At times, large corporations get lost in the shuffle of day-to-day activities and overlook warning signs that could point to distress for the business. By the time businesses realize a problem exists, it might be too late. The damage done to the company’s reputation is already too catastrophic to fix. This is an extreme, yet all too real scenario that no business owner wants to encounter. Recognize the warning signs before it is too late and streamline your business processes so employees can focus on customer service and quality work.
The first step to fixing a problem is simply recognizing that one exists in the first place. So, what are the signs of poor work practices?
- Frustrated employees
- Missed deadlines
- Unnecessary costs
- Wasted resources
- Bad customer reviews
The next phase of business recovery is actually a series of steps designed to streamline business services and performance to allow for improved customer service. Again, the focus is on providing excellent customer service and a quality product.
Customer Surveys. Locate the exact area where there is cause for concern by asking the people who matter: your customers. Ask about employees they dealt with, experiences with the company and the actual product or service itself. Paper comment cards are frequently lost and difficult to organize, so try to automate this process by incorporating it into a follow-up email, customer satisfaction survey or phone call after each interaction.
Upgrade Technology. Slow or flawed technology can cause customer wait times to lag even if they are only calling for support. This ultimately leads to a negative customer experience, which is one of the top ways businesses garner negative reputations. Many companies find that upgraded technology not only results in faster customer service, but in faster operations overall. The money spent on newer systems are often gained right back in increased productivity. This is a win-win situation for companies willing to take the risk.
Train Managers. One of the biggest complaints of the 21st century is the lack of training available at larger businesses. Managers are either expected to come into their roles action-ready or with all the interpersonal skills needed to manage a large department. It’s not that managers are unwilling to take on this responsibility; rather, they simply require additional training to do their jobs effectively. Online training courses in leadership and management can help instill goal-oriented attitudes and assist managers in driving their teams. Again, the return on investment is great when the investment itself is in your employees.
Outsource Payroll. The secret is out: H.R. is tired of dealing with your paychecks. They don’t like the complicated computer systems; they don’t like the liability that comes with touching employee pay; they don’t like handling complaints if computer glitches result in errors. Do your staff a favor and invest in professional payroll services. With companies like Padgett Payroll Services®, your company receives their own personal payroll administrator to guide you through the process of streamlining your company’s most fluid finances. Your employees will thank you!
Continued Evaluation. No company can function without regular check-ups to evaluate productivity and customer satisfaction. Continue with regular customer surveys and track the results of these comments. Star ratings are a convenient way to monitor less than satisfactory ratings and flag them for follow-up at a later time.
Whether your company is just starting out or has an established presence in your industry it is wise to give your business processes a second look to ensure maximum productivity. When employees are happy, work quality increases and customers become happier. To take the first steps toward a streamlined business, contact the experts in payroll management services and request to speak with a representative.