Working in customer services seems to be a job that everyone has listed on their resumé at one point. Whether it’s your first job, a way to earn money whilst studying, or even your career path, you’ve either done it or you know someone that has. 

Maybe it’s the accessibility of the work that brings people in. With the general requirements of being able to smile and talk to people, many companies consider it to be an entry-level position. However, this doesn’t make it any less important.

Customer satisfaction is at the heart of any business offering a service, and this is achieved through their workers.

In fact, research completed by Hubspot (the marketing platform provider) shows that 90% of customers are likely to spend more with a company that provides excellent service. Their results also show that 93% of people are more likely to come back because of the service provided, helping to feed the cycle of business. 

Owners of businesses truly do rely on the positivity of their team members to build their business. They’re the vital human connection in the link between a brand and the consumer.

Customer service is arguably one of the most important parts of the business. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted this especially.

Whilst trying to adapt to a difficult, new normal of lockdowns and restrictions, people relied on essential workers to provide their services just like before. And those working in the industry are some of the heroes that shone through most in these tough times.

From the chaos of the first lockdowns, retail workers, in particular, were expected to keep a level head despite the pressure. Whether it was battling anti-maskers or facing selfish hoarders, it was business as usual for them.

The amount of effort they put into their work and the situations they have to deal with, can be disproportionate to their paycheck at the end of the month. It can also be quite stressful and exhausting work too. 

And there’s a multitude of consequences that come from disgruntled and undervalued employees, and one of them is health repercussions. The World Health Organization has officially recognized burnout as an occupational phenomenon. It is defined by three distinct characteristics: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, feelings of cynicism related to one's job, and reduced professional efficacy.

The effects of burnout are endless but let’s take an example for good measure. A survey was completed by Deloitte on it specifically. From one thousand respondents, 83% of them said that burnout from work impacted their personal relationships negatively.

Quite a huge number of people are feeling stressed out from their work. It’s easy to say, “it’s just work”, but it’s harder to shake off those feelings after you clock out for the day. So, How can we prevent these work emotions from spilling over into our personal life? 

According to Dr. Juli Fraga, a psychologist and writer, there are a number of ways we can manage our feelings about work. She notes that our physical health has an enormous effect on our mental health. Here are her top tips:

Exercise: “Not only is exercise good for our physical health, but it can also give us an emotional boost. Stretched for time? You don’t need to spend hours at the gym to reap these benefits. Mini-workouts and short walks are convenient ways to make exercise a daily habit.”

Eat a balanced diet: “Eating a healthy diet filled with omega-3 fatty acids can be a natural antidepressant. Adding foods rich in omega-3s like flaxseed oil, walnuts, and fish may help give your mood a boost.”

Practice good sleep habits: “Our bodies need time to rest and reset, which is why healthy sleep habits are essential for our well-being. Avoiding caffeine before bedtime, establishing a relaxing bedtime ritual, and banning smartphones from the bedroom can help promote sound sleep hygiene.”

Ask for help: “During stressful times, it’s important to reach out for help. If asking for assistance feels difficult, consider developing a self-care ‘check-in’ with close friends and family members so that you can take care of each other during trying times.”