What Is Customer Service Week?

Customer service week acknowledges efforts of good employees and celebrates consumers.

Customer Service Week honors and celebrates employees who service clients. Thousands of companies across the United States participate. Employers use this week to reward employees and boost morale. Training sessions given during the week focus on customer service and teamwork. Some organizations use the celebration to remind consumers of their commitment to providing a positive customer experience.

History

In 1988, the International Customer Service Association created customer service week. In 1991, the Customer Service Group became the nationally recognized sponsor, providing employers with celebration materials and how-to information. The Customer Service Group also serves as a resource for professionals who want to share plans and ideas for the event. In 1992, the United States Congress declared customer service week as a nationally recognized annual event taking place the first week in October. President George H. W. Bush signed the Customer Service Proclamation on October 8, 1992, according to the Joint Resolution for customer service week.

Significance

The significance of customer service week is the intent to raise awareness of the vital role front line employees play in organizations, according to customerserviceworks.com. When a company celebrates customer service week it reinforces the significance the business puts on providing a quality experience for the consumer. And with many products and services available online, the importance of making the customer feel good has risen to new heights and can make or break a business of any size, according to Peter Hartz, author of "The Customer That Breathes."

Traditions

Red and blue symbolize the nationally recognized colors of customer service, according to csweek.com. A puzzle piece serves as the official logo. Participating organizations each have a favorite and unique way of celebrating. A lot of businesses enjoy hosting workshops and invite special speakers in for seminars. Hosting a different theme-party for each day of the week has been a favorite tradition for many employees and employers. Other popular traditions include raffles and games.

Sponsorship

Large and small companies in all industries participate in the annual celebration of customer service. Since the consumers' needs are deemed vital to the company's core values, many organizations use the event to reward front line employees. Companies that participate in this celebration also use this week to thank other departments for their support and remind customers of their commitment to client satisfaction.

Celebration Tips

Create a positive atmosphere. Several companies hang banners and inflate balloons, even handing out balloons to kids of clients. Also, hosting theme-parties and fun for everyone shows that the business put thought into the celebration. Theme days work just as well. Let your clients see the great customer service provided to them over the past year by posting stories and testimonials. Educate employees on ways to reduce stress and reward them for their hard work.

References

• "The Customer That Breathes: Every Job has a Customer;" Peter Hartz; 1996
• "Joint Resolution Designating the Week of October 4 through 10, 1992 as National Customer Service Week": US National Archives and Records Administration; 1992
• "CRM in a Week;" Naomi Langford-Wood; 2002
• CSweek.com: Customer Service Week: 2010
• Customer Service Works: Customer Service Week: 2010