Live chat widgets have become an essential tool for businesses looking to boost client engagement and provide real-time support. Zippia reports that live chat support is the preferred communication method for 41% of customers compared to alternative options.Imagine walking into a shop and being welcomed by a friendly assistant, ready to answer your inquiries and guide you toward the perfect product. That’s the magic of live chat widgets, the small chat windows that pop up on websites, offering immediate assistance and connection to your customers.Numerous firms provide live chat software options. In this article, we’ll delve into their cost, capabilities, advantages, and drawbacks to offer you a comprehensive overview of your choices. What is a chat widget?A live chat widget is a small software application that can be added to a website, enabling visitors to communicate with company representatives in real-time.It normally appears as a chat box, often in the bottom left or right corner of a website, and it can be activated by clicking on it. Once activated, users can type messages and interact directly with support agents or automated chatbots.Implementing a chat website widget is an investment in your customer experience and business growth. It’s a chance to connect with your customers directly, build trust, and create a more engaging and satisfying experience.How does live chat work?Live chat functions as a real-time communication tool that enables instant interaction between website visitors or users and customer support agents.Usually embedded on a website or within a web application, a live chat system presents a visible chat box where users can initiate conversations.Here is how it works:Users can either click on the chat box or trigger options that automatically open the chat based on specific criteria.Once initiated, the chat system captures user details and routes the conversation to an available support agent.Users and agents engage in a text-based conversation within the chat box, exchanging messages, questions, and information.After the conversation, the chat can be closed, and in some systems, users may provide feedback.The system often includes features like file sharing, emojis, and links to enhance communication.Support representatives can handle multiple chat sessions simultaneously, increasing efficiency. The chat system may integrate with a knowledge base, providing agents with quick access to relevant information.Live chat systems contribute to immediate customer support, encouraging engagement and personalized assistance in real-time, ultimately enhancing the overall user experience.How to choose an appropriate live chat widget for business?Choosing the right live chat widget for your business involves considering several factors to ensure it aligns with your specific needs and enhances customer engagement. Here are factors to guide you through the process:Identify and define your objectivesIdentify your company needs and clearly outline the goals to achieve with a chat website widget. Whether it’s improving customer support, increasing sales, or enhancing user engagement, having defined objectives will guide your selection.Understand your audienceStudy the preferences and behaviors of your target audience. A live chat solution that aligns with the communication preferences of your customers will be more effective. For example, if your audience mostly uses mobile devices, choose a solution with strong mobile support.Consider the ease of useSelect a live chat widget that is user-friendly for both your team and customers. The interface should be intuitive, and setup and customization should be straightforward. This ensures that your team can effectively manage the tool, and customers can easily engage with it.Check for integration capabilitiesCheck the integration capabilities of the live chat widget with your existing systems and tools. It should seamlessly integrate with your CRM, help desk, or other relevant software to ensure a unified environment for customer support.Consider scalabilityChoose a chat widget that can scale with your business. Consider factors such as the ability to add more users, handle increased chat volume, and adapt to the growing needs of your customer support operations.Examine customization optionsLook for a live chat widget for website that allows customization to match your brand’s look and feel. The ability to tailor the widget’s appearance, color scheme, and messaging ensures a consistent and branded customer experience.Monitor mobile responsivenessWith the increasing use of mobile devices, ensure that the live chat widget is mobile-friendly. It should provide a seamless experience for users on smartphones and tablets, allowing them to engage with your business from any device.Check for security and compliancePrioritize the security of customer data. Choose a live chat software solution that complies with data protection regulations and industry standards. Look for security features like end-to-end encryption and secure data storage.Analyze the cost of the chat widgetUnderstand the pricing model of the live chat widget, whether it’s based on users, features, or usage volume. Consider your budget and choose a solution that provides value for your investment.Consider free trials and demosTake advantage of free trials offered by live chat providers. This allows you to test the solution’s functionality and assess its compatibility with your business.Analytics and reportingEnsure the chat widget offers robust analytics and reporting features that can help you track chat volume, response time, and customer satisfaction. This lets you make data-driven decisions to improve your service.Why does your business need a live chat widget?According to a study from Zippia, 79% of consumers prefer using live chat because they can receive quick responses to inquiries regarding products and customer support matters. Introducing a live chat widget on a website can offer many advantages for a company, including:Immediate customer support: Live chat widgets allow customers to get instant answers to their questions, which can increase customer satisfaction and potentially lead to higher conversion rates.Increased sales: By providing immediate assistance, live chat can help guide customers through a purchase, answer any queries about products or services, and reduce the chances of cart abandonment.Cost efficiency: Chat website widgets can be more cost-effective than phone support because chat agents can handle multiple conversations at once, reducing the need for a large customer service team.Competitive advantage: Offering live chat can set your business apart from competitors who do not provide the same level of instant customer service. The reason is that many customers prefer chatting over other forms of communication because it’s quick, doesn’t require a phone call, and can be done while multitasking. It also shows that your business values customer time and is committed to providing a superior experience.Gathering customer insights: Live chat interactions can provide important insights into customer needs and pain points, allowing businesses to improve their products, services, and overall customer experience.Proactive engagement: With live chat widgets, businesses can proactively reach out to visitors who seem to be hesitating or in need of help, potentially increasing engagement and sales.Building customer relationships: The personalized nature of live chat can build stronger relationships with customers. By having meaningful interactions, your business can foster loyalty and encourage repeat business.The top live chat widgets for business (2024)Selecting the right live chat widget is crucial for enhancing customer interaction and contentment. Below is a list of top live chat widgets for the 2024, designed to assist you in making an informed choice.1. TidioTidio is a live chat platform that can be integrated into websites to help businesses communicate with their customers in real-time.It’s a versatile tool that combines live chat widgets, bots, and marketing automation to save time and provide excellent customer service.FeaturesCustomizable chat widgetsAI assist featuresReports and analyticsAutomated responsesChat templatesPricingFree plan available.Paid plans start at $29 per user/ month.Free trial: 7 days2. ChaportChaport is a multi-channel messaging platform designed to enable companies to communicate with their clients via live chat, email, and social media, all from a single interface.The Chaport live chat widget is a specific component of the platform that can be embedded into a website, allowing visitors to start real-time conversations with customer support agents or sales representatives.FeaturesAutomated chat routingCustomizable chat widgetsReporting and analyticsMultilingual supportPricingA free plan available for two operatorsPaid plans start at $29 for four operators/monthFree trial: 14 days3. UserlikeUserlike is cloud-based live chat software solution that allows businesses to integrate a chat widget into their websites for immediate communication with visitors and customers.It is designed to help businesses connect with their customers in real-time, providing a seamless and personalized communication experience. It’s a popular choice for businesses looking to provide efficient and convenient customer service through multiple channels.FeaturesCustomizable brandingAuto-translationProactive chatAutomated chat routingCustomer feedbackPricingA free plan is available for one seatPaid plans start at $90 per month for four seatsFree trial: 14 days4. ChatraChatra is a live chat widget designed to facilitate real-time communication between businesses and their website visitors.Chatra’s live chat widget is designed to enhance customer support, improve website visitor engagement, and contribute to overall customer satisfaction for businesses of varying sizes.FeaturesOffline messagingProactive chatCustomization optionsIntegrationsAnalytics and reportingPricingA free plan is available for one agentPaid plans start at $ 17 per user/monthFree trial: 10 days5. OlarkOlark is a straightforward and easy-to-use live chat tool that offers features like automated messaging, real-time reporting, and searchable transcripts.It offers a simple and easy-to-use chat widget that is perfect for small businesses.FeaturesUser-friendly interfaceAutomated chat routing and distributionAutomated translationTeam performance monitoringReal-time trackingPricingStarts at $29 per user/monthFree trial: 14 days6. Zendesk chatZendesk Chat is a live chat solution offered by Zendesk, a customer service and engagement platform.It enables businesses to communicate with their clients in real-time through a chat interface on their websites or mobile apps, providing immediate customer support and engagement. It also integrates seamlessly with other Zendesk products, making it a great choice for businesses that already use the Zendesk platform.FeaturesCustomizable chat widgetsIntegrationsAutomated triggersReportingChat tagsPricingStarts at $55 per user/monthFree trial: 30 days7. Zoho DeskZoho Desk is a customer service platform that includes various tools for customer support, including email, social media, live chat, and more.The Zoho Desk live chat widget is a feature offered within the Zoho Desk customer support platform to facilitate real-time communication between businesses and their website visitors or customers.FeaturesCustomizable chat widgetsAutomationReportingChat routingIntegration capabilitiesPricingStarts at $18 per user/monthFree trial: 15 days8. LiveChatThe LiveChat chat widget is a tool provided by LiveChat, Inc., which is a provider of online customer service software with live chat support, ticketing system, and web analytics capabilities.Their live chat widget is designed to be installed on websites to enable real-time communication between website visitors and customer support agents.FeaturesCustomizationEasy integrationAdvanced reportingAutomated chat routingPricingStarts at $20 per user/monthFree trial: 14 days9. HubSpotThe HubSpot live chat widget is a feature provided by HubSpot that allows businesses to engage with their website visitors in real-time through a chat interface.This widget can be added to any website by embedding a code snippet provided by HubSpot. Once installed, it enables visitors to start conversations with the business’s representatives or customer service team directly from the website.FeaturesCustomizable chat widgetsConversation routingAnalyticsAgent performance monitoringIntegrations with Slack and HubSpot CRMPricingA free plan is available with limited functionalityPaid plans start at $20 for two users/month and $9/month for each additional user10. LiveAgentLiveAgent live chat is customer service software that includes a live chat feature among other tools such as ticketing, a call center, and a knowledge base.LiveAgent offers a robust live chat widget designed to facilitate real-time communication between businesses and their website visitors.Widely compatible with a variety of content management systems and e-commerce platforms, its customizable and seamlessly connected live chat widgets allow direct connections with platforms like WordPress, Shopify, and Bigcommerce, among others.FeaturesPersonalized chat invitationVisitor activity trackingCustomizable chat widgetsAnimated chat buttonsProactive messagingPricingStarts at $9 per user/month for two live chat buttonsFree trial: 14 and 30 days for free and corporate emails respectively.How to integrate a live chat widget into a websiteIntegrating a live chat widget into your website involves a series of steps. Here’s a general guide to help you through the process:Choose a live chat platformBefore you can add a live chat widget to your website, you need to select a live chat platform. Compare features, pricing, and reviews to find the one that best suits your business needs.Sign up for an accountSign up for an account on the chosen live chat platform’s website. Most platforms offer a free trial period, allowing you to explore the features before committing.Customize your chat widgetOnce you’ve signed up, log in to your live chat dashboard and customize your chat widget. This includes adjusting the appearance, color scheme, and messaging to align with your brand.Generate the chat widget codeAfter customization, the live chat platform will provide you with an embed code or script. This code is what you’ll need to add to your website to display the chat widget.Add the chat widget code to your websiteDepending on your website platform, the method of adding code may vary. Here are instructions for common platforms:For HTML websitesOpen the HTML file of the page where you want to add the chat widget.Paste the provided embed code within the HTML body, preferably just before the closing </body> tag.Save and update your website files.For WordPressInstall a dedicated live chat plugin or use the platform’s official plugin if available.In the WordPress dashboard, go to the plugin settings and paste the chat widget code.Save your changes.For ShopifyIn your Shopify admin, go to Online Store > Themes.Find the theme you want to edit and click Actions, then select Edit code.Locate the template or section file where you want to add your code.Insert your code snippet in the appropriate place.Save your changes.For SquarespaceGo to the page where you want to add the chat widget.Add a code block to the page.Paste the code snippet into the code block.Save and publish your site.Test the chat widgetAfter adding the code, visit your website to ensure that the chat icon appears and is functioning correctly. Perform a test chat to verify that messages are being received and responded to as expected.Configure settingsLog in to your live chat dashboard to configure additional settings. This may include setting up automated greetings, defining business hours, routing chats to specific agents, and integrating with other tools.Train your teamPrepare your team to use the live chat system. This may involve training them on how to respond to inquiries, manage multiple chats, and use any additional features provided by the chat service.Common mistakes in live chat set up and how to avoid themSetting up a live chat widget can significantly enhance customer engagement and support, but it’s important to navigate the process carefully to avoid common mistakes.Here are some common mistakes made while setting up a live chat widget and how to avoid them:Lack of clear purposeMistake: Implementing a live chat widget without a clear purpose or strategy in mind.To avoid: Define the specific goals of your live chat, whether it’s for sales, customer support, or lead generation. Tailor the setup to align with these objectives.Unavailable or slow responseMistake: Failing to respond promptly to chat inquiries or leaving the chat widget unattended.To avoid: Ensure that your team is adequately staffed to handle live chat. Use automated responses to acknowledge inquiries and set expectations for response times.Overlooking the widget placementMistake: Placing the live chat widget in a position that is not easily visible or accessible to the website visitors.To avoid: Make sure the chat button is visible on every page, preferably in a consistent location such as the bottom left or right corner, which is a standard position users expect.Ignoring mobile optimizationMistake: Not optimizing the live chat widget for mobile users, resulting in a poor user experience on smaller screens.To avoid: Ensure that the live chat widget is fully responsive and provides a smooth and consistent experience on both desktop and mobile devices.Using default settings without customizationMistake: Using the default settings and not customizing the widget to match the website’s branding and tone.To avoid: Customize the live chat widget’s colors, greetings, and messages to align with your brand’s identity and voice.Ignoring chat transcripts and analyticsMistake: Not reviewing chat transcripts and analytics to understand customer interactions and improve service.To avoid: Regularly analyze chat transcripts and performance metrics to gain insights into customer needs and identify areas for improvement.Neglecting offline hoursMistake: Failing to manage user expectations during offline hours, leaving them waiting for a response.To avoid: Set up an automated message to inform visitors of your offline status and provide alternative contact methods or an option to leave a message.Complex interfaceMistake: A chat interface that is not user-friendly can discourage customers from using it.To avoid: Ensure the chat interface is simple, intuitive, and easy to use with clear options for starting a chat, ending a session, and accessing chat history.Intrusive behaviourMistake: A chat widget that pops up immediately and disrupts the user experience can be annoying to visitors.To avoid: Allow users to initiate the chat themselves or set a reasonable time delay before the chat prompt appears.Integrate live chat software for immediate interaction with customersBy welcoming visitors with immediate support and personalized interactions, you can create a more satisfying and engaging experience, ultimately boosting your customer service, sales, and overall business success.After carefully assessing and going through our list, you can choose the live chat widget that offers the best combination of features, usability, and value for your business.Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best fit, and investing in a quality live chat solution can lead to improved customer satisfaction and increased sales.We invite you to contribute your thoughts and personal experiences with various live chat solutions in the comment section below.

When I started as a data engineer almost 20 years ago, I designed, developed, and implemented a worldwide sales reporting system for my employer using an enterprise data warehouse. Using analytical packages, my team drove quantifiable sales by transforming the way our company leveraged data.Even at the start of the millennium, it seemed obvious that studying analytics was a game-changer. Armed with real customer data, sales teams could make more informed choices that could ultimately drive more sales.Fast forward two decades to a digital world with even more data to study. There’s still massive untapped value in data that we can use.According to a 2020 Gartner® State of Sales Analytics report1: 47% of sales leaders say sharing data and analytic output is hampered by inconsistent definitions of metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs). 46% say their companies offer inadequate training on how to access and use data. Less than half of frontline and overlay sellers—as well as their managers—demonstrate data proficiency. Finding a key in a haystackLIKE.TG Chief Revenue Officer Kevin Haverty likes to say analytics is the most valuable player on his sales team. I agree that analytics can—and should—enable sales professionals at every company to improve their game on the ground. Think of data as the supercharger of our sales heroes.At LIKE.TG, sales and analytics teams have collaborated to make the mountain of data easy to digest, allowing sales leaders to make the right decisions. And we’ve learned some valuable lessons along our journey toward an AI-boosted, analytics-powered sales strategy. Let me share the three C’s of using analytics in sales. 1. ConsolidateData, when not captured and translated into actual insights, isn’t worth the terabytes it takes up. The clutter of unprocessed data is a major reason prospective users shy away from engaging with it in meaningful ways. The fact that there are multiple sources makes extracting actionable data that much trickier.In fact, sales professionals already use data—sometimes even creating sophisticated models on their own—without necessarily realizing it. The trouble is many don’t keep good records or go about it in a systematic way.Today’s employees have a countless number of apps in their digital toolboxes. The tool sprawl inevitably creates cracks through which many priorities fall. Storing data in various disconnected places isn’t only costly and unproductive—it’s also detrimental to your business.Keep a single source—and, therefore, a 360-degree view—of data on one platform to make actionable data easier to extract and access.2. ConsumerizeLet’s say it takes a sales professional hours to dig through a customer’s needs and issues and then store the information in a spreadsheet. Now, imagine hundreds of sales professionals working separately for different clients. What if we could pool all the effort and knowledge, leverage machine learning, and find insights that sales can apply to everyday work?In order to calibrate your sales strategy according to the ever-changing conditions of the market, you need consistent data input and KPIs. But you can’t achieve this if you make the experience of engaging with data cumbersome and unpleasant.Providing an intuitive, consumer-grade dashboard is key. It’s time to treat your salespeople the same way you cater to your customers. Offering an easy-to-use, single pane of glass encourages users to open the dashboard consistently and make data-driven decisions instead of on instinct or habit. Make data work as intuitively for your sales warriors as making a one-click purchase on a B2C site. 3. CollaborateEnterprise leaders set goals. Your analytics professionals know how to solve problems. Sales professionals close deals. Why not have all three work side by side to make data work for all of them?When LIKE.TG’s analytics team created a Hot Prospects Dashboard for sales professionals, they engaged in nonstop, back-and-forth collaboration. The feedback loop of “Here's what I'd like to see,” and “Great, what do you think about what we built?” led to an incredibly fruitful partnership.This resulted in a visual tool that provides a bird’s-eye view of the entire sales landscape, as well as customizable filters to provide various insights. Without having to look at multiple spreadsheets, sales professionals can reference pipelines, compare markets, and find opportunities for growth.Most importantly, a visual tool allows LIKE.TG to deliver more value to our customers and address issues before they escalate into problems. Machine learning predicts the odds of a prospective deal going through; leaders use data to make decisions to increase the odds.All this innovation came from a simple action: bringing disparate teams together to align on achieving their sales goals using accurate data insights.The COVID-19 pandemic drove companies to digitally transform at unforeseen speeds. This evolution is giving analytics team an unprecedented opportunity to help drive business success—not only with sales, but also with every function and in every corner of the enterprise. Data might be your mightiest tool if you consolidate, consumerize, and collaborate.Watch our on-demand webinar to learn how to get started with analytics.1 Gartner, Infographic: State of Sales Analytics, Sales Research team, 2 December 2020.GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

The first impression your employees get of your business and how it works is through the onboarding process. Although they may have met your hiring team or members of your human resources department during the application process, it’s whilst onboarding that new hires set the foundations for a strong work ethic and approach. Getting your onboarding plan right can integrate new hires into the team seamlessly, motivating them and helping them find job satisfaction. Each new hire adapts to your business differently, yet there are common goals and targets that everyone needs to meet to take on their new role. These are often thrown at new hires immediately, expecting them to understand online phone systems, team hierarchies, and project software in a few weeks. However, for the onboarding process to be a positive experience for everyone, staggering these goals with a 30-60-90 plan may be more effective. What is a 30 60 90 Onboarding Plan? As a strategy for helping your business to effectively and efficiently guide new hires into their roles, 30-60-90 onboarding breaks it down into manageable sections. These sections set targets for the first 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days of a new hire’s employment with your business, helping them to engage with your onboarding without overwhelming them. The 30-60-90 method helps new hires to understand the basics and initiate training elements and learning that may take longer. Highlighting different focuses for the first months can be useful for both new hires and those overseeing the onboarding. Doing this removes the pressure for new hires to understand everything instantly. Instead, they concentrate on: Day 1-30: learning about the company, how it’s structured, and what their role is within it. Day 31-60: implementing their learning and taking on tasks according to their position. Day 61-90: setting longer-term goals and becoming a reliable part of their team. How to Use 30-60-90 to Guide Your New Hires Give an Overview In the first few days of your new hire’s employment, schedule time to give them an overview of the onboarding process. This ensures everyone’s on the same page from the start and sets expectations of what needs to be covered over the coming months. Your overview should focus on how the 30-60-90 onboarding plan works as well as a general background of the company. Make sure you choose the most effective way to give your overview. A phone call may prove to be limited if you plan on using visual aids. A video call with a screen-sharing option would be a better option and allow you to provide an overview to a number of users at the same time. During this time, work with the new hire to establish a reasonable workload and introduce them to your project management software to help them oversee their onboarding. You don’t want to overload them with responsibilities and tasks, so it’s better to underestimate their capabilities. If necessary, you can add more responsibilities and tasks to their workload over time if they can handle it. Schedule regular catch-ups using a VoIP phone system to make sure your new hires feel comfortable and not overwhelmed by their new responsibilities. You could even send text messages as a quick way to check in as long as you have their permission and it’s within work hours. If you use multiple communication channels in the workplace, you may need to talk them through what is CPaaS platform and how you use it internally. New hires may find using different forms of communication overwhelming, and you want to ensure as smooth as possible a transition. Set Targets The 30-60-90 plan is built around target setting at a reasonable and achievable rate. You may have general targets for the onboarding period, however, ensure you also make specific targets too, using the SMART method to dictate a timescale and how you measure achievements. What type of targets you set depends on the stage of the onboarding process the new hire is in. 30-day Targets Targets for the first month of employment should center on learning and acquiring knowledge. This could be through training sessions and online courses, as well as ensuring new hires know where to ask questions in the future. Your new hire won’t acquire all the knowledge they need for their position within the first month, so the 30-day targets can be ongoing. In this period, your new hire’s targets should cover getting to grips with the structure of your business alongside its values. Particularly if you use recruitment automation for hiring so the new employee hasn’t met many people in your business, this is essential for making introductions and highlighting what people are responsible for. From here, the new hire’s targets can move on to learning about your products, how to set up caller ID on their desk phone and mobile devices, and the responsibilities of their role. ​​If they will be using their personal mobile phones for work, consider moving their number onto your business phone service provider. You will be able to check phone number portability before, and this way, they won’t be charged for any work-related activity. It can be a nice perk to offer new hires too. 60-day Targets Your 60-day targets focus on integrating new hires with their team and taking on the responsibilities of their position. Therefore, these targets are going to be more task-based and set the groundwork for how they work with the rest of the team. This starts to form work habits and routines, so new hires need to get them right and address any issues early on. Some of the crucial 60-day targets need to include setting up regular one-to-ones and meetings, identifying ways of addressing issues with the team, and discussing what feedback is most useful to them. Other practical targets may include using call software functions from your hosted PBX provider, using your email finder, and meeting deadlines for tasks or projects. These enable the new hire to work effectively in their team. 90-day Targets During the third month of your new hire’s onboarding, they should be used to their role and able to set long-term targets. The focus should be on managing their responsibilities effectively and ensuring their quality of work meets your business standards. These help your new hire become a valuable team member, matching the accuracy and consistency of their colleagues. Targets for the 90 days can, again, be ongoing, setting expectations of the level of work the new hire can complete in their workday. For example, the targets set an amount of sales conversions the new hire wants to reach or use metrics to measure their productivity and efficiency within the team. These may be similar to other employees’ targets, based on the feedback of their manager. Provide Support You should support all your employees in various ways however, for new hires, this support needs to be even more evident. Whether they have questions about where to find specific documents for a client like a release of liability template or a vendor agreement, want to shadow someone running a project, or need encouragement as they take on new tasks, your teams need to be on hand to help. Not everyone has to be constantly available, but the new hire should know where to find support. One way of supporting new hires is by assigning them a buddy - someone from within their team to answer questions and show them how things work. During the first 30 days, this buddy may reduce their workload with the help of productivity tools to dedicate time to the new hire. Over time, the buddy will gradually return to their work routine, although still looking out for the new hire when possible. Check-in As the 30-60-90 onboarding plan centers around target setting at a steady pace, it’s important to check in on these targets and see how the new hire is hitting them. Reflecting on the new hire’s experience so far provides an opportunity to encourage them, track how much information they remember during onboarding, as well as plan their route forward. Whilst checking in with your new hire, you may need to adjust some targets. This could be because they aren’t achieving what you initially anticipated. Slowing their onboarding or focusing on one part of the role can help the new hire become familiar at a more gradual pace. Alternatively, the new hire may beat their targets, needing more challenging goals to be created. If you choose to check in using your small business phone system consider using call recording. This way your new hires can listen back and review their targets before each meeting. Just make sure your call quality is good enough for them to do this. Collect Feedback If you want to keep improving your onboarding and refining your 30-60-90 plan, having feedback can direct your attention. Asking new hires who’ve just gone through the onboarding process about their experience and what could be improved can emphasize where the plan is unclear or useful additional resources. This feedback could also be generally about the business, such as ensuring your unified communications as a service software connects remote workers to the network too. Asking for feedback can also make your new hires feel like a part of the team. Rather than feedback being one-way comments on how the new hire can improve and adjust to their role, receiving their feedback acknowledges that team integration is a group responsibility. It also shows that your business values the opinions of its employees, acting on their feedback. Gradually Guide Your New Hires With the 30 60 90 Method We’ve all been the new hire at some point and onboarding has such an impact on the rest of your experience with a business. The information you learn and the people you meet can shape a new hire’s perception of a company as well as influence their new work routines. Rather than making joining a new business an overwhelming experience, gradually guiding new hires into their roles can create a more seamless and positive transition for everyone involved. Introducing the 30-60-90 onboarding plan to your business doesn’t necessarily disregard your previous onboarding strategies. Instead, it acts as a way of pacing the information and tasks you load onto your new hire, giving them time to adjust and become familiar with them. This can work alongside employee handbooks, training schemes, and other onboarding approaches to build an informative and engaging program, whilst helping your new hires to avoid burnout. Author Bio John Allen is a driven marketing professional with over 14 years of experience, an extensive background in building and optimizing digital marketing programs across SEM, SEO, paid media, mobile, social, and email, with an eye to new customer acquisition and increasing revenue This guide was designed to help you navigate through those difficult tasks and help determine the right software for your organization, download our ebook now. Download now

It is rightly said that “You never know when a moment and a few sincere words can have an impact on a life.” When it comes to your professional life, there may be many occasions when you wish to thank your colleagues, but lack the words. A sincere thank-you for something nice the colleague does sets the tone for a good impression. When people feel valued and are able to express themselves openly, they are happy. Leadership requires providing employees with effective feedback. It is your responsibility as a leader to give them the chance to do so through effective employee feedback. This will help build a positive and engaged workplace culture at the company. No credit card needed Less than 5 min to set up Thank You Messages for Colleagues 1. You bring in your core expertise to this software development company, which remains an inspiration for the co-workers. Your sincerity and dedication towards work remains commendable. It has been a pleasure knowing you. 2. Your eye for detail and that ear for giving a patient hearing in any situation remains inspiring. It won’t be an overstatement to say that you remain a role model for your co-workers in this company. You bring positivity in all its true sense. 3. It has been a great learning experience with you. Your domain knowledge and expertise remain stupendous. You remain invaluable to this company in more than one way. Here’s a heartfelt thank you. 4. Your support and commitment to work in this company creates a positive workplace environment that remains an inspiration for co-workers. You may be part of any team; your energy remains truly infectious. It has been a pleasure knowing you. 5. The incredible work ethic and organizational skills that you bring to this company creates a positive influence. You inspire your co-workers in every way. Thank you is the least we can say. 6. Your co-workers have to say one thing in unison about you: a true role model. There is so much to learn from you in this company. Your professional expertise and domain knowledge is indeed unparalleled. So, it has been an immense pleasure to have you as a colleague. 7. I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the professional ethics and expertise that you bring to the table in this company. Your actions speak for themselves, and you inspire everyone around you in an exceptional way. You remain a true asset to this company. Thank you.Another way to show your appreciation is with the employee recognition software. 8. I take this opportunity to thank you for being a complete team player. Any team in a company can function efficiently only if there is proper coordination. Your helpful nature remains truly inspiring. It’s great to work with you. 9. There is so much to learn from you as a colleague in the company. I have realized from you the importance of supporting and nurturing our fellow colleagues in the workplace. I truly remain indebted to you for imparting me this essential skill. Thank you for being an amazing colleague. 10. A thank you is the least I can say for the support you give me as a colleague. In this company, you have emerged as a go-to individual on whom anyone can truly bank on for getting a job done. You remain an inspiration for others. Try Workmates Interactive Demo Click trough it yourself withinteractive demo. Try It Now 11. Your company as a colleague in the company tends to have a direct influence on the productivity level. It is no wonder that we remain such a strong team. So, kindly accept my sincere thanks for your constant support and inspiration. 12. It won’t be an overstatement to say that you are a great colleague. The professional attitude and approach towards your work continues to inspire me every day. There is so much to learn from you. Thank you for being the great person you are. 13. There have been times when you have stepped out of your way to help and support your colleagues in the company. I want to let you know that your efforts are noticed. Thank you, and please be sure to let me know when I can return the favour. 14. Thank you for being the most thoughtful colleague I could ask for. Your support and words of wisdom mean a lot to me. It makes sailing through a working day a lot easier on any given day in this company. We truly make a great team. 15. As they say, two heads are better than one, you compliment my work in so many ways. You have stood by me whenever I needed sound advice or a helping hand. Your efforts are commendable and truly inspiring. I take this opportunity to thank you. 16. Thank you for always sharing your professional knowledge and expertise. It’s so inspiring to have a colleague who helps others, and who contributes to the development of this company. You are a real asset to our work. 17. Thank you for always being such a tremendous help around the office. It’s good to know that when one of us is under pressure, you are always there to lend a helping hand, regardless of your workload. Your continued support is much appreciated. Here’s a big thank you from the bottom of my heart. 18. Your focused approach towards your goals has inspired me in many ways in this company. Your support has been invaluable in this company for your co-workers. I want to really thank you for your professional approach and attitude. 19. I consider myself truly lucky to have a co-worker like you. It is great working with you on any given day and personally, I have learned so much in this company. Thank you. 20. Your calm demeanor and professionalism are truly inspiring. Especially in situations when everything around us seems to be falling apart. There is so much to learn from you at every step. I count myself lucky and it remains such a pleasure to work with you. Thank you for everything. Workmates Self-Guided Tour We’ll show you how Workmates can engage everyone in your organization, transform your culture, and drive productivity to new heights. Start Now 21. Thank you for helping me in the company. Your thoughtfulness has helped me in overcoming some of the trying situations at work. It always remains an assurance to have you around. You truly are a great individual and an inspiring colleague. 22. You inspire confidence and I wish you to know that. It gives me great peace of mind to know that you are part of our company. You remain a benchmark of excellence for your colleagues. Thank you for all that you do. 23. Your incredible aptitude, dependability, and commitment to hard work push me to strive for excellence at work on any given day. You are an inspiration in every way, and I remain grateful to you for everything. 24. I am so grateful to have you as my colleague in this company. Your support remains invaluable on any given day at work. I wish to let you know what a difference you make to my working day. Thank you for your constant support. 25. Software development is all about cooperation and coordination besides domain knowledge. Your complete professional attitude towards aiding your colleagues in times of extreme pressure shows what a thoughtful person you are. I believe you are a true role model to the rest of our co-workers; this includes me as well. Thank you. 26. Thank you for sharing your expertise with me and helping to achieve a successful outcome in the company. It has been a great learning experience and knowing you as a wonderful colleague. 27. Thank you for being a thorough professional while multitasking. The way you have tackled projects at software development has been inspiring, and there is no doubt you helped your co-workers in more than one way. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful colleague. 28. I am truly appreciative of your consistent and dependable nature at work. Your support and your approach towards tackling projects at the company, no matter how difficult, remain inspiring. I am fortunate to be able to work with someone like you as a colleague. 29. It has been an exceptional experience working with you on the project in this company. I truly appreciate your work ethic and how you adopt an approach to pursue excellence. You inspire your colleagues in every way. Thank you for all your efforts. 30. I would like you to know how much I value you as a colleague in this company. Your professionalism and work ethic are truly commendable, and in fact, I can’t think of two better qualities to have in a colleague. It has been a great experience to have you as a colleague. 31. You remain a role model for your colleagues in more than one way. The way you conduct yourself at work on any given day remains inspiring. Your presence at the company inspires others to give their 100%. Thank you for being such a great colleague. 32. Thank you for being an impressive source of knowledge in this company. Your expert guidance has helped me fulfill the tasks in an efficient manner on several occasions. Thank you once again for being such a dependable colleague. 33. Thank you for the efforts you undertake every day, which make a difference to all of us in the company. Without your thoughtfulness, things wouldn’t run as efficiently as they do. I would like to think that I speak on behalf of everyone when I say that we truly appreciate it. 34. It is colleagues like you that make this company a great place to work. Thank you so much for the positive vibe that you bring to work every day. You are a real inspiration to me and everyone around you. 35. Thank you for always making an impact in this company. Your professionalism and positive energy spill over onto me and help keep me going whenever I am facing a trying situation at work. I wanted to let you know that you truly inspire me, thank you is the least I can say. Find Out How Much You Can Save by Switching to Workmates. Other HR Teams made the switch from Workplaceand save upwards of 60% Calculate Now 36. There is no one quite like you, and I mean that as a big compliment. You are an exceptional co-worker and I consider myself truly lucky in this company. Thank you for being such a wonderful colleague. 37. You truly are a gem at this company. I have never met anyone quite as dynamic and energetic as you are, and I really appreciate being able to work as a colleague. It remains an honor to be associated with you. Thank you. 38. You are not just a wonderful colleague but a remarkable human being. You brighten every workday with your positive energy and enthusiasm. Your presence means a lot for the company. You remain a true inspiration for me. 39. The dedication and effort you bring to the company remains exceptional. It remains inspiring to work with you as a colleague. Your energy and efficiency is something I try to adopt in my work too and I wanted you to know that. So, thank you in more than just one way. 40. Your domain knowledge and expertise in the company is truly commendable. It is such a good skill to be able to translate such a complex task into manageable goals. Thank you for your constant support and it remains a pleasure to have you as a colleague. Ending Note The benefits of this practice are immeasurable, and your employees will appreciate you. Consider going full-blown when it comes to expressing your appreciation instead of saying nothing or only a few words. The more the merrier. Your employees will appreciate this practice and the results are great. If you want to take it to the next level, take a look at our recognition and rewards platform called Workmates. “Our staff has praised the increased communication level Workmates delivers. We use it to communicate important project matters and give staff specific ‘kudos’ or even recognize their birthdays. More importantly, we use Workmates to clarify important project details that needed rapid dissemination among the entire team.” Christopher Baggott Chief Executive Officerator of Medlinks Cost Containment, Inc. and Medlinks Staffing, LLC. Learn More Author Bio: This article is written by our marketing team at LIKE.TG. LIKE.TG is a leading provider of HR solutions, including recruiting, onboarding, employee engagement, and intranet software. Our aim is to help your company improve employee engagement, employee productivity, and to save you valuable time!

Efficient and productive customer service representatives are a baseline, not a gold standard.A recent Aberdeen report reveals that forward-thinking customer service organizations have developed strategies to directly benefit customers by making engaging with brands more convenient. These companies understand that effortless service experiences create a competitive advantage.The building blocks of convenient, customer-focused serviceAberdeen suggests that seven building blocks help companies minimize customer effort.1. Understand your customers’ journeys clearlyIt’s important to capture customer feedback across all channels, to monitor sentiment and feedback. Analytics help you understand how customer sentiment and feedback change throughout a customer’s journey and then identify areas to improve.2. Ensure all interactions are consistentInteraction consistency is critical across channels and departments, to avoid frustrating and confusing customers. Integrating disparate systems is essential to this consistency.3. Be a consistent, authentic communicatorDon’t rely on customers to initiate the engagement process. Be proactive and use alerts, reminders, and notifications to help them anticipate potential issues and to understand that you’re addressing them. Become not just a responder but also a trusted partner.4. Analyze self-service data to identify common issuesUnderstand the problems that customers are trying to solve themselves. Chatbots and automated apps can resolve issues that otherwise vex customers.5. Enrich customer journey management activitiesTake advantage of tailored workflows to better manage customer journeys, including workflows to provide personalized self-service options or automate customer requests.6. Give your customer reps the tools to winThe right tools include the training, technology, processes, and data—as well as the authority to use them to full advantage—to satisfy customer needs and solve problems. Without the right tools, your customer service will be a source of customer frustration.7. Align organizational cultureProvide your employees with the training required to understand how greatly they influence the customer experience. Allow them to suggest improvements to the business of client management.Business benefits of customer-focused convenience: by the numbersAberdeen reports that companies who create formal programs to optimize effortless customer service enjoy significant business benefits. 96% greater year-over-year growth in annual company revenue 4.1x greater improvement in the annual customer retention rate 3.5x greater annual improvement in average customer spend 3.9x greater annual improvement in customer satisfaction rate Customer retention is good businessHappy customers tend to be loyal customers, so enabling effortless customer experiences is worth the investment. Aberdeen also found that focusing on customer convenience also increases the chances that a company can win back former customers.Learn more about tools and solutions that can help you enable effortless: customer service.

The food and beverage industry is filled with excitement, creativity, and unique flavors. But behind the scenes, there's a side to this industry that isn't often seen: the HR restaurant landscape. Human resources play a vital role in ensuring the success of any business, but the challenges faced by HR professionals in the restaurant industry are unique and complex. This article will shed light on the crucial HR issues impacting the food and beverage industry's workforce and provide insights on addressing these challenges. The different HR solutions offered by LIKE.TG will help organizations to resolve the challenges in the food and beverage industry. The Importance of Human Resources in the Food and Beverage Industry In an industry where customer satisfaction is paramount, having a skilled and motivated workforce is essential. As a result, HR professionals in the food and beverage industry play a pivotal role in recruiting, developing, and retaining employees. They also ensure that the company adheres to labor laws and regulations, creating a safe and inclusive work environment. Thus, an effective HR department can significantly impact a restaurant's overall success, employee turnover rates, customer experience, and bottom line. Moreover, the food and beverage industry is a vast global network comprising various types of businesses that supply the majority of food consumed by people worldwide. The food and beverage services market worldwide witnessed growth from $3,559.94 billion in 2022 to $3,763.14 billion in 2023, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7%. As with all industries, the human resources (HR) department plays a pivotal role in the success of businesses operating in this field. In this article, we will delve into why HR is crucial to the food and beverage industry, particularly in the context of the current HR challenges it faces. HR holds the responsibility of efficiently and legally managing employees, ensuring they contribute to the company's growth. The food and beverage industry can reap immense benefits from the guidance of skilled HR professionals along with cutting-edge technology solutions like the Workmates App in tackling the workforce issues that are rampant in the industry. The following are 8 crucial HR challenges facing the food and beverage sector: Is Your Company's CultureWorking Against You? Find out how to improve your companyculture with our short quiz. Take the Quiz Employee Recruitment and Retention The food and beverage industry is known for its high employee turnover rate. With the constant need for new staff, HR professionals face challenges related to attracting and retaining top talent. This requires implementing effective recruitment strategies, offering competitive benefits and compensation packages as well as creating a positive work environment that encourages employee loyalty. According to the National Restaurant Association, the number of employees in the restaurant industry was down by a million in 2021 as compared to the pre-pandemic levels. Although the pandemic had a significant impact on the hiring and retention process due to shutdowns and the fear of contracting COVID-19, the industry has always faced challenges in retaining employees due to its demanding nature. The food and restaurant industry demands long working hours, physical labor, and emotional stress, making it a tough work environment. This results in many employees treating their jobs as temporary until they find a better opportunity. Employee Training and Development To thrive in the competitive food and beverage industry, restaurants must consistently offer high-quality products and services. This can only be achieved by investing in employee training and development. HR professionals are responsible for identifying skill gaps, designing training programs, and providing employees with opportunities for growth and career advancement. Compensation and Benefits Management Offering competitive compensation and benefits packages is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. HR professionals must research industry standards, evaluate employee performance, and ensure that their organization's offerings are in line with the market. Additionally, they must navigate the complexities of various benefit programs and manage payroll effectively. Legal Compliance and Labor Laws The food and beverage industry is subject to numerous labor laws and regulations, such as fair labor standards, health and safety codes, and anti-discrimination policies. HR professionals must ensure that their organization adheres to these laws and stays up-to-date with any changes or updates. Failure to do so can result in lawsuits, massive fines, and reputational risk to companies. The U.S. Small Business Administration reports that the food and restaurant industry is one of the top small business industries, accounting for 20% of all small businesses. Due to the significant number of individuals employed in this sector, food and restaurant businesses face complex labor laws that can be challenging to navigate. Employee Performance Management Effective performance management is crucial for driving employee productivity and maintaining high standards of service. HR professionals must develop transparent and fair performance evaluation processes, provide regular feedback, and address any performance issues promptly. The performance app of LIKE.TG can help HR professionals to ensure that employees are motivated and working to achieve the organization's goals. Workplace Safety and Health A healthy and safe work environment is not only a legal necessity but also a key factor in maximizing employee retention. HR professionals must implement safety and health policies, conduct regular inspections, and ensure that employees receive proper training on safety procedures. By doing so, they can limit the risk of accidents and create a more productive work environment. Strategies to Address Common HR Issues in the Restaurant Industry To tackle these common HR issues, restaurants must adopt proactive and comprehensive strategies. This may include investing in advanced HR technology to streamline processes, creating a strong employer brand, and implementing employee recognition programs. Additionally, HR professionals should continually evaluate their strategies and update them as needed to ensure they remain effective and relevant. Best Practices for HR Management in the Food and Beverage Industry Develop a comprehensive onboarding program to set new hires up for success by using the onboard app created by LIKE.TG. Offer competitive benefits and compensation packages to attract and retain top talent. Foster a diverse and inclusive workplace culture to drive innovation and employee satisfaction. Provide regular training and development opportunities to help employees grow and advance their careers. Implement effective performance management processes to drive productivity and maintain high standards of service. Prioritize employee engagement strategies and satisfaction to create a more cohesive and successful workforce. Stay up-to-date with labor laws and regulations to ensure legal compliance and protect the company's reputation. Embrace HR technology to streamline processes, improve communication, and make data-driven decisions. The Role of Technology in Modern Restaurant HR Management The role of technology is indispensable in modern HR management. HR software and tools can help automate time-consuming tasks, improve communication, and provide valuable data for informed decision-making. By embracing technology, HR professionals can maximize their efficiency, freeing up time and resources to focus on more strategic initiatives. Benefits of LIKE.TG Solutions The different solutions or apps created by LIKE.TG can bring several benefits to the Food and Beverage Industry. Some of these benefits include: Efficient Hiring Process: The Onboard app of LIKE.TG can streamline the hiring process by automating certain tasks like resume screening, scheduling interviews, and conducting initial candidate assessments. This can help save precious time and effort in identifying the right candidates for various roles in the industry. Improved Employee Engagement: Employee engagement and satisfaction are essential for reducing turnover and fostering a positive work culture. HR professionals must actively seek employee feedback, address concerns, and recognize and reward exceptional performance. By prioritizing employee well-being and satisfaction, HR professionals can create a more cohesive and successful workforce. The Workmates app can provide employees with tools to track their progress and goals, access learning resources, and communicate with their managers. This can help improve employee engagement, which is crucial for job satisfaction, retention, and productivity. Better Compliance Management: The food and beverage industry is highly regulated, and the Workmates and Onboard app can help ensure compliance with various laws and regulations. This includes managing employee documentation, tracking training and certifications, and providing reminders for necessary compliance activities. Enhanced Performance Management: The Workmates app can provide managers with tools to set goals, track performance, and provide feedback to employees. This can help improve employee performance and overall business results. Workplace Diversity and Inclusion: Creating a diverse and inclusive work environment is not only a moral imperative; it's also a business strategy that can lead to increased creativity, innovation, and better decision-making. However, building a genuinely inclusive culture requires ongoing commitment and effort from HR professionals. This includes implementing diversity and inclusion policies, providing regular training, and fostering open communication to ensure all employees feel valued and heard for which the Workmates app is an effective solution. Efficient Time and Attendance Management: The Time Clock app of LIKE.TG can help automate time and attendance tracking, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring accurate payroll processing. This can help save time and improve the efficiency of HR operations. There is also the Time Off to manage staff PTO and other absences. Improved Customer Service: The mobile app of LIKE.TG can help to improve customer service in the food and beverage industry where customers can quickly get their questions and concerns addressed, which also improves their overall experience. Overall, HR Workmates can help the food and beverage industry improve its HR processes, employee engagement, compliance management, performance management, and time and attendance management. To learn more about the features and capabilities available in Workmates, download our ebook now. Download now The Future of HR in the Food & Beverage Industry As the food and beverage industry continues to evolve, so too will the HR restaurant landscape. One major trend that is likely to shape the future of HR in this industry is the use of technology. Companies are already using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to automate tasks such as recruiting and screening candidates. In the future, these technologies may also be used to predict employee turnover and identify training needs. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) will also continue to be a critical area of focus for HR in the food and beverage industry. As consumers become more diverse, companies will need to reflect this diversity in their workforce. This will require a concerted effort to recruit and retain employees from diverse backgrounds and create a culture of inclusion. To remain more competitive in the market, HR professionals must be agile, adaptable, and prepared to embrace change. Conclusion The HR restaurant landscape is complex and ever-changing, but by understanding and addressing the crucial issues impacting the food and beverage industry's workforce, HR professionals can create a more successful, cohesive, and satisfied workforce. By adopting best practices and harnessing technology, they can ensure that their organization remains competitive and well-positioned for future growth. No credit card needed Less than 5 min to set up

Whether you like it or not, digital transformation is going to play a part in your business. By now, most organizations know that if they can’t build a digital strategy then there is a chance they will be left behind in more ways than one. One of the keys to running a successful business is involving the right people. That means your employees. In 2020, a number of businesses were pushed from gently transitioning to digital, to having to very quickly become a fully digital operation. While not easy, this can only be a good thing for most businesses. In this guide, we explore the advantages of digital transformation for employee experience, one of the key foundations of taking your organization firmly into the future. What does digital transformation mean? In general, digital transformation is about adopting the digital across all areas of business. This can refer to the services or operations within the business. It’s not just the job of the IT employees in a business to create a robust ‘digital’ strategy and incorporate the 21st century across the whole organization. This is about cultural change within a business strategy, not just having better access to servers, for instance. As an employee, the majority of the working day probably incorporates plenty of areas of digital connectivity. From the way you receive your paycheck to the way, you ask your boss a question and other manual processes. In 2021, more of the day-to-day activities are carried out online. This has undeniably been accelerated by the pandemic, but these changes were in the pipeline long before. Let's explore some of the areas that impact your employees daily and key benefits. Improves Communication and Interaction In the modern age, people are used to being well-connected via email, social networks, and other digital platforms, especially during remote working. CRMs and project management software are a big part of this successful digital transformation in the workplace, and they’re just some of the ways that you can keep your employees connected and improves internal communication strategy. In the workforce, the fact that we can all connect digitally makes it so much faster to speak to the right person when you work from home or set up a meeting with a lot of employees to make sure you interact and communicate the messages you need to. To learn even more about improving the employee experience and increasing your competitive advantage while providing a fast return on investment, download our ebook now. Download now Helps Employees to Understand Important Goals Having digital platforms to work from also allows employees to understand their goals, both individually and as a company. Project management tools online should be based around systems to get things done, and it should be easy to visualize what you are working towards. Milestone and goal-based systems mean that employees can clearly see where they are going, both individually and as a team. This makes employees far more effective and focused, but it can also do a fantastic job of keeping people on the right track. As an employee, you want to have clear goals set out for you. Digital systems make this far more simple. The world of management has definitely changed, but digital tools help people to understand the KPIs of any business and of individuals and improve user experience. It’s a way to track employees, motivate them, and use a statistical approach to the growth and success of a business. Supports a Two-Way Feedback Culture Communication is key. This is true within virtually any business, and a two-way feedback culture is essential in the modern age. Employees don’t want to feel like they are not heard, or that they are just another cog in the machine. Instead, using feedback systems and project management solutions that incorporate all employees means that everyone can have their say. This also means that there is less room for bullying and a lack of respect in the workplace, which directly brings to increased productivity. There is more evidence and more of an opportunity to discuss things as a whole team. Improves Onboarding and Upskilling It’s amazing how few businesses actually have a good system for onboarding and upskilling their employees. In 2021, implementing digital management systems has made this so much simpler. While some jobs will always need some in-person training, the fact that employees can access courses and a knowledge base online should be the best thing for all parties. Upskilling your employees is not just about the success of a business, either, it is about keeping people happy. Employees often want to improve, grow, and find new opportunities within an organization. To be able to do all of this internally is an advantage for many businesses. Supports a Sense of Belonging Most of us know that the world of work has changed an incredible amount, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be inclusive. With companies moving away from the traditional office setup, there won’t be as many conversations around the office water cooler, instead, there can be new ways to collaborate, share the company culture, and generally involve all employees. Company culture can still spread and keep everyone happy and working effectively online, but it does take effort to cultivate. A lot of companies are introducing social events online, or new ways to keep employees engaged with one another rather than being isolated if they are spending less time together. Helps Leaders to Recognise and Reward Employees Quite simply, it is easier to track what everyone is doing in an individual way if you are using digital technology. There are many benefits to using this to your advantage and make your employees feel appreciated. Some companies are introducing leaderboards to congratulate people, or a spotlight feature to follow certain teams or workforces and the vital work they are doing to motivate and improve employee productivity. By tracking statistics you can also introduce a lot of methods to reward employees, too. Most improved or best-performing employees can be given bonuses or highlighted for their performance. This is a way to show that you appreciate it and to motivate employees, who know that the hard work and hours they put in for a company can be rewarded. There is a fine line here, and you need to avoid ‘shaming’ employees who may not be performing as well. It’s best to take an approach that keeps all employees in the loop and provides rewards based on their performance. Similarly, you can reward effort as opposed to just rewarding performance. It could be the case that some employees are working incredibly hard without stats to back it up, so try to track this wherever possible. Conclusion The benefits of digital transformation probably incorporate pretty much every part of your business processes starting from the bottom line. It isn’t just about changing the processes, it is about finding weak points in your employee experience and using digital tools to address them. There are so many ways in which small gestures and organizational changes can make all the difference in the future of your company, including improved customer experience. The likelihood is that digital transformation is upon your business whether you like it or not. Creating a strategy and embracing what is to come is the ideal way to get ahead of it, and to create a place people want to work. Company culture is not necessarily created in the office anymore, so you need to turn the digital space for your company into a way for people to mix and feel like they are truly included and are all pushing in the same direction. Author Bio: Meggie Nelson is an HR Manager at AMGtime and a passionate freelance writer with an ongoing curiosity to learn new things. She is deeply convinced that valuable experience sharing is key to business success. Meggie believes in a win-win formula and utilizes it on a daily basis in staff management.

The term "age-diverse workplace" is referring to the acceptance of different ages in the workplace. Research has shown that the employment rate of older workers between the ages 55 and 64 is increasing at a rapid pace due to labor shortages that the economy faces. In light of these findings comes the question of age management and how the age of workers impacts results. There has been a lot of research on aging and the way it impacts the subject in a multidimensional way, but there hasn't been enough research on how organizations should utilize the knowledge of differently aged workers and how they can capitalize on age diversity. Until recently, the mature workforce has been discriminated against by being excluded from job opportunities and decision-making processes because of their actual or perceived age. Has age diversity had an overall positive or negative effect on the workplace? Decision-Making Perspective According to a meta-analysis, there is no clear consensus on the issue. From the decision-making perspective, age-diverse groups benefit from a wider range of non-redundant knowledge and experiences. Teams with age diversity tend to have more resources and come up with more innovative solutions in the workplace. Social Categorization Perspective From the social categorization perspective, findings are a lot more different. The idea behind social categorization theory is that individuals categorize themselves and others into groups with similar characteristics, in this case, age is one of them. As a result, people are more positively inclined to groups that are similar to them than more diverse groups. In this sense, homogeneity results in higher group performance. Categorization-Elaboration Perspective This perspective seeks the middle ground between the positive and negative effects of the age-diverse workplace. It accepts that both of the above perspectives are true, which means that age diversity has the potential to have both positive and negative effects and the effect depends on several moderating and mediating variables such as task motivation, task ability, social category salience, etc. Research shows that companies, now more than ever, need to adopt more age-diverse policies to include the more mature population in the workforce. If you are interested more in how age diversity impacts the workplace you can gain a clearer idea by visiting TrustMyPaper and, you can gain inspiration on actions your company could take to be more inclusive in this aspect, by having a professional conduct specific research for your company. How will the inclusion of mature workers benefit the workplace? Experience As mentioned briefly above, the inclusion of mature workers in the workplace can offer the company a wide range of experience, knowledge, and resources that can be used to navigate an array of tasks and situations in an effective and time-efficient manner. Workers with diverse experiences can significantly improve many aspects of a company, from the inner processes to customer support to product development. People with experience have a tried and true business techniques that will increase the value of your company’s services. Productivity Growth Traditionally, productivity can be boosted in two ways; by increasing the physical and human capital of the company or by improving the efficiency of the existing means of production with better management and new production processes. The inclusion of a wide range of services within a company increases its productivity by working smarter, not harder. Higher productivity is a win-win situation for both the company and the workers - it improves profitability for the company and is connected to higher wages for the employees. Loyalty Age diversity has proven to improve employee turnover rates. The term ‘employee turnover rate’ is referring to the percentage of employees that leave a company during a certain period of time. Loyal and long-term employees significantly contribute to increased company productivity and efficiency. You can learn more about employee turnover rates and your company by ordering a study from SupremeDissertations. You can gain inspiration on how to resolve this issue and a new perspective tailored to your company. Mentorship Another perk of age-diverse groups is the fact that older employees often act as mentors, willing to share knowledge and experience with younger members of the group. This organically increases the overall skill set of the company’s workforce, resulting in overall higher productivity and individual performance. Innovation All of the above factors that are mentioned; higher productivity and experience, loyalty, and mentorship, contribute to the company’s innovation. Innovation not only regarding the outcome (product development f.e.) but also in innovation in efficiency and internal processes. Diversity has the unique ability to display different perspectives and when those different perspectives are applied in the workplace the result is a more efficient and humane work environment with empathy, understanding, and responsibility as core values. Empathy Empathy is essential for a healthy workplace. Age-diverse groups, with different experiences, exercise communication and understanding more than non-diverse groups. Consequently, empathy translates not only in eternal communication but also towards the relationship between company and customer. Empathy translates to a better understanding of the target audience of the company and essentially increased sales. Conclusion To conclude, age diversity is often overlooked while people are focusing on ethnicity and gender discrimination in the workplace more. The discussion on age diversity is increasing, and many studies in the future will provide more information on how companies could and should capitalize on workforce diversity. Diversity in the workplace can increase frictions between co-workers and may foster miscommunications and inefficiency, but an age-diverse workforce can have much more benefits for the company provided that there are policies in place that increase efficiency, understanding and are open to different perspectives. Overall, finding experienced candidates will potentially elevate your company’s performance, increase sales, transform inefficient company policies that are in place due to limited perspectives, and improve your company’s image among others in the industry by displaying an inclusive and humane work environment. About Author: This article is written by our marketing team at LIKE.TG. LIKE.TG is a leading provider of HR solutions, including recruiting, onboarding, employee engagement, and intranet software. Our aim is to help your company improve employee engagement, employee productivity, and to save you valuable time!

Introduction to AI and its impact on the professional landscapeArtificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our daily lives. From smartphones to self-driving cars, AI is transforming the way we interact with technology and the world around us. As AI continues to advance, questions about its impact on our professional future become increasingly important.Will AI create new job opportunities or lead to widespread unemployment? What ethical considerations should be taken into account when implementing AI in the workplace? This article aims to address these questions and more, providing an in-depth look at the role AI plays in shaping our professional landscape.Understanding artificial intelligence: what is AI?AI refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence. These tasks include learning, problem-solving, language understanding, and decision-making. AI systems can be classified into two categories: narrow AI and general AI.Narrow AI, also known as weak AI, is designed for specific tasks and is widely used today in various applications, such as voice assistants, image recognition software, and recommendation algorithms.In contrast, general AI, or strong AI, refers to systems that possess human-like intelligence, enabling them to understand and perform any intellectual task that a human being can do. General AI remains a theoretical concept for now, but advancements in machine learning and deep learning are steadily bringing us closer to realizing this vision.The impact of AI on various industriesAI is revolutionizing industries across the board by streamlining processes, increasing efficiency, and reducing costs. Some of the most notable examples include:Healthcare: AI-powered tools are being used for diagnostics, drug discovery, and personalized medicine. For instance, AI algorithms can analyze medical images to detect diseases at an early stage, helping doctors make more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.Finance: AI is being used to detect fraudulent activities, automate trading, and optimize investment portfolios. Companies are also leveraging AI to improve customer service through chatbots and virtual assistants.Manufacturing: AI is enabling the automation of complex tasks, leading to increased productivity and reduced human error. In addition, predictive maintenance systems are using AI to identify potential equipment failures, allowing manufacturers to address issues before they become critical.Transportation: AI is at the core of self-driving vehicles, which have the potential to revolutionize the way we travel, reduce traffic congestion, and minimize accidents caused by human error.Agriculture: AI is being used to optimize crop management, monitor soil conditions, and predict crop yields, leading to increased efficiency and sustainability in food production.AI and job displacement: myth or reality?As AI continues to evolve, concerns about job displacement are growing. Many people worry that AI will lead to mass unemployment as machines replace human workers. While it’s true that AI has the potential to automate certain tasks, it’s essential to consider the broader context.Historically, technological advancements have always led to changes in the labor market. For example, the Industrial Revolution saw many manual labor jobs replaced by machines, leading to a shift in workforce demands. However, these changes didn’t result in long-term unemployment; instead, they paved the way for new job opportunities that didn’t exist before.Similarly, AI is expected to lead to the creation of new jobs that require unique skills and expertise. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2025, AI and automation will have created 12 million more jobs than they will have displaced. Furthermore, AI can also lead to the augmentation of human labor, where AI systems and human workers collaborate to achieve better outcomes.However, all these developments must be carried out very carefully and gradually, otherwise, it is estimated that it may lead to more disadvantages and damage in the professional landscape.AI and job displacement: the concernsDespite the potential for AI to create new job opportunities, there are valid concerns about the transition process. One major concern is the potential for a skills gap, where workers whose jobs are displaced by AI may not possess the skills required for the emerging job market. This could result in a temporary increase in unemployment and social unrest.Another concern is the potential for AI-driven job displacement to disproportionately affect certain industries and demographics. For example, workers in manufacturing, transportation, and customer service may be at higher risk of job displacement due to the automation of repetitive tasks.Finally, there is the concern that AI may exacerbate income inequality. As AI systems become more capable, companies may choose to replace human workers with machines to reduce costs, leading to an accumulation of wealth among business owners and shareholders.The ethical considerations of AI in the workplaceAs AI implementation in the workplace continues to expand, ethical considerations must be addressed. Some of the key ethical issues related to AI in the workplace include:Bias and fairness: AI systems can inadvertently perpetuate existing biases present in the data used to train them. This can lead to unfair treatment of certain individuals or groups based on factors such as race, gender, or socioeconomic status.Transparency and explainability: AI-driven decision-making processes can be opaque, making it difficult for people to understand how and why certain decisions are made. This lack of transparency can undermine trust in AI systems and make it challenging to hold them accountable for their actions.Privacy and security: AI systems often rely on large amounts of data, raising concerns about the privacy of individuals whose data is being used. Ensuring that data is collected and processed ethically and securely is essential.Labor rights and working conditions: As AI systems increasingly augment human labor, there is a risk of workers being subjected to unrealistic expectations and demands. It’s crucial to ensure that AI implementation doesn’t lead to the exploitation of workers.Preparing for an AI-driven professional futureTo thrive in an AI-driven professional landscape, individuals and organizations must take proactive steps to adapt. Some strategies for preparing for an AI-driven future include:Lifelong learning: Embrace continuous learning and skills development to stay relevant in an evolving job market. Focus on developing skills that complement AI, such as critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence.Adopting a growth mindset: Be open to change and willing to adapt to new ways of working. Recognize that AI can be a valuable tool for enhancing your professional capabilities.Collaboration: Foster collaboration between humans and AI systems to leverage the strengths of both. AI can be used to augment human skills, leading to better decision-making and innovation.Promoting ethical AI practices: Advocate for the development and implementation of ethical AI practices within your organization and industry, ensuring that AI is used responsibly and fairly.AI in education and skill developmentAs AI becomes increasingly prevalent, it’s crucial to ensure that our education and training systems are equipped to prepare the workforce for the future.Some ways in which AI can be integrated into education and skill development include:Personalized learning: AI-driven adaptive learning systems can provide personalized learning experiences tailored to individual needs, helping students develop the skills they need to succeed in an AI-driven world.Skill assessment: AI can be used to assess students’ skill levels and identify areas for improvement, ensuring that they receive targeted support and resources.Career guidance: AI-driven career guidance tools can help students explore different career paths, identify their strengths and interests, and make informed decisions about their professional future.Build upskilling and retraining programs: AI can be used to identify skill gaps in the workforce and develop targeted upskilling and reskilling programs to address these gaps, ensuring that workers are prepared for the evolving job market.Balancing AI advancement and human workforceTo ensure a harmonious professional future, it’s essential to strike a balance between AI advancement and the human workforce.Some strategies for achieving this balance include:Investing in human capital: Organizations should invest in their employees’ continuous education and skill development, ensuring that they have the necessary tools and resources to adapt to an AI-driven world.Creating new job opportunities: As AI automates certain tasks, focus on identifying and creating new job opportunities that leverage human skills and expertise.Embracing human-AI collaboration: Develop systems and processes that enable humans and AI to work together effectively, capitalizing on the unique strengths of both.Support displaced workers: We must establish systems to support workers whose jobs are displaced by AI, such as retraining programs, financial assistance and job placement services.AI: a threat or an opportunity for our professional future?In conclusion, the impact of AI on our professional future is not black and white. While AI has the potential to displace certain jobs, it also presents opportunities for the creation of new jobs and the enhancement of human labor.The key to navigating this complex landscape lies in our ability to adapt, learn and collaborate with AI systems.By embracing AI as an opportunity for growth and innovation, we can shape a professional future in which humans and AI work together in harmony, unlocking new levels of efficiency, creativity and problem-solving ability.The artificial intelligence dilemma is certainly complex, but by proactively addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities it presents, we can ensure a better professional tomorrow for all.By investing in education, skills development and ethical AI practices, we can create a world where AI and human labor coexist in harmony, driving innovation and progress across all sectors. Harness the potential of AI and prepare for the exciting professional future that awaits you.REMEMBER !!!You can download our available apps for translating and learning languages correctly available for free on googleplay and applestores.Do not hesitate to visit our LIKE.TG website and contact us with any questions or problems you may have, and of course, take a look at any of our blog articles.

After years of research, we have come up with the best mobile HR apps and their benefits. In this article, we will discuss different types of mobile HR solutions that can help businesses streamline their processes while improving employee engagement levels. Mobile HR apps If you're an employer, one of the most important things you can do is get your employees connected. In order to help them achieve their goals and make them more productive, mobile HR apps are a necessity for today's on-the-go workforce. Here are some of the ways that mobile HR apps can help: Onboarding: To ensure that new hires have all of their information readily available, employers should use a mobile app to collect personal information from applicants during the hiring process—and then follow up with them again after they've started working at your company. This way, you'll know exactly what steps need to be taken prior to starting work (e.g., filling out initial paperwork) so there aren't any surprises later down the road! Benefits administration: When it comes time for employees who rely on health benefits or retirement plans through their employer's plan provider, these programs typically require lengthy paper documents filled out by hand before being sent off somewhere else; this process becomes even more complicated when dealing with multiple providers across different states since each state has different regulations regarding how these types of services must operate within its borders. Onboarding is one of the most important activities in business: Onboarding is one of the most important activities in business today and Employee Onboarding Apps can streamline this process by transforming all paper-based forms into digital ones. The purpose of onboarding is to help new employees get up to speed with their new company, learn about its culture and policies, understand how they fit into the organization’s goals, etc., as well as provide them with tools for communication through different channels (email or IM). According to research from McKinsey & Company “Onboarding: A New Frontier For HR Technology”, only 50% of companies are using any type of employee onboarding technology at all while 20% only do so on a limited basis; these numbers show just how much room there is for improvement when it comes to this area! The benefits of using HR onboarding software: The benefits of using HR onboarding software are even more important for global mobile teams, where transparency and the ability to work from any location or device may be a necessity for the team. Take TypeScript software development services as an example. You probably don't want to spend hours briefing each new hire on the details of their job and how TypeScript works. With a sound onboarding system in place, you can provide all employees with the same standard of training, which helps speed up the process and improves productivity. The importance of mobile HR apps cannot be understated. As your organization grows and expands geographically, it becomes increasingly important to have a system in place that allows employees at all levels of the hierarchy to receive important notifications or updates on their devices. This can help drive better performance across all areas of your business by providing accurate information about company events such as new hires or promotions opportunities; helping ensure that employees are aware when they need to make time off because they're sick or traveling; ensuring that managers don't miss out on information about potential candidates because they weren't notified quickly enough (or at all). The Employee Self-Service Software components: The Employee Self-Service Software component of an online HR solution allows employees to easily complete tasks like updating their contact information and W4 preferences, applying for vacation time, or reading company policy documents. The software is also compatible with mobile devices so that you can access it on the go! One of the best ways to improve employee engagement: Employee engagement is the most important aspect of an organization's success. The more engaged your employees, the better they'll perform and be able to deliver on your goals. If you're looking for ways to improve employee engagement and increase productivity and Build Trust in Remote Teams consider using survey software that enables you to measure satisfaction levels among employees and understand how they feel about their jobs. This can help guide future decision-making about company policies or procedures, as well as identify areas for improvement in order for you all to reach peak performance together! A Performance Management App helps you easily track goals: Performance management is a process that helps employees and managers set goals, track progress toward those goals, and identify areas for improvement. A performance management app can help you easily track these things by providing you with an easy-to-understand framework that makes it easy to create your own goal structure. This type of software also allows managers to review their employee's performance at any time by simply logging into the system from any device or computer where they have internet access (e.g., laptop). The end result is that these kinds of apps can help managers better understand what motivates their employees so they can make better decisions when formulating strategies for improving company culture overall! HR mistakes impact your entire organization. Learn how to avoid the 12 most common mistakes with our free ebook. Download now Managing employee benefits throughout their work life cycle: Benefits administration is a complicated process that requires a lot of time and effort. If you're looking for an effective solution, look no further than our benefits administration tool. This software will help you streamline your HR processes and make sure your employees are receiving the right amount of compensation. Benefits administration software has many uses beyond simply helping with employee benefits management: it can also be used to manage other types of business processes like payroll or reporting purposes as well. Some examples include: Mobile Human Resources apps have become a necessity: Today's on-the-go workforce is changing the way companies do business. It's no longer enough to be a good employer; you need an HR app that helps your company attract and retain talent, improve employee engagement, and track performance. Mobile Human Resources apps are a necessity for today's workforce. They provide real-time insights into employee moods; give managers access to data about their team members; allow employees to communicate directly with each other without leaving a message or emailing someone back (or worse yet—might cause them stress); offer employees flexible working hours so they can balance work life with family life without feeling like they're at work all day long; help employers locate employees quickly when needed during emergencies such as natural disasters or severe weather events such as hurricanes Harvey/ Irma/ Maria etcetera. Bonus Tips: Here are some of the best practices for introducing mobile HR apps in your organization: Define the business case. Before introducing any new technology, it's important to have a clear understanding of how it will Benefits That Increase Employee Retention and also benefit the business. With mobile HR apps, that benefit is usually increased efficiency and productivity. Get buy-in from key stakeholders In order to successfully introduce mobile HR apps, you'll need the buy-in of key stakeholders such as senior leadership, the IT department, and of course, the HR team. Choose the right apps There are a lot of mobile HR apps on the market, so it's important to take the time to research and select the ones that will best meet the needs of your organization. Conclusion: At the end of the day, HR software is a tool. It’s not going to make you more productive on its own. It’s going to help you be more efficient and effective if you use it correctly and appropriately for your business needs. It’s up to you to take the time and effort needed to find the right HR software solution for your company. Whether it's a mobile app or traditional desktop software, make sure that it has all of the features you need in order to make your job easier.

Choosing the best customer service software from the many options available can be scary, especially for beginners.Most suppliers offer similar features and promises to assist you in achieving the same goals.To guide you in picking the perfect software for your business, we have gathered a list of the best customer service solutions for 2024.We will be looking at each software solution’s key features and cost. What is a customer service software?Customer service software are the platforms and tools used by businesses to enhance customer support management.These tools are used for managing customer support requests.They enable service agents to monitor, prioritize, manage, respond to, and resolve customer inquiries and employee requests.Promoting the growth of your business requires a robust customer service program.It is without question that excellent customer service skills form the foundation of a successful and long-lasting business.Hence, it is essential to utilize top-notch customer service software to deliver this level of service effectively.Top 20 customer service software providersCustomer service software is an important tool for any business that values its customers.It assists businesses in managing and tracking every customer interaction, ensuring a smooth and seamless customer experience.The best customer service software products in 2024 include features such as multichannel support, automation, analytics, and self-service support.Let’s check out some of the top software for helping businesses excel in customer service in 2024.1. LIKE.TGOur own LIKE.TG is an advanced customer service software platform that utilizes cutting-edge customer support tools and self-service portal to enhance and streamline customer service.It is a highly scalable and intuitive solution for enterprise businesses seeking to differentiate customer support vs customer service for business growth.LIKE.TG is a cloud-based platform that enhances customer experience by managing support emails, facilitating collaboration among team members, and automating repetitive tasks.LIKE.TG help desk software offers a user-friendly client portal software, an interface that allows customers to monitor and submit tickets with ease.LIKE.TG also holds a SOC 2® Type 2 certification, signifying that the customer service software observes the highest standards of customer service security and privacy.Key FeaturesMultilingual knowledge baseEffective automationsTicketing system Perceptive reports and analyticsIntegrationTop-notch securityExtensive customization optionsUser-friendly customer portalSecurity and compliance featuresArtificial IntelligenceMultilanguage supportMobile help deskAdvantages of using LIKE.TGIntegrations: With LIKE.TG’s integration feature, users can link their preferred tools and apps to simplify workflow, organize data efficiently, and enhance productivity.Robust automation features: LIKE.TG possesses multiple automation options for routing tickets, eliminating repetitive tasks, reducing manual effort, and boosting agent productivity.Email-to-ticket conversion: LIKE.TG utilizes an email ticketing system that automatically converts customer emails into tickets for agents.Enhanced usability: LIKE.TG comes with an intuitive interface and utilizes AI for customer experience, making it easy for service agents and customers.Improved customer satisfaction: Businesses can set their SLA in BoldDesk. The software can automatically notify agents when due dates are approaching and supervisors when they pass. No customer ticket is left unaddressed, keeping customers happy.For more information on LIKE.TG features, please refer to the following video.PricingLIKE.TG has two pricing categories:Agent-Based plans:Scale: $25 for 3 agents/monthGrowth: $50 for 3 agents/monthEnterprise: $75 for 3 agents/monthUnlimited Agents plans:Essential: $799 per monthPro: $1499 per monthBusiness: Contact usDon’t let this incredible opportunity slip away. Choose our Unlimited Agents package for a worry-free, seamless service.This not only streamlines your payment process but also allows you to concentrate more on your business instead of budget management.With our Unlimited Agents package, you have the freedom to scale your business and reach new heights without any financial constraints.You have the option to do a 15-day free trial and schedule a live demo.2. ZendeskZendesk is powerful customer support software tailored for large organizations. It allows users to handle conversations via email, X, and Facebook with any of their plans.It provides a collection of features specifically designed to optimize and improve customer service processes, making it stand out from other Zendesk alternatives.Their more expensive plans also enable the management of phone and chat conversations.PricingA free trial is available.Monthly plans begin at $19/agent.3. FreshdeskFreshdesk offers two types of support: a basic help desk solution and comprehensive omnichannel support.Freshdesk is customer service software that operates on the cloud and is designed to offer good customer service for businesses, regardless of their size.It converts customer inquiries from emails, phone, web, chat, and social media into manageable tickets.This makes it easier to streamline and unify your support operations, especially when you utilize Freshdesk integrations.However, exploring Freshdesk alternatives might be beneficial depending on your specific needs and budget.PricingA free trial is available.Monthly subscriptions for paid plans begin at $15/agent.4. SalesforceSalesforce is a CRM (customer relationship management) platform specifically engineered to facilitate collaboration among teams within companies for better customer service.It also provides a customer support platform known as Service Cloud.It ensures that staff members from IT, sales, marketing, support, and any other relevant department have access to identical customer data.This enables them to provide the necessary support to your customers.Salesforce Service Cloud is customer service software that equips agents with a merged view of:Customer dataPrior interactionsPurchase historyTicket informationThis single view enables agents to access relevant details swiftly and provide fast support.On its more expensive pricing tiers, Salesforce provides B2B customer service solutions for its clients.PricingA free trial period is available.Essentials: $25/user/month.Professional: $75/user/month.Enterprise: $150/user/month.Unlimited: $300/user/month.5. HubSpot Service HubHubSpot is a CRM platform that includes a ticketing system and live chat capabilities.It also offers a customer service product known as Service Hub.Service Hub is especially beneficial for teams that already utilize HubSpot’s CRM.The products integrate smoothly, providing agents with relevant data that assists in personalizing their support efforts.PricingStarter plan starts from just $18/monthProfessional plan starts at $450/monthEnterprise plan starts at $1,200/month6. AircallAircall is a phone support software designed with simplicity and user-friendliness at its core.It is particularly suitable for small- to medium-sized businesses.Aircall’s customer support solution gathers relevant customer data, providing agents with the needed background for each interaction.The software connects with numerous customer support tools, such as live chat and social messaging platforms, offering support across multiple channels.PricingEssentials: $307. HelpshiftHelpshift primarily offers in-app customer assistance services tailored for mobile applications.It is a customer support tool that offers a collection of tools for businesses to provide customer support across various channels, including in-app, web, email, social media, and phone.Helpshift’s main purpose is to help businesses streamline their customer support process, improve response times, and enhance overall customer satisfaction.PricingA free trial is available.The cost of paid plans begins at $150/month.8. LiveAgentLiveAgent is a platform that streamlines customer requests from various channels into one management system.It joins all customer communication and support, enabling you to serve your customers regardless of their location.LiveAgent combines communications from email, calls, and social media into a single dashboard. It is a robust option for smaller service teams that utilize WordPress.Moreover, its extensive collection of built-in integrations enables your team to blend it into their current workflows.PricingSmall businesses: $12/agent/monthMedium businesses: $35/agent/monthLarge businesses: $59/agent/month9. Zoho DeskZoho Desk provides customer support software designed to enhance your agents’ ability to deliver excellent customer service.The platform, along with Zoho Desk alternatives, is equipped with tools and automation features that can simplify your agents’ workflows and boost productivity and efficiency.The software from Zoho Desk offers omnichannel support with a unified view, enabling agents to manage customer concerns from a single location.PricingA free trial is available.Monthly plans start at $14.10. Help ScoutHelp Scout is a customer service software designed to replicate the experience of working from a shared inbox.Unlike Help Scout alternatives, it offers the added benefit of tracking customer inquiries via email and live chats.It brings together customer data, interactions, and history, providing your agents with background for every request.PricingA free trial is available.Monthly plans begin at $20/user.11. OlarkOlark‘s customer service software assists teams in delivering a great customer experience.The software offers customization features, allowing for a comprehensive brand experience for customers.It enables customers to get instant answers to their questions, thus enhancing the overall customer experience.With its pricing structure, no long-term commitments for most plans, and the option to add specific features as needed, Olark is particularly beneficial for smaller teams.It allows you to select the features you need and disregard the ones you don’t, optimizing your team’s functionality.PricingStandard: $2912. FrontFront is a customer service platform that prioritizes human interaction.It seeks to foster strong and personal relationships with customers instead of just seeing them as tickets.Front is an ideal choice for those in search of a straightforward, Gmail-like application for customer service.Described on their website as a “shared team inbox,” Front facilitates the union of all team discussions in one location.It integrates messages from various channels such as email, live website chat, SMS, and social media.PricingFree trial period: 7 daysPricing starts at $19/user/month13. LiveChatLiveChat is a live chat and help desk tool designed to deliver good customer service.It appears as a straightforward chat box on the surface, but it actually functions as an all-inclusive help desk ticketing system.This customer service chat tool is compatible with popular CMSes like WordPress and can also be directly linked to Facebook Messenger.The software is recognized for its attractive chat widgets, integrated product cards, and chatbot automation.PricingStarter: $25/user/monthTeam: $75/user/monthBusiness: $150/user/month14. Jira Service ManagementJira is commonly known for its project management and issue-tracking software used by development teams.However, they also offer Jira Service Management, a platform that aids IT teams in managing incidents and related requests.This support tool allows you to provide assistance to both employees and customers.Jira Service Management provides IT teams with a modern service desk, complete with ITIL-certified processes.PricingA free trial is available.Standard plan starts at $21/agent/month.15. HiverHiver is a customer service help desk designed for integration with Google Workspace.Instead of adopting an entirely new platform, Hiver enhances your company’s current Google Office programs by adding common customer service features such as Gmail shared inbox, analytics, and SLAs.It’s good for customer support teams who prefer the familiarity of Gmail but need help managing customer requests.PricingA free trial is available.Lite: $19/user/monthPro: $49/user/monthElite: $69/user/month16. Bitrix24Bitrix24 is a popular customer service software that provides a suite of communication, social collaboration, and management tools.Bitrix24 also possesses project and team management features, making it good for remote customer service teams.This platform enables your teams to deliver omnichannel support and manage customer questions from one central point.PricingA free trial is available.Monthly plans begin at $61/ agent.17. Nextiva service CRMNextiva Customer Service CRM is a software that helps businesses manage and improve their relationships with their customers.This software provides a unified customer service platform that allows businesses to track customer interactions, manage customer data, and automate some parts of the customer service process.Nextiva’s product suite also integrates with widely-used business applications for the enhancement of support operations and agent efficiency.PricingMonthly plans begin at $18.95/user/month.18. IntercomIntercom is a customer service software that enables companies to communicate with their customers on their website, app, through social media, or via email.Intercom’s customer service solution employs messaging and automation to enhance the experience for both customers and in-house teams.This software is designed to help businesses manage and improve their customer engagement and support compared to Intercom alternatives.PricingA free trial is available.Starts at $74/2 seats/month.19. HappyfoxHappyfox is a customer support system suitable for use by not just customer service teams, but also HR and marketing departments.It enables the streamlining of internal customer service through its IT support and customer support operations modules.Together with Happyfox alternatives, it provides customizable workflows and automation features that help simplify and reduce routine tasks, thereby making work more manageable for agents.Additionally, Happyfox provides self-service options for both internal and external customers.This enables them to find solutions to their inquiries without the need to generate a support ticket.PricingA free trial is available.Starts at $29/user per month.20. TIDIOTIDIO is a communication tool for businesses that keeps live chat, chatbots, and marketing automation in one place.This customer service software is designed to help businesses communicate with their customers faster and more effectively.What sets TIDIO apart from its competitors is its exceptional affordability.TIDIO provides affordable solutions for websites with fewer visitors, ensuring you don’t pay for excessive features or site traffic that you might not need.PricingA free plan is available.Communicator: $19/operator/monthChatbots: $19/operator/monthTIDIO+: $329/operator/monthSummary of the top customer service software solutionsBelow is a summary of the best customer service platforms:NameFeaturesPricing planLIKE.TGModern ticketing systemMultilingual knowledge base softwareEffective automationsAdvanced reports and analyticsIntegrationsTop-notch securityExtensive customization optionsUser-friendly customer portalStarts at $10 for 10 agents/month. ZendeskReporting and analyticsAI chatbotsCommunity forumsAutomationLive chatStarts at $19/month/user. FreshdeskOmnichannel ticketingReportingTicket routingKnowledge base softwareAutomationStarts at $15/month/user. SalesforceAutomationReportingKnowledge baseCall center managementTicketingStarts at $25/month/user. HubSpot Service HubLive chatReportingTicketingIntegration with marketing and sales hubShared inboxStarts at $18/month/user. AircallReportingCall routingIntegrationCall taggingCall conferencing solutionStarts at $30/month/user. HelpshiftIn-app messagingKnowledge base softwareChatbotAnalytics dashboardStarts at $150/month/user. LiveAgentTicket routingLive chatAutomationCommunity forumKnowledge baseStarts at $12/month/user. Zoho DeskReports and analyticsTicket collaborationTicket managementAutomationTicket routingStarts at $14/month/user. Help ScoutShared inboxTicketing systemLive chatAutomationKnowledge base softwareStarts at $20/month/user. OlarkTicketing routingOmnichannel agent workspaceLive chatCanned responsesStarts at $29/month/user. FrontShared inboxLive chatReports and analyticsAutomationTeam collaborationStarts at $19/month/user. LiveChatMultichannel supportLive chatAutomationTicketingStarts at $25/month/user. Jira Service ManagementAutomationTicket routingKnowledge baseTracking and reportingLive chatStarts at $21/month/user. HiverAutomationsLive chatShared inboxIntegrationsAnalytics and reportsStarts at $19/month/user. Bitrix24DashboardsKnowledge base softwareCustom reportsTime trackingStarts at $61/month/user. Nextiva service CRMTicketing systemAutomationAnalyticsCollaborationStarts at $18.95/month/user. IntercomLive chatTicketingChatbotsReportingShared inboxStarts at $74/month/user. HappyFoxAutomationReportingTicketingKnowledge base softwareCanned responsesStarts at $29/month/user. TIDIOLive chatCanned responsesMultilanguage supportOmnichannel supportChatbotStarts at $19/month/user. What are the various types of customer service platforms?Here are some types of customer service platforms.Help desk softwareThis is a platform that provides customer support operators with a range of tools to assist users and solve their problems.These tools typically include ticket management, automation, reporting, a customer portal, and multiple-channel support.The software allows companies to manage and track interactions with customers, streamline their issue resolution process, and improve customer satisfaction.It also helps in prioritizing customer issues based on various factors like urgency, type of problem, etc., and assigns them to the appropriate support staff.You can also use an internal help desk software to manage staff support requests, enhancing their work efficiency and overall productivity.Knowledge base softwareKnowledge base software is a type of technology that stores and retrieves knowledge to support functions such as problem solving, learning, and decision-making.It serves as a central repository for information that is accessible to everyone in an organization.It may include FAQs, manuals, guides, procedures, rules and regulations, among other types of information.This software is used to create an online library of information about a service, product, department, or topic.It can help in improving customer service by providing answers to common questions.Internal knowledge bases increase efficiency by providing employees with quick access to the information they need to perform their tasks.Live chat support softwareLive chat support software enables businesses to communicate with their clients in real-time through a chat interface on their website or app.This software often includes features like automated responses, chat transcripts, customer profiles, and performance analytics.Shared inbox softwareShared inbox software is a type of program that allows multiple people to access and manage a single email account.This can be useful for groups that need to collaborate on responding to customer inquiries, managing customer support tickets, or handling other collaborative tasks.Phone support softwarePhone support software enables businesses to handle customer inquiries and issues over the phone efficiently.This software is designed to log, track, manage, and report on customer support calls.It assists in managing customer’s queries, complaints, suggestions, and requests, and also helps in tracking the resolution process until the issue has been resolved.Features of customer support softwareCustomer service software comes equipped with a range of features designed to enhance and streamline support operations.While specific features may vary across different platforms, here are common features found in customer service software.Ticketing system: This is the core feature of most customer support software, and it allows you to track customer issues and requests from start to finish on a single platform.Centralization guarantees that every request receives attention and simplifies the monitoring and handling of support tickets.You can assign tickets manually or automatically to different agents, set priorities, and track the progress of each ticket.Multichannel support: Customers reach out through various channels, including email, chat, social media, and phone.Customer service software should be able to combine all these communications into a single platform for easier management.Integration capabilities: Integrating with other tools and platforms, such as CRM systems, live chat, and other third-party software, can significantly enhance productivity and provide a seamless experience.Reporting and analytics: Track customer service KPIs such as response time, resolution time, customer effort score, and customer satisfaction.Customer service software should provide you with reports and analytics that track your team’s performance, helping you identify areas for improvement and measure the overall efficacy of your customer service efforts.Automation and workflow: Automation features help reduce repetitive tasks such as assigning tickets to appropriate agents and setting up auto-responses.Look for software that can automatically assign tickets based on specific criteria, send acknowledgment emails, and set follow-up reminders.Self-service options: These are usually in the form of a library of articles and other resources that can be used by both customers and support agents to find answers to common questions.They can include a knowledge base, documentation, community forums, and other helpful resources.Live chat: Live chat enables you to communicate with clients in real time, which can be helpful for resolving urgent issues or providing quick answers to simple questions.Benefits of customer support softwareCustomer support software is an essential tool for many businesses.It provides many benefits and advantages that can significantly improve the quality and efficiency of customer service operations.Promotes customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retentionProviding service agents with the information and tools that enable them to offer swift and accurate customer responses improves their quality of service.This reduces customer churn and promotes loyalty, which often translates into repeated purchases.Enhanced efficiency and response timeProviding a self-service hub for your customers can significantly improve their service experience and reduce your team’s response time.When some customers can help themselves, your team has more time for those who can’t.With customer support software, all relevant information about a customer’s history, including previous interactions and purchases, is centralized and easily accessible.This helps support agents respond to issues more efficiently, without having to spend time searching for information and obtaining information from customers.Creating customer service email templates can help streamline communication and ensure consistency in customer responses.The automation functions in proactive customer support solutions handle numerous repetitive tasks that would normally need human involvement.This includes sorting and assigning tickets to the relevant departments or individuals, sending automated responses for common questions, and tracking the status of each customer’s issue.This automation not only saves time but also ensures that no request goes unanswered.Provides analysis and reportsUtilize the built-in reporting functionalities of some customer support software to understand changes in support volume, team efficiency, customer type and size, among other things.Access to precise data insights and customer service metrics can enhance a business’s sales, marketing, and support operations.The reports generated can help management make informed decisions.They provide significant insights into customer behavior, preferences, pain points, satisfaction levels and customer service ROI.Improves customer experienceMany automated customer service solutions offer automated responses and chatbots that can provide assistance around the clock.This means that customers can receive help even outside of regular business hours.Customer support software helps businesses provide consistent service by standardizing responses and ensuring that all inquiries are handled in a timely manner.This can improve customer trust and satisfaction in the business.Reduces costs and saves timeUtilizing customer support software can significantly cut down on costs.First, it reduces the need for a large customer support team, as the software can handle some of the ticket volume, reducing labor costs.Second, it decreases the costs associated with human errors, as the software can provide accurate and consistent responses.Third, it reduces overhead costs by streamlining and automating different online customer service processes.The automation provided by customer support software also saves time.It can quickly sort and handle simple customer inquiries, leaving more complex issues to human agents.It also provides immediate responses to customers, reducing the waiting time.Finally, it allows for easy tracking and management of customer data, saving time that would have been spent on manual data entry and analysis.Upgrades your serviceAs your business grows, so does your customer base and the volume of support requests.Most customer support software can scale to accommodate this growth, allowing you to handle an increasing number of support tickets without compromising on service quality.Customer support software is also flexible, meaning it can easily adapt to alterations in your business needs.You can include new features, integrate with other systems, and upgrade your plan as needed.As your business grows, it’s important to provide consistent service to all customers.With customer service tools, you can ensure that all support requests are handled in a consistent manner, regardless of volume.Best practices of customer service toolsCustomer service is a key part in maintaining a successful business. It can be the difference between a single purchase and a loyal customer.As such, it’s important to ensure you’re using the best practices to select top-notch support software.Evaluate the requirements of your customersOne of the top ways to understand your customers’ needs is by actively listening to their questions, concerns, and suggestions.This involves hearing and understanding your customer feedback and evaluating the information they provide.Every customer service tool has unique features, usually customized for a particular audience, industry, or market segment.To simplify examining the array of customer service systems, begin by identifying the kind of support your customers need.Consider your potential for future developmentYour selection of customer service software tools will form the foundation of your support team’s workflows.Selecting an option that can grow alongside your business is important, to avoid having to overhaul everything later because your chosen solution couldn’t scale.When assessing tools, consider their scalability. Can you add more users as your team expands? Is there an option to upgrade to a more advanced solution from the same provider if your business really takes off?Comprehend your requirements and those of your teamIt’s important to remember that a small business does not share the same needs as a large enterprise.However, size should not be the only factor considered when choosing support software.Consider your business operations:Is the majority of your marketing done online?Is it through social media or your website?Do your customers often have technical issues that necessitate involvement from another department?Do your customer interactions take place over the phone or solely through digital platforms?Are you frequently asked the same or similar questions?Identify the customer service tasks that consume the most time or create the most managerial challenges.Then, think over the types of tools that could potentially simplify these tasks.Think about reporting capabilitiesReporting tools allow you to oversee your customer service experience and avoid potential irritations.This data can be used to gain a deep understanding of your customers, your team, and even your own products and services.Your customer service software solutions should also enable data collection on team performance, facilitating the establishment of a baseline response time and satisfaction level.Look for free trialsNumerous customer service software tools provide free trials.This gives you the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the product’s interface and assess its user-friendliness and suitability for your needs.If you’re representing a larger business, it’s advisable to contact the software provider’s sales team.Discuss your specific requirements with them so they can demonstrate how their tools can meet your needs.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Why do small businesses need customer support software?Small businesses need customer support software to manage customer inquiries, provide timely responses, and enhance overall customer satisfaction.What are the key features of customer support software?Key features include a ticketing system, knowledge management software, automation, reporting and analytics software, multichannel support, live chat, and integration capabilities.These features help in organizing, automating, and improving customer interactions.What are the different types of customer support software? Different types include help desk software, knowledge base software, live chat support software, CRMs, and shared inbox software.How do you choose the right customer support software?To choose the right customer support software:Define your customer support goals and requirements.Consider the size of your business and potential growth.Evaluate the software’s ease of use and customization options.Look for essential features such as multichannel support and reporting.Check integration capabilities with your existing tools.Consider the quality and extent of customer support and training provided by the software vendor.Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and take advantage of free trials.How much does customer support software cost?Costs vary based on the software provider, features, and the scale of your business. Pricing models may include per-user pricing, tiered plans, or customized solutions.Expect monthly or annual subscription fees ranging from free basic plans to hundreds of dollars per user. Research and compare pricing models to find the best fit.How does customer support software improve response time?Customer support software improves response time by:Automating tasks like assigning tickets and sending notifications saves agents time.Providing agents with quick access to customer data and history.Offering customer service phrases and canned responses for common inquiries.Allowing customers to find their answers through self-service options.Enabling support across multiple channels from a single interface, making it easier for agents to access and respond quickly.It’s about time to invest in top-notch customer service softwareCustomer satisfaction should be a key priority for every business, as happy customers are more likely to return and spend more, while dissatisfied customers can severely harm your reputation.This is why it’s essential to utilize top-notch customer service software.These tools can assist you in automating and optimizing your system, enhancing your service delivery and maintaining customer satisfaction.It’s essential to choose a tool that fulfills your immediate needs, offers flexibility for future requirements, and fits within your budget.While the decision-making process might appear overwhelming, ending up with an unsuitable tool, unhappy customers, and dissatisfied team members is a far worse scenario.Through evaluating these options, we hope you can identify the customer service software that aligns with your business objectives and gives you superior customer service.Related blogsMost essential customer service skills Guidelines for customer service for any business 8 Strategies to Provide Efficient Customer Service

The COVID-19 pandemic has made remote working the only way to keep many businesses running as companies across all sectors have been compelled to limit site-based activities in the interest of public health. A Gallup survey has revealed that the number of US employees who work remotely has doubled from 31% to 62% since the pandemic started. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an upsurge in the number of employees who were working from home as authorities impose lockdown regulations to slow down the spread of the virus (Image Source). What’s interesting is that remote work could be the new normal even after the COVID-19 scare is over. For instance, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey announced that “if our employees are in a role and situation that enables them to work from home and they want to continue to do so forever, we will make that happen.” This is echoed by a Gartner report, which found that 74% of businesses are planning to make at least 5% of their employees work remotely, permanently. The Challenges Newly Transitioned Remote Employees Face While workers who have recently switched to a remote work arrangement are enjoying many benefits such as eliminating their commute to and from the office, they are also facing a number of challenges. According to Buffer’s State of Remote Work 2020, the biggest challenges remote workers face include: Collaboration and communication issues Loneliness Not being able to unplug Distractions at home Staying motivated New remote workers may also struggle with the above challenges. Additionally, a separate survey by the messaging platform Slack shows that those who are new to working from home struggle more in the following 3 areas compared to their more experienced counterparts: Productivity Sense of belongingness Overall satisfaction with work arrangement O - Operationalize Daily Check-Ins Almost all successful remote teams have structured daily check-ins. The agenda may vary day-to-day. For instance, Mondays can be spent planning weekly project schedules, while Fridays can be dedicated to reviewing the accomplishments and the challenges of the week. You can also dedicate days for one-on-one check-ins. The key is for these daily check-ins to be regularly scheduled, predictable, and to have clear agendas. P - Practice Flexibility One of the unique aspects of remote work is that you need structure. However, at the same time, you need to allow room for flexibility. Businesses should take into consideration that blending home-life and work-life comes with interruptions and distractions that disrupt an employee’s normal work patterns. It’s important to be able to think beyond the traditional 9 to 5 mentality and embrace more flexible work arrangements. It may sound challenging at first, but remote teams that thrive embrace flexibility and agility. Here are a few of the things you need to consider: Master asynchronous communication Set certain hours wherein your team members’ work hours overlap Use shared calendars so you know when everyone is working and when things are getting done This is closely related to the first element of this approach, which is technology. The more strategically you use technology, the more flexible and agile your team can be. For instance, time monitoring tools allow you to ensure that employees are working when they’re supposed to, which allows them to determine their own pre-plotted schedules. E - Ease Stress and Anxiety These are extraordinary times. Tension is high and uncertainty is rampant. As explained by the Center for Workplace Mental Health, “Many are teleworking full-time for the first time, isolated from co-workers, friends, and family. Our daily living routines are disrupted causing added anxiety, stress, and strain—physically, mentally, and financially. It is completely natural for this disruption and uncertainty to lead to anxiety and stress.” One of the most important and yet overlooked steps to help employees adjust to remote work is easing their stress and anxiety. Left unaddressed, stress and anxiety create hurdles for employees and businesses to truly thrive in a work from home setup. So, what can you do? Communicate empathetically: Employers and managers need to consistently talk to their employees in a way that they feel supported and cared for. Show empathy. Acknowledge that any anxiety they’re feeling is valid and offer support where you can. Demonstrate transparency: This is not the time for closed-door, managers-only meetings. Be transparent about what’s going on in your organization and the steps you’re taking to ensure business continuity. Make your employees feel that all possible scenarios have been explored. Promote self-care: Encourage employees to spend time outside of work to take care of themselves. Recommend activities that they can do in the safety of their homes such as meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga. Create fun activities: Host virtual happy hours or online games—anything that will allow your employees to share light-hearted, non-work related moments with each other. Help Your New Remote Employees C.O.P.E. Remote work is here to stay for the foreseeable future. Whether you decide to have your employees permanently work from home, move to a hybrid setup, or just wait until the COVID-19 pandemic becomes more manageable, helping your newly transitioned work from home employees is pertinent so your business continues to function. Using the C.O.P.E. approach, which combines technology, regular check-ins, flexible scheduling, and mental health management, is a perfect jump-off point for you to help your employees not only survive but to thrive in this new normal. About author: Dean Mathews is the founder and CEO of OnTheClock, an employee time tracking app that helps over 9,000 companies all around the world track time. Dean has over 20 years of experience designing and developing business apps. He views software development as a form of art. If the artist creates a masterpiece, many people’s lives are touched and changed for the better. When he is not perfecting time tracking, Dean enjoys expanding his faith, spending time with family, friends and finding ways to make the world just a little better.

In today’s globalized world, the importance of efficient and accurate communication across different languages cannot be overstated. One of the most promising developments in this field is the advent of neural machine translation (NMT). This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we communicate, bridging linguistic gaps and opening up new opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.In this article, we will explore the inner workings of NMT, its advantages and challenges, as well as its potential impact on the language services industry.Introduction to neural machine translationNeural machine translation is an artificial intelligence (AI) driven approach to language translation that leverages deep learning techniques to improve the quality and fluency of translated text. Unlike older rule-based and statistical methods, NMT models learn to generate translations by being trained on large parallel corpora of source and target language texts.This allows the system to grasp the intricacies of language and generate translations that are more natural and contextually appropriate.The concept of neural machine translation has its roots in the broader field of deep learning and neural networks. In recent years, advances in computational power and the availability of large-scale multilingual data have enabled researchers to develop more sophisticated and accurate NMT models.As a result, NMT has become a vital tool in the language services industry, and its applications are growing by the day.How neural machine translation worksNeural machine translation uses neural networks to generate translations. It consists of an encoder that reads the input text and converts it into vectors, and a decoder that generates the translation. The NMT model is trained using a large dataset of parallel texts in the source and target languages.During training, the model adjusts the weights of its connections between neurons to generate accurate translations. This is guided by a loss function that measures the difference between the model’s output and the correct translation. By minimizing this loss, the model becomes better at producing translations that are both accurate and fluent.In summary, neural machine translation is a complex process that involves the use of neural networks to generate translations. The model is trained using a large dataset of parallel texts, allowing it to improve its accuracy and fluency over time.Advantages of neural machine translationThere are several key advantages of neural machine translation over traditional rule-based or statistical methods. First and foremost, NMT models have the ability to learn complex language patterns and generate translations that are more fluent and natural-sounding. This is due to the deep learning architecture, which allows the model to capture the hierarchical and contextual relationships between words and phrases.Secondly, NMT models are more adaptable to new languages and domains. Traditional methods often require extensive manual work to create rules or gather statistical data, making it difficult and time-consuming to develop translation systems for less common languages or specialized fields. In contrast, NMT models can be trained on a variety of data sources, allowing for faster development of new language pairs and improved performance in domain-specific tasks.Another advantage of NMT is its ability to leverage context to disambiguate words with multiple meanings. This leads to more accurate translations, as the model is better equipped to select the appropriate meaning of a word based on the surrounding context. Moreover, NMT models can be fine-tuned with relatively small amounts of in-domain data, making them more suitable for adapting to specific industries or applications.Challenges in neural machine translationDespite its many advantages, neural machine translation is not without its challenges.One of the primary concerns is the quality of the training data used to build the models. High-quality parallel corpora are essential for training accurate and fluent NMT models, but such data is often scarce, particularly for low-resource languages or specialized domains.This can lead to problems with data sparsity, where the model struggles to generate translations for rare or unseen phrases.Another challenge in NMT is the handling of out-of-vocabulary (OOV) words. Since NMT models operate on a fixed vocabulary of words, any word not included in the vocabulary is essentially unknown to the model. This can lead to problems with translation quality, as the model may generate incorrect or nonsensical translations for OOV words. Researchers are actively working on methods to address this issue, such as subword segmentation techniques that break words into smaller, more manageable units.Lastly, neural machine translation models can be computationally expensive to train and deploy. The deep learning architectures used in NMT require significant computational power and memory, making it challenging to scale the technology for large-scale or real-time applications.This has led to ongoing research into more efficient models and hardware solutions to make NMT more accessible and cost-effective.Limitations of neural machine translationWhile neural machine translation has made significant strides in recent years, there are still some limitations to be aware of.One major limitation is the model’s tendency to generate translations that are fluent but not always accurate. This can be particularly problematic when translating idiomatic expressions, where the model may produce a literal translation that sounds natural but does not convey the intended meaning.Another limitation is the lack of interpretability of NMT models. The inner workings of deep neural networks are often described as a “black box,” making it difficult for researchers and practitioners to understand why a particular translation was generated or how to improve it. This lack of transparency can be a concern in applications where the quality and trustworthiness of translations are paramount, such as legal or medical contexts.Finally, NMT models are sensitive to the quality and quantity of training data. As mentioned earlier, the availability of high-quality parallel corpora is a key factor in the performance of NMT systems. However, collecting and maintaining these resources can be labor-intensive and expensive, particularly for less common languages or specialized domains.Opportunities in neural machine translationDespite the challenges and limitations, there are many exciting opportunities in the field of neural machine translation. One such opportunity is the development of multilingual NMT models, which can translate between multiple languages with a single model.These models have the potential to greatly reduce the cost and complexity of developing translation systems, as well as improve the performance for low-resource languages by leveraging knowledge from more abundant languages.Another opportunity lies in the integration of NMT technology with other language processing tasks, such as speech recognition, text summarization, and sentiment analysis.By combining these technologies, we can build more comprehensive and intelligent language processing systems that can better understand and respond to human language.NMT also has the potential to democratize access to information and break down language barriers in areas such as education, healthcare, and communication.By providing accurate and natural-sounding translations, NMT can help bridge the gap between people who speak different languages and enable them to access vital information and services.Examples of neural machine translation in actionThere are already several examples of neural machine translation being put to use in real-world applications. One notable example is Google Translate, which switched to an NMT-based system in 2016.Since then, Google has reported significant improvements in translation quality, with reductions in translation errors of up to 60% for some language pairs.Another example is the European Union’s eTranslation service, which provides machine translation services for EU institutions and member states.The system leverages NMT technology to provide translations for official documents, websites, and other materials, helping to ensure that information is accessible to all citizens in their native languages.In the business world, companies like Microsoft and Amazon are investing heavily in neural machine translation to power their language services and products, such as Microsoft’s Translator API and Amazon Translate.These services enable businesses to quickly and accurately translate content, such as websites, documents, and customer communications, to better serve their global customer base.Future developments in neural machine translationAs research and development in neural machine translation continue to advance, we can expect to see improvements in translation quality, efficiency, and adaptability. Some potential future developments include:More advanced architectures and training techniques to improve the accuracy and fluency of translations.Better handling of OOV words and idiomatic expressions, leading to more contextually appropriate translations.Improved multilingual models, allowing for more efficient and scalable translation systems.Greater integration with other language processing tasks, such as text summarization, sentiment analysis, and speech recognition.The development of more efficient models and hardware solutions to make NMT more accessible and cost-effective for a wider range of applications.Conclusion: The impact of neural machine translation on language servicesNeural machine translation has the potential to revolutionize global communication. While there are challenges, its advantages are undeniable. As technology advances, we can expect to see significant changes in the language services industry and beyond.For language service providers, NMT offers opportunities to improve translation workflows and quality. NMT is not a replacement for human translators, but a tool that can enhance their work.NMT opens up possibilities for global communication and collaboration for businesses and individuals. Accurately translating content into multiple languages can expand businesses’ reach and enable individuals to connect with people from around the world and participate more fully in a globalized society.As we continue to explore the possibilities of NMT, we can look forward to a more connected and inclusive world.REMEMBER !!!You can download our available apps for translating and learning languages correctly available for free on googleplay and applestores.Do not hesitate to visit our LIKE.TG website and contact us with any questions or problems you may have, and of course, take a look at any of our blog articles.

IT chiefs are expected to be more than technologists. The hallmarks of success today are C-suite relationships, a customer mindset and workflow digitization. Technology is projected to change organizations more in the next several years than it has in the last several decades. What does that mean for technology leaders?We polled 516 CIOs around the world, and interviewed about a dozen more experts, to understand how the CIO role is evolving. We learned that 67%s of CIOs agree that their role is more focused on digitizing workflows today than three years ago. But it’s also focused on a lot more.Their role now includes educating other members of the C-Suite on the future of work, partnering with HR to set talent strategies for the new types of jobs, supporting corporate customers as much as employees, and setting organizational strategy for the entire business with the CEO. According to our Workflow CIO Quarterly, their role now includes educating other members of the C-Suite on the future of work, partnering with HR to set talent strategies for the new types of jobs, supporting corporate customers as much as employees, and setting organizational strategy for the entire business with the CEO.“No longer are companies using technology to run their businesses,” says Martha Heller, chief executive of Heller Associates, a recruiting firm specializing in the CIO, CTO and CISO roles, and contributing editor to CIO magazine. “Technology is their business.”As a result, the CIO is now in the unique position of being the institutional expert on how companies must operate to succeed.While most CIOs recognize the opportunity, most aren’t fully prepared to take the reins. We created a maturity model for CIOs to investigate how many are well-positioned to lead. Take the quiz to determine where you rank.

Let citizen experiences drive your decision makingIn healthcare, citizen needs, expectations, and priorities can change quickly and with little warning. There’s no better example of this than the way COVID-19 immediately affected how organizations serve their customers and how healthcare providers prioritize patients, with many elective surgeries postponed.As federal healthcare agencies update their business models and operating procedures in the COVID-19 era, they must continue to be patient-centric. They have to understand how citizens and patients want to interact with government agencies and providers and address concerns throughout the lifecycle of services. With government-mandated stay-at-home restrictions starting to lift and the hiatus on non-emergency surgeries ending, federal agencies that provide services for soldiers, their families, veterans, citizens, and others need to be prepared to meet rapidly evolving needs.Most agencies and providers won’t be able to resume business as usual once restrictions end. They’ll have to enact best practices for in-office safety, develop a strategy for meeting and to prioritize customer needs, and if they’re delivering care, determine if they have essential products and materials like personal protective equipment.Federal health services provided by VA and military hospitals will need to be more agile than ever to meet changing healthcare requirements. HHS research facilities will need to be mindful of government mandates that differ by state and business or clinical procedures that may need to be updated as new best practices emerge. This means agencies must have a modern platform that can meet current and future needs, including giving organizations the ability to pivot if focus areas shift quickly.Meeting citizens in their digital spaceIn today’s Digital Age, government healthcare recipients expect agencies to interact and communicate with them across their preferred devices, from any location and at any time. It’s no longer enough for agencies to talk about digital strategies or implement digital technologies that offer only partial capabilities. They must deliver modern digital experiences, like appointment scheduling, that provide real-time responses and self-service access to medical information.Citizens have high expectations for service. They’re used to dealing with private-sector companies that have had digital processes in place for years. Innovative companies combine these processes with data analytics to proactively meet citizens’ needs and solve problems before the customer has to ask.As a result, citizens expect a similar focus on customer experience from the government, too. They expect agencies that provide healthcare services will keep them up-to-date on procedures they may need, share information that can improve their health and wellness, and maybe even arrange virtual visits with providers.Agencies are well on their way. For example, in the middle of the pandemic, HHS launched a new home page on March 17. “The new home page will be the beginning of a continuous improvement project that will create a more useful, consistent, faster, simpler, and possibly even a fun digital experience for the American public.” quotes a blog on hhs.com. DHA and VA have similar efforts. They aren’t just doing the bare minimum to meet government mandates, and they want to provide that extra something to engage users and provide a truly positive, perhaps even fun, experience.Digitalization achieves mandates, improves citizen interactionsOf course, there are still government mandates to be met. The 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (IDEA) has digital requirements for government agencies to deliver better experiences to citizens. In my blog earlier this year, I mention the great workflows that will define our 21st-century digital government and the pillars on which they rely.LIKE.TG’s digital, cloud-based platform allows agencies access to a single solution for these workflows, which enable modern health IT services. Each interaction is consistent, transparent, and relevant across federal healthcare agencies and organizations dealing with health services. It also integrates with other technologies to provide one centralized location for citizens and healthcare information.The Now Platform can also help agencies stay current with government regulations and best practices relating to COVID-19 and Return to Work procedures, such as contact tracing and employee health screenings. This gives agencies the ability to keep employees safe and compliant with changing regulations and each state’s restrictions.Keeping up with the timesWith so much information and misinformation about COVID-19, effective communication from healthcare service providers is essential. Citizens and their family members probably have questions about how the coronavirus could affect their care, especially if they have a procedure scheduled or need to visit their provider. They need to be able to easily ask questions and access reliable information related to their care.Communication must be consistent across all digital channels, regardless of the device being used. Those channels must be responsive, high quality, connect to the appropriate service, and enable self-service capabilities.The information brief “Improve health services through better citizen experiences” explains how transforming digital channels leads to better citizen experiences, which leads to better care. With the right platform, agencies can achieve higher satisfaction and better outcomes with less effort while building a truly digital government.

Good communication with employees can be the key between the success or the failure of a business. Unfortunately, employees do not feel like there is a lot of open communication. Only 36% of employees in the United States are engaged in their work with their current companies. Meanwhile, at least 15% of employees are actively disengaged. So, if you are an owner or manager of a company, what can you do about this? Well, the answer is to come up with an effective employee communication strategy. As a manager or an owner, you may find it to be a daunting task to have a strategy that fits every type of employee. You may be asking yourself, how can I do this while setting business goals? What are the best ways to improve employee communication in the workplace? How will those ways improve the company overall? How will that help you achieve business goals? Here are six ways to improve employee communication. 1. Encourage Employee Feedback One of the first things that you can do as a manager or employer is to encourage employees to provide feedback to you. This can be anything from recent policies that were implemented to the general work culture that your company has. Openly encouraging this while keeping anonymity can do a lot of good things for you. You can gain insight into what problems employees may have been too afraid to speak up about before. If you notice a pattern with an issue coming up, you now have the information necessary to acknowledge this problem and address it. Another thing that this can do is let employees know that their voices are being heard when it comes to company decisions. An example can be if employees all complained about a problem such as the lack of proper heating in the office building. Then, after the employees gave this feedback, the company went on to fix the heating in the office. This lets employees know that they can go to upper management about issues and provide open feedback. Then, they can have more trust in management to address these problems and come up with a solution for them. Encouraging employee feedback can be a great stepping stone in general open communication and it is one of the best communication tools. Receiving feedback that is honest can also help improve your business. “Our staff has praised the increased communications level Workmates delivers. We use it to communicate important project matters and give staff specific ‘kudos’ or even recognize their birthdays. More importantly, we use Workmates to clarify important project details that needed rapid dissemination among the entire team.” Christopher Baggott Chief Executive Officer of Medlinks Cost Containment, Inc. and Medlinks Staffing, LLC. Learn More 2. Recognize Employees Another thing that you can do as an employer is to start to recognize employees openly that do great work for your company. Employees are only human, so they want to know that they are appreciated for the good work done for your business. This can be a game-changer for a business considering that a large percentage of employees really value recognition. About 37% of employees in this survey said that employee recognition was the most important thing for their quality of work. If you think about it, this makes a lot of sense because it lets an employee work so that people see the good work that they are doing and value it. This not only can improve an employee's morale, but make them more likely to stick around. In that same survey above, it was found that teams scoring in the top 20 for employee engagement experienced 59% fewer turnovers. That means that employees feeling recognized generally makes them want to stay a part of the team that they are currently on. This can be a major key to building employee chemistry and coming up with a workflow where everyone is on the same page. An example can be giving out a bonus to the person who has the most sales on a sales team in a month. This can be a big employee reward that has a positive impact on workplace cultures. It can also help peer to peer recognition with people giving others respect for excellent work shown. Sometimes, just making people feel appreciated is all it takes for someone to be more open about their communication with you. So, you should put in an employee recognition program to boost morale. 3. Do Your Research Next, you need to make sure that you properly conduct market research for your business. This can be in any field from marketing to finances to management and more. Having the proper research on anything can increase an understanding between people. That means that they are more likely to have a clear idea of what needs to be done and the target market that they are doing it for. To do this research effectively, leaders also need to guide managers and their subordinate employees in the right direction. Make it as clear as possible what you are looking for. An example could be if another company is interested in merging with yours. Doing the proper research on that company can give you an idea of what they are all about, what they do, how they can help you, and if they are good for you. This research could save you from a contract that leads to your company getting swallowed. Or, you could find out that company's reputation for how they treat employees and previous business owners and decide that is not the way that you want to go. Research offers clear insight on certain topics and it can help you increase employee morale while providing a clear understanding of the objective. It can also help you with market segmentation and focus your product or service on a specific niche in your market. There are plenty of different types of market research that can satisfy your goals here. 4. Know Your Audience Along with the steps above, you have to have an idea of what your target audience for your product or service is going to be. This gives employees a better idea of who they are targeting in potential sales and a better idea of who they need to appeal to. What gender are you going after? What is your target age group? Do you think some races and nationalities will respond to your business better than others? These are things that you need to ask yourself as an owner or manager. Then, once you determine that answer, make it clear to employees what their target audience is going to be. Once you have your target audience down, it makes it much easier to target marketing towards them. There is more general marketing research out there already on what men and women like, what certain age groups like, and even what certain races and nationalities may like compared to others. Do not be afraid to use focus groups to get a better idea on how you can have customized services. Figure out what target audience with the data collected from those focus groups that best suits your business goals and attack from there. 5. Review Current Communication Methods If you are going to improve your communication methods, you are going to need to figure out what is wrong with your current communication methods. This means taking a deep dive into your business operation methods and figuring out how things currently get done. Then, you may notice small things that do not get picked up easily by a data sheet. For example, you may notice that your office sends most of its business memos by email. While it is not a terrible way to communicate, you may realize that there is a better and faster way to do so. What if you had an option where people can read a message at the click of a button compared to going into an email account? This research study revealed that over 90% of people read a text message in the first three minutes. Consider using communication platforms that have notification methods similar to texting. If nine out of ten people are reading your important messages in the first three minutes, that means that people are understanding what needs to be done faster and they can address concerns faster. 6. Establishing Goalposts Finally, as an employee or manager, you need to constantly be setting goals to keep your employees motivated. This also helps keep the business flowing and constantly evolving. To do this successfully, you need to clearly lay out what goals you wish to accomplish for your employees. Then, you need to delegate certain tasks to employees and give them a hard deadline to finish those tasks. For example, you can say that you want to increase revenue by 10% by the end of the next quarter. To do this, you may want to do a marketing campaign to boost brand awareness. This requires clear communication to employees on what tasks they have to do and how that will help the company achieve this goal. So, it can be some employees on graphic design, some employees on a press release, some employees on social media interaction, and more. Then, the goal is to finish these tasks by the original deadline that you set. Doing so not only helps the company meet its expectations but also gives employees a morale boost for finishing a challenging task. Implement Your Employee Communication Strategy These are just six tips that you can use to improve your employee communication strategy. Do not be afraid of setting goals and reviewing your current methods to discover some flaws in your company. Also, give employees a voice by providing an open door for feedback and rewarding them when they accomplish a big task. Do you want to make employee communication even easier? Request a free demo to see how our LIKE.TG can help your business communication grow into the future. About the Author: This article is written by a marketing team member at LIKE.TG. LIKE.TG is a leading provider of proven HR solutions, including recruiting, onboarding, employee communications & engagement, and rewards & recognition. Our user-friendly software increases employee productivity, delivers time and cost savings, and minimizes compliance risk

As of 2023, a staggering 12.7% of full-time employees have swapped their office chairs for their comfortable couches, choosing to work from home. For HR practitioners, recruiters, and business leaders, this shift necessitates an entirely new approach to workforce management and communication. In addition, while we are on the subject of secure communication, it is also worth noting how vital security protocols like an SSL certificate have become for ensuring safe and seamless online interactions. Health and Well-being: Ensuring Remote Employee Wellness Shifting to a remote work model presents its set of hurdles. The topmost worry is the well-being of employees. Lacking the confines of a traditional office, the boundaries between professional duties and personal life can easily merge. HR and business leaders must actively promote a healthy work-life balance. This can be achieved by establishing clear boundaries, encouraging regular breaks, and providing resources like online wellness programs or virtual team-building activities. Remember, a happy employee is productive, more engaged, and more committed. Prioritize their health and well-being, and watch your remote team thrive. Feedback and Continuous Improvement in Remote Workflows Feedback is the backbone of improvement, and it is even more crucial in a remote work environment. Without daily face-to-face interactions, communication gaps can quickly evolve into substantial workflow issues. For example, consider a remote design team using a cloud-based platform for project collaboration. If one designer is unsure about a design choice but does not voice this, the entire project could take a different direction. However, with regular feedback loops in place, doubts can be cleared promptly, and the process can be improved for future projects. 5 Strategies for Avoiding Remote Work Burnout The shift to remote work has been both a blessing and a challenge. While it offers flexibility, it also brings along potential stressors that could lead to burnout. A worrying statistic reveals that 57% of employers believe burnout directly affects their company's turnover and retention rates. Here are five strategies to tackle burnout and keep your remote team Cheerful. 1. Set Clear Boundaries One of the biggest pitfalls of remote work is the blurring of professional and personal boundaries. It is essential to define a clear start and end to the workday. Encourage employees to have a designated workspace and "log off" from work mentally and physically at the end of their shift. 2. Implement Regular Check-ins Daily or weekly check-ins can make employees feel valued and heard. These sessions are not just about work progress but also about addressing any personal challenges faced. Having a platform to voice concerns can significantly reduce feelings of isolation or overwhelm. 3. Encourage Breaks and Time Off Continuous work without adequate breaks can lead to rapid burnout. Advocate for employees to take short breaks during the day and ensure they utilize their vacation days. Sometimes, a brief change of scenery or a day off is all one needs to recharge. 4. Provide Professional Development Opportunities A sense of stagnation can contribute to burnout. Offering remote learning or professional development opportunities can help employees feel they are growing in their roles. Webinars, online courses, or even virtual workshops can make a world of difference. 5. Promote Health and Well-being Initiatives Remote work can sometimes lead to a sedentary lifestyle. Promote health by offering online fitness challenges, meditation sessions, or even virtual team workouts. Employees who feel physically healthy are better equipped to manage stress and avoid burnout. The remote work environment, though filled with numerous advantages, does come with its set of challenges. However, with the right strategies in place, HR practitioners and business leaders can ensure their teams remain productive, engaged, and, most importantly, happy. Remember, a team that's cared for will undoubtedly take care of the business. 6 Types of Tools to Make Remote Work Effortless Remote work, while offering numerous advantages, also presents its own set of unique challenges. The key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring seamless operations? Leveraging the right tools. Having the right technological aids can play a pivotal role in keeping teams synchronized, motivated, and efficient. Here is a look at six types of tools that can make remote work effortless. Collaborative Platforms: What it is: Online platforms that enable multiple users to work on a shared project simultaneously. Why it is essential: In a remote setup, teams need a digital workspace that mimics the collaborative environment of an office. These platforms allow for real-time editing, commenting, and progress tracking, ensuring everyone is on the same page. How it combats burnout: Keeping everyone connected reduces feelings of isolation and ensures that team members are aligned, reducing unnecessary work or overlaps. Video Conferencing Software: What it is: Digital tools that enable video calls, meetings, and webinars. Why it is essential: Face-to-face communication, even virtual, fosters team unity and ensures clearer communication. How it combats burnout: Regular video check-ins or team meetings can break the monotony of solo work and provide an avenue for social interaction, reducing feelings of isolation. Task and Project Management Applications: What it is: Online tools that help track, manage, and delegate tasks or projects. Why it is essential: With remote work, having a centralized place to check in on project statuses, deadlines, and individual tasks can streamline operations. How it combats burnout: Clear task lists and transparent workloads prevent overburdening and help distribute work more equitably among team members. Secure Communication Channels: What it is: Platforms that allow for encrypted, secure messaging and data sharing. Why it is essential: With the increase in cyber threats, ensuring the confidentiality of company and client data is paramount. SSL certificate like single domain or Wildcard SSL Certificate offers an added layer of security for online interactions. How it combats burnout: Employees can work with peace of mind, knowing that their communication is secure and protected without the added stress of potential security breaches. Digital Wellness and Productivity Enhancers: What it is: Apps or tools that promote mental well-being and enhance work efficiency. Why it is essential: Remote work can sometimes blur the lines between personal and professional time. These tools can help set boundaries, take breaks, or manage work more efficiently. How it combats burnout: By ensuring regular pauses, setting clear start and stop times, and even offering meditation or relaxation prompts, these tools can play a pivotal role in maintaining employee wellness. Employee experience platform: What it is: Necessary tool is designed to assess the employees’ interaction with apps, resources and online assets. Why it is essential: Employee Experience platform helps to increase engagement, business alignment, team collaboration, integration with current tools. Here, we would suggest one of the best software Workmates that allows easy internal employee interaction and outside engagement as well. This tool helps your employees connected with company, give feedback and update them by latest trends. Moreover, employees get rewards with badges and allows to put their efforts on company wall. How it combats burnout: Employee experience platform brings customized dashboards, personalized collections, and dynamic search to your dashboard. Securing Your Digital Space: Why It Matters? Just as our physical workplaces need security, our digital spaces are no different. The escalating threats within this digital landscape are alarming. From phishing attempts to advanced cyberattacks, the dangers are real and ever-present. For businesses, this means an urgent need to shield their operations, client information, and team communications. It is not just a fancy term; it is a crucial defense mechanism. Acting as a protective shield, this certificate ensures that all subdomains under a main domain are secure, providing a safety blanket for data transfers and communications. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, tools like these are no longer optional; they are essential. HR and business leaders should also invest in regular cybersecurity training for their teams, enforce multi-factor authentication, and conduct periodic security audits. The combination of these measures acts as a multi-layered defense, fortifying your digital fortress and ensuring sensitive data remains in trusted hands. Final Thoughts In this remote work age, just how fortified is your online arena? Are you equipped to tackle the unforeseen obstacles of the digital world? Every HR professional, recruiter, and business magnate should entertain a contemplation. In a world driven by digital advancements, it is not imperative we weigh our virtual protection on the same scale as our real-world security. Try Workmates Interactive Demo Click trough it yourself withinteractive demo. Try It Now

Without question, the largest disruption the customer service market has ever experienced happened at the beginning of the pandemic. Millions of customer service agents across the globe were sent home overnight, causing major disruptions for companies that were too reliant on manual processes and tribal knowledge.Agents didn’t have the necessary tools in this new remote environment, and customers experienced unprecedented wait times as a result, with some requests never being answered.On the other hand, companies that had previously invested in a digital-first system of engagement and a connected middle and back office were able to quickly adapt to the new circumstances and saw little to no downtime.The year 2020 was a wake-up call for companies to modernize and digitally transform to deliver better end-to-end customer experiences and become more operationally efficient. Speed, agility, and efficiency have become the key requirements for customer service.Needed: Customer engagement and customer operationsTransforming customer service starts with digital engagement, which involves how customers make requests. Today, businesses must meet customers at their point of need, in the channel of their choice—going beyond the traditional phone-based call centers into the omnichannel world of chat, virtual agents, self-service portals, and embedded service.This customer-facing “engagement layer,” however, is only half of the story in customer service. The other half is getting the work done to fulfill the request, and this is performed in the “customer operations layer.” In customer operations, organizations need to orchestrate a series of tasks to fulfill requests, and that orchestration is what we call workflows.A request such as, “What’s my order status?” can be handled in the engagement layer by an agent, a self-service web portal, or an AI-powered virtual agent. But most customer requests—and certainly the most impactful ones—are more complex.Seemingly simple requests like, “I would like to file an insurance claim,” or, “I want to dispute a bank payment,” require a series of tasks to fulfill the request. Often, the process spans multiple systems and departments within an enterprise.A lot of this work has traditionally been done manually via swivel chairs, emails, and phone calls, all glued together by agents and middle-office workers with tribal knowledge. The result is a slow, inconsistent process that leaves customers frustrated. LIKE.TG solves this problem and delivers great customer experiences by combining our modern digital engagement with powerful workflows. We define and structure workflows through declarative platform configuration and low-code application extensibility and development.This product-led approach has huge benefits over those that rely on low-level custom code, including fast initial deployments and fast ongoing iterations, which are essential with digital transformation. We can apply powerful analytics and AI for process optimization and automation that’s simply impossible to do using legacy approaches unless you write yet more custom AI code.Fueling better experiences and resilienceLIKE.TG delivered a purpose-built solution for Vaccine Administration Management in only one month. The application provides best-practice but flexible workflows to address three main challenges the world is facing with vaccinations: Consumer-grade appointment scheduling at scale Efficient and contactless clinician experiences Vaccine site and process administration These solutions are massively scalable and agile to accommodate the ever-changing situation on the ground and, most importantly, fast to deploy because every day counts in this crisis.Another great example of workflows at work is Lloyds Banking Group (LBG), which digitally transformed seven of its mission-critical payment operations in 12 weeks. With LIKE.TG, LBG has reduced manual processes and streamlined operations, creating a better experience for service agents and customers.LBG has removed 88% of the manual steps required to handle customer payment issues—from 16 steps to two. In addition, 82% of direct debit recalls are now fully automated, and 100% of customers receive refunds in less than 30 seconds.The IT service desk at Nationwide Insurance is leveraging Customer Service Management (CSM) to improve experiences for its associates and insurance agents, giving them more time to focus on customers. To date, the company has migrated approximately 27% of its support requests to self-service, helping navigate the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic.Pivoting to a new approachCOVID-19 forced many retailers to prioritize the e-commerce shopping experience over the usual hybrid in-store/online approach. As a result, they received an influx of customer inquiries. Those businesses needed a solution to manage the increase in online demand.For example, Austrian crystal company Swarovski had to close or reduce capacity at most of its retail stores across the U.S. in 2020. The company saw a huge surge in online requests, including questions from customers about the status of their online orders. This left the iconic brand with an immediate need for a more robust digital customer service strategy.Using LIKE.TG CSM, Swarovski was able to handle the influx of requests, reducing caseloads by an average of 55% and improving collaboration across departments. In fact, 92% of Swarovski’s customer care agents said LIKE.TG enables better communication with other teams.In the UK, Capita Software implemented LIKE.TG CSM to centralize 26 service desks, 290 agents, and 23 ticketing systems onto a single platform and empower users with smarter technology.Prior to that, Capita customers with more than one product often spoke with multiple agents across multiple service desks to resolve issues. This disconnected experience led to challenges for agents and customers alike.With LIKE.TG, Capita has reduced case volume by proactively helping customers find the answers they need and using communities to answer simple queries.Evolving customer supportContinuing to deliver great end-to-end customer experiences starts with implementing the right technology that supports customers on the channels of their choice and unites front, middle, and back-office operations.The technologies that helped organizations stay agile and resilient through the pandemic will now drive a new era of connected customer experiences that offer greater choice, faster resolution, and unrivaled proactivity.Learn more about how LIKE.TG transforms customer service at Knowledge 2021.LIKE.TG, the LIKE.TG logo, Now, and other LIKE.TG marks are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of LIKE.TG, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Other company names, product names, and logos may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

I’m consistently blown away by the creativity I see from LIKE.TG customers and partners using the Now Platform to build their own applications. Each year, their ingenuity astounds me.We created The Devvies App of the Year contest to highlight the incredible innovations that demonstrate out-of-the-box thinking and app development prowess to help organizations save time and costs.A panel of judges narrowed down the 297 submitted apps in this year’s contest to 10 finalists based on four criteria: Business impact: time and/or money saved, customer satisfaction Innovation: unique approach to reaching a business objective Scale: number of users Richness: variety of developer features and capabilities used All finalists were asked to create pitch videos showcasing their innovative apps. Judges reviewed the videos and questioned teams about each app’s features and impact to determine the App of the Year. Finalists' videos were also shared with the LIKE.TG community to vote on their favorite for the People’s Choice Award.With that, let’s meet this year’s finalists.CATIBuilt by Ignyte Group, CATI replaces FEMA’s outdated computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) survey application with streamlined data collection and report generation for improved focus on assisting disaster survivors. The app has reduced call times by 50% and enabled 20 interviewers to complete more than 800 surveys monthly.ClaimsThe Claims app, built by only two developers at Arctive AG, provides a single source of truth for insurance claims. By automating manual claims processes and enabling cross-company collaboration, the app delivers full transparency, flexibility, reduced lead times, and comprehensive reporting in one low-maintenance solution.Finance TaxationFinance Taxation by Howard County Government simplifies and accelerates the tax filing process via a single platform for improved productivity. Directly integrated with financial systems, the app provides tax teams with real-time validation to help ensure accurate application submissions. In the 2023 tax season, it efficiently handled more than 2,500 records.Marketing CentralLaw firm DLA Piper created Marketing Central to unite design, communications, content, social, and other teams under the marketing umbrella to effectively serve more than 800 partners. The app, developed by non-IT staff, has helped track, measure, and complete 300 subtasks/activities and 2,000 internal requests since mid-July.Production SupportProduction Support, developed mostly in-house by Veterans United Home Loans, streamlines loan processing by allowing users to search for answers to their questions across workgroups. The company has successfully managed a jump from 95,000 to 234,000 requests in one year with no increase in staff size. The app has reduced loan closing times, enhanced service delivery, and improved veteran satisfaction.Relocation ClaimsTo ease the headache of items getting lost or damaged during employee relocation, Relocation Claims by Arctive provides an automated claims solution for reporting. Supporting more than 1,000 users, the app streamlines claim submission and provides valuable reports on relocation vendor performance.SPAYG CoreSmart pay as you go (SPAYG) Core, built by Arctive AG, is a prepaid electricity solution that automatically monitors accounts, sends text messages regarding insufficient funds, and can turn off electricity for unpaid customers. Serving more than 250,000 homes, the app has reduced manual effort and complaints by 90%, maximizing employee efficiency for the electric company.Suite of Apps, Move4UPlat4Mation developed Suite of Apps, a collection of apps to automate international relocations of diplomats for the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. Supporting a network of 4,500 national ambassadors, the apps streamlined the relocation process for 341 requests in the first month, enhancing IT staff efficiency and transparency, and significantly reducing operational costs.TenonThe Tenon app by Tenon enables enterprise marketing teams to plan and carry out their marketing initiatives at scale, connecting departments. The app supports more than 3,000 users and integrates with customer relationship management and marketing automation systems to enable campaign planning, execution, and measurement.Tracy Social AITracy Social AI by Yansa Labs uses generative AI to automate generating, scheduling, and posting brand communications to both external and internal social media channels. The app has significantly reduced time spent on social media management by helping organizations stay relevant, communicate effectively, and maximize productivity with little human intervention.App of the Year: Production Support Veterans United Home Loans’ Production Support has revolutionized the loan processing experience for veterans. Before the company implemented a customized LIKE.TG portal, employees faced challenges with misdirected emails and inefficient communications.The new app features a comprehensive knowledge base, ticketing system, and catalog items, facilitating easy access to essential information and reducing back-and-forth queries.With more than 90 record producers and 20-plus custom workspaces, Production Support efficiently routes requests and evenly distributes tasks among 4,500 employees. This year, the app is on track to process nearly 250,000 requests, supported by nearly 20 knowledge bases and more than 3,000 knowledge articles.“I love the story this tells,” one judge remarked. “It just makes you feel good.” Another judge added, “Production Support and the team really get what LIKE.TG can do, and they’re using it to run their business. It’s exciting and truly a step above.”The team has chosen to donate its US$5,000 winnings to Veterans United Foundation, a charity that partners with military-related organizations and supports families in need.People’s Choice Award: Suite of Apps Securing 48% of the 446 LIKE.TG community votes, Suite of Apps showcased its widespread appeal and unique application of our platform tools.It's a “unique solution utilizing most platform developer tools and functionality while providing experiences to employees, agents and vendors,” a judge said.Initially developed to support hundreds of diplomats' relocations annually, this collection of apps integrates HR decisions, transportation, and claim settlements into a cohesive platform. Previously, these processes were handled individually and manually through emails, phone calls, and basic office applications, which disconnected customers, IT, and vendors.Now centralized in the Move4U Portal, Suite of Apps provides a single-pane-of-glass view, helping to ensure 24/7 global access with automated reminders, tasks, and complete status transparency for employees, agents, and vendors.Congratulations to the winners and finalists! Let’s continue finding new ways to make the world work better for everyone. I look forward to seeing what our customers and partners have in store.Get a free developer instance and start building.