Great customer service is a powerful tool for any company, especially in today’s challenging business environment. In fact, beyond the quality of the product or service being sold, it may be the single most critical influencer for brand loyalty, buying behavior and future business opportunities.
So, when Customer Service Week comes around every fall (October 2 – 6 this year), take note: It’s not only morale-boosting but also good business for you to recognize this event. Use the opportunity to show appreciation to your workers who interact with customers on the front line, from receptionists to call center specialists, customer service managers and enrollment specialists.
What is Customer Service Week?
Customer Service Week is an international celebration that calls attention to the importance of customer service and the people who provide it, with these goals:
- Boost morale and teamwork
- Reward employees for the significant work they do
- Raise awareness of the value of customer service
- Thank other departments for their support
- Remind those who buy your products or use your services of the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction
Every year, Customer Service Week falls during the first full week in October, so you might want to mark these dates on your calendar for this and upcoming years:
- 2023: Oct. 2–6
- 2024: Oct. 7–11
- 2025: Oct. 6–10
What is its history?
Customer Service Week was established and designated by the U.S. Congress in 1992. In the proclamation President George H.W. Bush signed, he said, “The most successful businesses are those that display a strong commitment to customer satisfaction,” and, “A business will do a better job of providing high-quality goods and services by listening to its employees and by empowering them with opportunities to make a difference.”
The company that sponsors the official program, the Customer Service Group, has information and sells materials to celebrate the week at your company. This event is now observed in all 50 states and 60 countries.
How can you recognize your team?
You can show your appreciation to the customer service professionals in your workplace in several ways.
- Establish an employee rewards program and reward your team with incentives
- Take the time to express gratitude and offer praise for a job well done
- Publicly acknowledge employees’ contributions and copy key executives
You can also help them improve their customer service skills by offering:
- Tuition reimbursement for professional development courses or seminars
- Online courses or instructor-led workshops
- Books or other reference materials
Finally, you can evaluate how you’re hiring your customer service specialists and make sure you’re offering a salary that’s in line with or slightly above what your competitors pay. Explore the Salary Guide From Robert Half for the latest compensation data on customer service roles.
Robert Half is proud to be the title sponsor of National Customer Service Week, powered by PACE, and is excited to celebrate the outstanding and essential work customer service professionals perform each day. If you are a customer service agent, leader or manager, register here for daily celebrations during Customer Service Week (October 2–6) including activities, training and education.
