In today's fast-paced digital age, the automation of key systems has become a hallmark of 21st-century businesses. However, amid the rush to embrace automation, businesses must pause and consider whether they might be sacrificing the invaluable human touch in their pursuit of efficiency.
Personalising the customer experience is crucial. Automation plays a significant role in creating tailored, data-driven personalisation for each customer. It's essential to recognise that not everyone welcomes full automation.
A recent survey revealed that 36% of customers would prefer waiting on hold to speak with a human agent rather than interacting with an AI-powered virtual assistant for self-service.
How can businesses strike the right balance between automation and genuine human interaction? A cornerstone of delivering an exceptional customer experience (CX) is establishing direct, personal connections with customers. Which tasks should be automated, and which should be left in the hands of human teams?
Here are some business strategies for achieving the optimal automation-to-human balance:
- Automate admin tasks: Mundane and time-consuming administrative tasks can be efficiently automated using software tools and customized AI assistants. Tasks such as onboarding new customers, handling frequently asked questions, and sending reminders and notifications can be streamlined.
- Automate finance tasks: Many modern cloud accounting platforms come equipped with automation and artificial intelligence tools. These tools facilitate processes like automated invoicing, payment collection, and transaction matching, leading to more effective bookkeeping and real-time financial insights.
- Maintain human interaction: While customers appreciate efficiency, they also value personalised interactions. A staggering 77% of customers express loyalty to businesses that provide exceptional service. Being able to connect with a human agent plays a vital role in humanising these interactions.
- Leverage human expertise: The personality and expertise of your team members are integral to your brand identity and CX. Strive to maximise human interactions with customers and tailor these interactions to suit individual preferences.
- Balance efficiency: Remember that people prefer buying from other people. While automation can enhance convenience, it should not completely replace human involvement. A genuine, living, breathing business relies on a human touch to create a top-class CX.
Automation and the smart use of AI are undoubtedly essential for creating efficient and productive digital businesses. However, it is equally important never to underestimate the significance of human interactions and genuine customer relationships in the growth and success of your business. Speak with us today about finding the right balance between automation and the human touch in your business.