Great customer service is more than good business practice. In Minnesota, a polite greeting and a willingness to help any customer get out of a jam are what we consider minimum expectations.
As Customer Service Week approaches (Oct. 1-5), you'll want to take advantage of the opportunity to show your frontline employees some much-needed love. Appreciated employees feel more engaged, and in the long run, it lowers absenteeism and boosts retention. Plus, if they’re happy at work, it will show up in their interactions with your customers.
Celebrate their hard work and top-notch service by implementing one or more of these ideas for Customer Service Week.
A social shout out: Bragging on your customer service employees will get those good vibes going. Not only will they feel appreciated and seen with this public recognition, it sends a positive message to your customers that you care about the important things.
Yay, team! Themed team days foster a sense of community and let people express themselves. Designate a school/team pride day where they can show off their pride for their favorite school or sports team. On decade day, have everyone don the popular fashions from the year you opened for business.
Come and get it: It’s not a celebration without food, right? There are plenty of low-cost ways to host a thank-you bash. Extend break time, and let all the bosses bring in potluck lunch and serve everyone. Or you can hit the bar scene. That is, set up a taco bar, an ice cream sundae bar or personal pizza bar and let everyone pile on their favorite toppings.
Gifting: Passing out keepsakes with the company logo, like jackets, coffee mugs and high-quality pens are thoughtful ways to show you care (while giving you a chance to advertise to their family and friends). Otherwise, gift cards or holding a drawing that lets them choose from a cache of purchased prizes are fun ways to express your gratitude and give everyone a hit of serotonin.
Bump up benefits: This is your chance to unveil a new perk or initiative that makes working for you even better. Upgraded coffee offerings or free on-site yoga or snacks are simple, low-cost ways to make the workday even better. Or before the annual budget is complete, talk about implementing a rewards program so no well-deserved pat on the back goes unnoticed.
At Minnwest Bank, our financial professionals live and work right in your community, so we feel invested in your success and are ready to help you reach your goals, whether you’re ready for an expansion or looking to maximize cash flow. Contact one of our helpful specialists in your community today.
