

These strategies will do exactly that and more.


FrontLogix helps companies with every aspect of a WFM program, from strategic advice on choosing the best WFM solution for their needs to labor forecasting and scheduling, the development of scheduling rules, identification and implementation of best practices, and providing access to tactical WFM knowledge whenever necessary.
We provide highly skilled on-demand management expertise integrated with your WFM solution based on our 20+ years of workforce management experience.

Get in touch today.

  Liked this post? Subscribe to our newsletter and get CX and WFM news delivered to your inbox.   Don't worry, we won't flood your inbox – just one insightful email a month!   
Contact center agents engaged in customer service tasks at their workstations

Generative AI and Contact Center Job Security Fears: What Customer Service Leaders Should Tell Their Reps

Generative AI has increased fears about Contact Center job security, making employees leave before they might be laid off. Here, we explore what Customer Service Leaders should tell their reps.

Customer support — a vital cog in the organizational wheel — has long been grappling with high attrition rates.

Historically, contact centers with up to 1,000 agents have seen an annual turnover of 34%, and this rate jumps to 50% for centers with 5,000 agents. 

The pandemic added another layer of complexity, pushing contact center attrition rates between 65% to 80%.

This departure trend often stemmed from the daily grind, including repetitive tasks, strict performance targets, and the inherent stress of handling disgruntled customers.

To add to the pile, generative AI has now entered the scene — increasing fears about job security, making employees leave before they might be laid off.

A Gartner research reveals that 84% of customer service representatives who fear replacement by technology are actively seeking new employment.

Given this landscape and the high cost of agent attrition, it’s paramount for Customer Support Managers to nurture and retain their teams.

 

The multi-faceted cost of agent attrition

  • Direct Costs: These include recruiting costs such as job postings, interviews, background checks, and training.
  • Indirect Costs: New recruits require around 45 days of hands-on experience to become skilled in customer handling. Compared to their newer colleagues, agents with 3+ years of experience can be up to six times more valuable. When new agents are still learning their roles, their colleagues have to take on additional responsibilities, which can lead to burnout and higher attrition rates.
  • Customer Experience: Customers desire prompt and effective solutions. With a revolving door of agents, maintaining service quality becomes a herculean task. Experienced agents have been linked to 86% higher service quality and significantly improved customer satisfaction.

What customer service leaders need to say to their reps: Generative AI – a tool, not a replacement

Gartner underlines that, contrary to some beliefs, AI isn’t the harbinger of a call center agent job apocalypse.

While they do predict a 20-30% reduction in customer service agents by 2026 due to AI, yet, Gartner doesn’t foresee the complete elimination of human roles. AI in customer support will likely serve as an assistant rather than a substitute.

Why?

There are genuine concerns with generative AI, such as data breaches, inaccuracies, and biases if utilized for human-like agency.

Instead, AI’s strength lies in its ability to assist representatives in providing better customer service. Specifically, generative AI can give the reps context regarding the customer, product, and interaction, as well as guidance on how to effectively solve the customer’s issue.
AI can also generate tailored next-best actions based on the customer’s circumstances and automate regular activities, such as call note summarization.

Their research has shown that reps whose technology provides them with context and guidance tend to perform better than those who do not have these capabilities.

Transparent communication is key

To reduce worries, when you introduce AI into the call center, it’s crucial for the leaders to clearly explain how AI will be used:

  • Engage all Stakeholders: Keeping only upper management informed is a bad idea. All team members should understand the AI’s purpose and potential.
  • Explain the Changes: Explain how roles might change with AI’s integration and the fresh opportunities this may bring.
  • Prepare the Team for the Future: Talk about how you’ll improve their skills so they can keep up as technology changes.

6 simple yet powerful strategies to improve customer retention

Can you remember the last time you re-engaged with your customers and tried to win them back?

These strategies will do exactly that and more.


At FrontLogix, we strive to provide our customers with the best possible Customer Support by combining cutting-edge technology with human assistance. We recognize the value of both automation and human interaction, and believe that striking a balance between the two is essential to building strong, authentic relationships with our clients. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your goals.

  Liked this post? Subscribe to our newsletter and get CX and WFM news delivered to your inbox.   Don't worry, we won't flood your inbox – just one insightful email a month!   
High Five - Call Center Quality Management Successful Strategy - FrontLogix

Employee Experience as the New Customer Experience

Here we explain how Employee Experience (EX) drives Customer Experience and list best practices for ensuring an excellent EX.

In the wake of the Big Quit, we are witnessing a significant shift in power when recruiting and retaining staff, with employees taking stock of their career goals and deciding to switch jobs.

This trend has put a significant dent in customer experience. Longer wait times and less personalized service have led to a less-than-stellar CX, resulting in customer drop-offs.

And what just a few years ago was low on the priority list, C-suites are now placing EX at the same importance level as CX.

What is Employee Experience (EX)?

Employee Experience is an employee’s overall perception of their employer based on their interactions with the company throughout the 5 Employee Lifecycle Stages: recruitment, onboarding, development, retention, and exit.

EX includes everything from the work environment to the benefits offered and the level of support and training management provides.

The connection between Customer Experience and Employee Experience

Employee Experience impacts the Customer Experience in three ways:

A man yelling over the phone

Employees manifest their (dis)satisfaction in the work and interactions with customers

We are all human, after all. When feeling stressed out, it is reflected in our actions and words. Unhappy employees will manifest their disengagement in their work and interactions with customers.

Let’s face it ‒ there are bound to be some disgruntled customers. It’s the employee’s job to stay positive and professional, even with demanding or impatient customers. 

When stressed out, overworked, or feeling undervalued, even a single misused word could be the last drop in a cup full of negative emotions. This mood will then get transferred onto the next customers, eventually souring the Customer Experience with the brand altogether with the Employee Experience.

On the other hand, happy employees are more likely to go above and beyond to help a customer. When feeling valued by the managers and satisfied with their job, a negative experience won’t dampen their spirits. Just like a little hiccup in an otherwise smooth ride, employees will continue to be engaged, motivated, and committed to their work.

Happy employees that stay with you longer are more knowledgeable than newbies

A company is only as strong as its team, and a team is only as loyal as its employer. When you give great EX to your employees, they will stay with the company longer. You’ll have a team that’s experienced and knowledgeable, who knows your products and services inside out, can finish tasks quicker, and has a deep understanding of the company’s operations. Their efficiency and expertise will naturally translate to the standard of CX that your customers experience.

Satisfied employees spread positive word of mouth

Customers want to do business with brands that take a public stand on social values and positive employee experience.

Your employees could be your biggest brand ambassadors ‒ or your biggest enemy. A disgruntled (ex) employee damaging your good reputation on social media can do severe damage. Be sure to take care of your people, and they’ll take care of your brand.

Some quick stats:

70% of consumers think businesses should address social and political issues publicly; 

77% of consumers believe employees have a responsibility to speak up when their company makes decisions that go against the stated values;

Employee Experience Best Practices

Opportunities for growth foster a sense of loyalty

Three girls laughing while working in a coworking place

Investing in employee training and development is a win-win situation for both employees and the company. Companies can stay competitive by having a highly skilled staff knowledgeable about recent trends and technologies.

On the other hand, learning new skills and having a clear career path heavily influence employee job satisfaction. The 2018 Workplace Learning Report by LinkedIn revealed that 94% of employees would stay with a company longer if the company made efforts to enhance their professional growth.

Flexibility for productivity

Employers who embrace flexibility are more likely to retain top talent, attract employees from a wider variety of backgrounds, create a positive and supportive work environment ‒ and ultimately achieve greater success.

Research has consistently shown that employees who feel valued and appreciated are more likely to be engaged and committed to their organization. Embracing flexibility means recognizing that different employees respond differently to various incentives and perks.

For example, some employees may prefer flexible working hours or remote work, while others might favor taking vacation leave in smaller chunks instead of a full two weeks.

In addition to improving employee retention and productivity, flexibility can contribute to a more diverse and inclusive workplace. Employers can attract and retain workers from a wider variety of backgrounds and experiences by providing a range of options for working arrangements.

positive employee experience

Micromanagement is the bane

Micromanagement is the bane of productivity in any workplace. Not only does it create a toxic work environment, but it can also drive away your most talented employees. When employees feel that they are not trusted or respected, it can lead to tension and conflict in the workplace. This can create a toxic environment where employees are unhappy to come to work and may result in high turnover rates.

Instead, practice a management style focused on results rather than the process.

Employee experience suffers from outdated applications

The trend toward consumerization of IT ‒ where employees expect their work technology to be as good as their personal one ‒ has only accelerated over the past year. Employee Experience suffers from clunky, old software. It slows everything down and makes employees waste time on repetitive, low-value tasks instead of focusing on what matters. Younger employees, in particular, want to work for companies with modern systems to support an engaged and energized workforce. 

With so many people working from home, employees rely more on technology to help them do their jobs. And if that technology is inefficient, remote work can become challenging.

The Conclusion

As we emerge from the Great Resignation and navigate a new era of work, one thing is clear: Customer Experience is only as good as the Employee Experience.

From offering flexible schedules to investing in cutting-edge technology, there are countless ways that businesses can prioritize EX and reap the rewards of a happier, more productive workforce.

By investing in EX, companies can attract and retain top talent, inspire their employees, and create a positive work environment that translates into an exceptional customer experience.


6 simple yet powerful strategies to improve customer retention

Can you remember the last time you re-engaged with your customers and tried to win them back?

These strategies will do exactly that and more.