By Delisa Thwala
It is that time of the year when companies and organisations celebrate their outstanding employees.
This week is dedicated to spotlighting the importance of providing exceptional customer service and recognizing the employees who deliver this vital service.
Similar to Employee Appreciation Day, there have been many creative ways to show appreciation for customer service representatives during Customer Service Week.
According to Forbes Magazine, Customer Service Week starts on October 7, 2024, and runs through October 11, 2024. It is an opportunity to show appreciation to employees who work hard to provide exceptional customer service.
The first full week of October 2024 marks the annual celebration of Customer Service Week, a time dedicated to appreciating internal and external customers.
This special occasion is when organizations across the globe recognise the importance of their customers’ loyalty and reaffirm their commitment to creating exceptional experiences. Equally, it is a moment to acknowledge and appreciate staff members for their efforts in crafting and delivering those experiences.
This year, Customer Service Week will be celebrated under the theme “Above and Beyond,” urging customer experience practitioners to go the extra mile in creating transformative experiences for their customers.
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Oliver Museka, the pioneer of the Eswatini Customer Service Excellence Awards, emphasised the importance of this week, stating Customer Service Week serves as a reminder that exceptional service is not just an expectation but a vital component of our economic growth and community well-being.
Museka said they strive to exceed customer expectations at every opportunity.
He highlighted that exceptional customer service goes beyond merely fulfilling basic needs; it is about creating memorable experiences that foster loyalty and trust.
“In an increasingly competitive landscape, businesses that prioritize exceptional service enhance their reputations and also contribute to the overall prosperity of the community by creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and promoting a positive brand image.”
The main celebration of Customer Service Week will run from October 7 to October 11, 2024, during which organisations will have the opportunity to interact with customers, showcasing their commitment to excellence.
Museka added that following the week-long celebrations, customer service practitioners will come together for a conference on October 23-24, 2024, to share ideas and network, focusing on how to enhance customer service across various industries.
“One of the highlights of the celebrations is the Eswatini Customer Service Excellence Awards. Nominations for these prestigious awards opened on August 30, 2024, and will close on September 25, 2024. The public is encouraged to submit their nominations through the official link: 2024awardnominations.000.pe.
“The official launch of Eswatini’s Customer Service Week will take place on October 4, 2024, in Shiselweni, Nhlangano. This open event invites organizations and the public to declare their dedication to customer-centric service.
“Officials from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Trade, along with representatives from the Nhlangano Town Council and the Eswatini Customer Service Week organizing team, will deliver addresses at the event,” he disclosed.
The main celebration of Customer Service Week will run from October 7 to October 11, 2024, during which organizations will have the opportunity to interact with customers, showcasing their commitment to excellence.
RELATED: Eswatini Customer Service Week nominees list has been released
Following the week-long celebrations, customer service practitioners will come together for a conference on October 23-24, 2024, to share ideas and network, focusing on how to enhance customer service across various industries.
The Eswatini Customer Service Excellence Awards Gala Dinner will take place on October 25, 2024, where the best in customer service will be recognized and celebrated. Nominees for these awards will be announced at the official launch on October 4, 2024.
Worth mentioning is that The theme is colourfully illustrated in a berry, goldenrod, azure, and midnight blue logo, which appears on everything you need to celebrate.
This year organisations have been invited to service and support staff to go Above and Beyond for customers.
In 2023, the customer service began as a one-day event and later expanded into a week-long celebration.
That year’s theme across the world was ‘Team Service’. Emphasizing the team.
According to Forbes, the theme encapsulated the essence of collaboration, unity, and the power of working together towards a common goal.
Eswatini organizations put their best foot forward in celebrating the week; companies like Eswatini Mobile, Central Bank of Eswatini, and FNB Eswatini, among others, were among the outstanding companies.