How to Break Free from Work Obsession

Living in a country with a high cost of living, the increasing pressure to stay on top of our bills makes us cling to our work life. While working long hours is one thing, obsessing over office predicaments and looming projects during our free time is detrimental to our mental health and relationships.

On that note, this article explores effective strategies to help you stop fixating on work and find a healthier work-life balance.

IDENTIFY THE UNDERLYING CAUSE/S

Your work obsession has underlying causes, which are often psychological or emotional. Some common reasons why people develop workaholism include a drive for perfectionism, a need to maintain control, a strong desire to be valued as “high-achieving,” avoidance of other problems, and beliefs that you are only worth as much as you produce.

Pinpoint the underlying causes by trying to journal or seeking support. A qualified therapist can help you unpack and make sense of these sensitive issues.

BREAKING THE CYCLE

Many of us find it challenging to let go of work-related thoughts, even after hours. To break this cycle, start by tracking how much time you spend ruminating about work.

According to psychologist Guy Winch, some individuals dedicate 10 to 20 hours a week to these work thoughts. To interrupt this pattern, engage your mind with activities more stimulating than watching Netflix. A few minutes of mental taxation can serve as a reset.

Channel your concerns into problem-solving – identify the core issue and explore actionable solutions. If workload worries you, consider delegating tasks or declining unnecessary meetings. When faced with situations beyond your control, focus on finding the silver lining to maintain a positive outlook. Improving your spiritual health can help.

REFRAMING YOUR LIFE

Obsessing about work can disrupt your sleep, mood, and overall mental health, impacting your performance at work. Establish a clear boundary between work and personal time by creating a simple ritual that signifies the end of your workday – whether it’s making your coffee or changing clothes.

Engage in hobbies that provide a genuine escape from work-related thoughts. Try tennis or pottery! Set achievable goals, such as dedicating an hour to gardening, especially on stressful workdays. By immersing yourself in activities you love, you can regain a sense of control and balance in your life.

ELIMINATE HARMFUL BELIEFS

Breaking free from an obsession with work can be challenging, particularly when you perceive that your worth is linked with your productivity.

Interrogate these beliefs and reflect on whether they authentically originate from within you or if they were absorbed from cultural or familial influences. Often, the detrimental beliefs we hold onto in adulthood are not inherently ours but are deeply embedded in us during our formative years.

IN A NUTSHELL

Obsessing over work not only affects your mental well-being but also hampers your relationships and overall quality of life. By implementing these strategies, you can break free from the cycle of work obsession, reprioritize your life, and rediscover the joy in your personal pursuits.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Remember, finding a balance between your professional and personal life is essential for your productivity, happiness, and overall fulfillment.

Source: 1 & 2

 

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Latest WFH internships posted from 20 to 23 November 2023

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Believe it or not, today’s the last Friday of November 2023!

And that means we’re just days away from the last month of this year.

If you haven’t got an internship opportunity signed, it’s time to get those resumes sent. And to ease your search, here are the latest WFH internships posted this week.

#1: Tribe – Finance & Accounting Intern

Connecting Tech Talents to Global Opportunities

Website: tribex.co

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • You are available for at least 4 months full-time starting from December 2023. 6 months commitment preferred.
  • Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree majoring in Accountancy or related disciplines
  • Equipped with an understanding of the basic accounting principles
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and G Suite products
  • Effective communication skills to build interpersonal relationships
  • Strong time management skills with the ability to work without distraction
  • Attention to high quality, details, and accuracy.
  • Strong interpersonal, and team working skills.
  • Willingness to learn and develop professionally in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Maintain daily operations of the accounting functions including accounts payable (AP), and accounts receivable (AR), and perform bank reconciliation
  • Prepare and process the bi-weekly vendor payment
  • Assist in the implementation and migration of the accounting system
  • Prepare supporting documents for any audit submission
  • Perform general administration tasks and other ad-hoc projects as assigned
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send your application to [email protected]

#2: Aunty Pte Ltd – Marketing Intern

Connect with a local and trusted Babysitter in just 3 easy steps

Website: aunty.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,200 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Ability to come up with creative ideas to attract target audiences through different aspects of marketing
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience in graphic design and video production will be advantageous
  • Self-motivated, dedicated, hands-on, and willing to go the extra mile
  • Superb communication and influencing skills to work with different users and stakeholders
  • Proactive, innovative, flexible, and willing to take on new challenges and responsibilities
  • Able to work independently
Key Responsibilities
  • Drive market growth through the acquisition and management of partnership leads
  • Grow user base on various social media platforms and increase awareness of Aunty
  • Frequent collaboration and involvement in campaigns
  • Understand consumer insights quickly to drive acquisition and growth metrics
  • Manage strategy, development, budget, and optimization of paid social and digital campaigns.
  • Collaborate across teams to amplify content and develop ideas, copy, content, and strategy for brands and programs on social media.
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send your application to [email protected]

#3: Style State (Australian Fashion Brand Launching In Asia) – Digital And Content Marketing Intern

 

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Website: stylestate.com.au

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 – 1,200 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Demonstrated expertise in Social Media, Communications, or Brand Marketing roles will be a plus 
  • Strong multi-tasking and project management skills 
  • Desire to understand and apply social media best practices and trends
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills 
  • Able to adapt and adjust on the fly, as fashion is affected by weekly changes in trends, weather, or current events
  • Adept in Google Suite (Words, Slides, Sheets) and Adobe CC Suite
Key Responsibilities
  • Brainstorm, manage, and develop content schedules, briefs, and assets for social channels 
  • Write compelling and creative copy and storyline to generate traffic and calls to action 
  • Run paid marketing campaigns across different segments to test which audiences are most engaged
  • Influencer outreach to identify potential brand ambassadors who can represent Style State in Asia
  • Ad-hoc content creation for social media channels – amplify content and build your brand by using your own channel!
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Tim via this link.

#4: Studio Realize Pte Ltd – Graphic Designer Intern

Studio Realizé is a branding and illustration agency based in Singapore

Website: studio-realize.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,400 – 1,700 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Graphic Design or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
  • Strong understanding of design principles and concepts.
  • Excellent creativity and attention to detail.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
  • Motion design and Illustration skills are a plus
Key Responsibilities
  • Create visually appealing designs for print and digital materials, including brand identity, brochures, websites, social media, and more for a variety of clients (cultural Institutions, tech startups, cosmetic brands, and more.)
  • Collaborate with the team to brainstorm creative ideas and solutions for client projects.
  • Contribute to the development and promotion of the studio by creating creative marketing assets for the website and social media platforms. Design engaging visuals that represent Studio Realize’s identity.
  • Assist with client meetings and presentations to ensure design concepts align with client expectations.
  • Develop illustrations and/or graphic art for the online store. Create unique and eye-catching visuals that resonate with the target audience.
  • Contribute to maintaining a high standard of quality and design consistency across all projects.
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Alizee Sire via this link.

#5: Privilege Motors Pte Ltd – Social Media Marketing Executive (Internship)

 

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Website: privilegemotors.com.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $900 – 1,500 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Cheerful with innovative ideas
  • Familiarity with basic web design principles and content management. 
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. 
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Key Responsibilities
  • Assist to manage and curate social media content across various platforms. 
  • Keep abreast of the latest social media trends, technologies, and best practices. 
  • Work closely with the Marketing, Sales, and Product Development teams to ensure cohesive brand messaging. 
  • Assist in team development and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Sammy via this link.

Editor’s note: These internships are selected based on the “remote” tag, but some positions are hybrid ones and you may need to report physically to the office. For more deets, do contact the employer directly.

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Latest WFH internships posted from 13 to 16 November 2023

asian lady working from home

Do you know it’s never too early to apply for an internship?

Some internships are posted months in advance but companies are looking for folks to start in 2024 and whatnot.

So if you’re not available to start right away, that’s okay. It’s still wise to keep up with the latest internship opportunities to see what’s in the market.

And who knows? You might find that one brand that you really wanna work with and they could be on this list:

#1: Dive Deals – Marketing Intern

 

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A post shared by Dive Deals (@sgdivedeals)

Website: divedeals.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Undergraduate from NTU, SMU, NUS, SIT, SUSS, SUTD, or SIM only (eligibility criteria for Global Ready Talent Programme).
  • Minimum commitment of 6 months (high priority given to candidates who can commit for a longer duration).
  • Love deals <3
  • Affluent social media user, preferably an influencer.
  • Experience with Canva or equivalent.
  • Good communication or copywriting skills.
  • Mature, diligent, and meticulous with positive attitudes: growth mindset and self-discipline.
Key Responsibilities
  • Manage Dive’s social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Telegram
  • Develop simple creatives, hand-picking daily & weekly highlights worth sharing.
  • Research, write, and edit blog articles.
  • Devise growth marketing campaign, plan and execute tactics to raise awareness and increase traffic.
  • Engage with communities in various channels.
  • Building the brands page & populating deals on the custom database.
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Alvin via this link.

#2: Mercedes-Benz Singapore Pte. Ltd. – Intern – IT Product (Marketing & Communications)

mercedes-benz.com

Website: mercedes-benz.com/en

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,200 – 1,500 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Undergrad degree in Business, Marketing & Communications
  • Positive, team-player, and good working attitude
  • Exceptional writing skills in English
  • Proficiency in Google Analytics, Google Ads, LinkedIn campaign management
  • Self-starter with willingness and openness to take on new and different tasks
  • Ability to multi-task and meet multiple timelines
  • Strong ability to communicate with cross-functional teams and resilience in own opinions and input regarding the product
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and execute digital marketing plans to increase product awareness, drive traffic to the website, and generate marketing-qualified leads
  • Maintain a content marketing calendar that schedules all aspects of the creation and delivery of content throughout the year across all platforms, including email, website, blog
  • Assist with the development and implementation of SEO on website and blog
  • Copywrite content for internal and external communications i.e. blog, LinkedIn posts
  • Effectively write, edit, and collaborate on communications with other stakeholders, including platform-level content
  • Create engaging and visually appealing graphics for use in digital marketing campaigns
  • Reviewing analytics reports and making recommendations for improving website performance
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Ezra Tan / Kimberly Yeo via this link.

#3: X10 Media Pte Ltd – Business Development Intern

Amplify Your Brand with the Power of Influence

Website: x10.media

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Years of experience of a minimum of 1-2 years in Business Development or Marketing experience.
  • Fresh grads with Business Development, Media, and Marketing backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
  • Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent experience.
  • Proven business acumen in project planning and management.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
  • Passionate about influencer marketing.
  • Self driven & highly motivated.
  • You have proven knowledge and execution of successful development strategies.
  • Focused and goal-oriented.
Key Responsibilities
  • Source & prospect potential brands through different communication channels that could work with X10 Media for social media campaigns.
  • Attain individual objectives by scheduling meetings, generating quotations, and securing signed deals monthly during your internship period.
  • Craft proposals with suggested strategies and directions for potential brand collaborations.
  • Prepare campaign agreements/invoices for brands.
  • Be involved in company meetings and may be required to participate in company events.
  • Assist in strategist campaign idealization, content planning, and executions regarding social media and video production.
  • You may also be assigned to different tasks to support your learning and exposure period during your tenure with the company, based on skill set and/or as deemed necessary at your direct superior’s discretion.
  • To perform ad hoc duties as assigned.
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send your application to [email protected].

#4: Clarins Pte Ltd – Finance Intern – Travel Retail Asia Pacific

 

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Website: clarins.com.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,200 – 1,300 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Business or Finance degree
  • No particular experience is required but generally eager to learn and discover a fast-paced business in a multicultural and dynamic international company
  • Basic Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint knowledge
  • Eager to learn from experienced professionals (hard and soft skills)
  • A high degree of responsibility, integrity, and attention to detail.
  • Investigative nature
  • Entrepreneurial mindset, challenging the existing, and seeking for perfection
  • People and communication skills with an ability to adapt to different personalities
Key Responsibilities

MONTHLY SALES REPORTING AND ANALYSIS

  • FX reporting and trend analysis 
  • SOSI (Sell Out – Sell In) sales reports and analysis
  • Net invoicing group reports preparation and analysis
  • Forecast file update
  • Monthly market trends update 
  • GTR S&OP (Sales and Operations) meeting preparation

BUDGET AND RE-ESTIMATE

  • Participate in commercial budget and re-estimate reviews 
  • Convert financial data into intelligible PowerPoint illustrations for the general public
  • Help feed top management with ad-hoc analysis contributing to the budget storytelling 

DAY TO DAY

  • Implement and extract prices from M3 for actual billing purposes 
  • Develop SOSI ownership (updates, maintain, and improve)
  • Analysis and use of the numerous Group reports (Inventories; Itemized analysis…)
  • Maintain customer database 
  • Improve and document processes continuously
  • Be alert to market trends, macro and microeconomics, geopolitics, etc.

AD-HOC PROJECT MANAGEMENT

  • Itemized sales report excellence
  • Any ad-hoc projects relevant to the business
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Eunice via this link.

#5: Redex Pte Ltd – Intern (Human Resources & Administration)

redex.eco

Website: redex.eco

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,100 – 1,350 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Currently pursuing or recently completed a diploma or degree in Business or a related field.
  • Proficient in MS Office
  • Possess good communication and interpersonal skills
  • Able to multitask and enjoy a fast-paced environment
  • Full-time interns preferred (3-6 months)
Key Responsibilities
  • Support the recruitment process including onboarding and offboarding tasks
  • Assist with various HR activities
  • Provide administrative support, such as arranging meetings
  • Other ad-hoc duties as required
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Jasmine via this link.

Editor’s note: These internships are selected based on the “remote” tag, but some positions are hybrid ones and you may need to report physically to the office. For more deets, do contact the employer directly.

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Latest WFH internships posted from 6 to 9 November 2023

a lady having a video call while working from home

Ready for an 11.11 shopping spree when the clock strikes 12?

Don’t forget the important stuff first—finding an internship. We’ve sieved out the legit ones worth checking so all you have to do is prep your resume.

Here are the latest WFH internships posted this week.

#1: WE! Interactive – Content Creation Intern

we-interactive.com home page

Website: we-interactive.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $500 – 700 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Currently pursuing a degree in photography, videography, film, media, or a related field.
  • Strong photography and videography skills with a portfolio demonstrating your work.
  • Proficiency in video editing software, with a focus on TikTok video creation.
  • A good eye for visual storytelling and the ability to work collaboratively with a creative team.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to take direction and feedback.
  • Social media-savvy with a deep understanding of TikTok and other popular platforms.
  • Creative mindset with a passion for creating engaging content.
Key Responsibilities

Photography and Videography:

  • Capture high-quality photos and videos in various settings and for different purposes.
  • Work closely with in-house planners and the creative team to execute content ideas.

Video Editing:

  • Edit and enhance videos for social media platforms, with a particular focus on TikTok.
  • Add graphics, music, and effects to make the content more engaging and shareable.

Social Media Savvy:

  • Stay updated with the latest trends and features on various social media platforms, especially TikTok.
  • Suggest and implement creative strategies to maximize social media presence.

Content Planning Support:

  • Collaborate with content planners to brainstorm ideas and concepts for new content.
  • Assist in content calendar management and scheduling.

Equipment Maintenance:

  • Maintain and organize photography and videography equipment.
  • Ensure equipment is in good working condition for content creation.
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Matthew via this link.

#2: Alpha Story Technologies Pte. Ltd – Public Relations Consultant Intern

 

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Website: alphastory.co

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Some experience in content writing – particularly in writing press releases and media pitches 
  • Excellent multi-tasking skills with a sense of urgency 
  • Ability to manage clients 
  • Possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to interact with employees from all levels
Key Responsibilities
  • Be a writer who grasps concepts easily and crafts compelling stories. Having a strong command of English is a must.
  • Support with client servicing if needed, following up or responding to inquiries with professional and sound advice.
  • Work closely with your PR mentor but also demonstrate the ability to be an intuitive problem solver, as well as think independently.
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Faris Sufian Chew via this link.

#3: Playwrite Singapore – Business Development Intern

 

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Website: playwrite.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $400 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, or a related field.
  • A strong interest in the intersection of education and technology, with a curiosity about market trends and business strategies.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to take initiative, work independently, and contribute as part of a team.
  • Strong organizational and analytical skills.
  • Previous experience in a business development or sales role is advantageous but not necessary.
Key Responsibilities
  • Support the business development team with research on potential partners, competitors, and market opportunities.
  • Assist in creating and maintaining a pipeline of prospective partnerships and client leads.
  • Collaborate in the preparation of proposals, presentations, and pitches for new business opportunities.
  • Help coordinate and participate in networking events and webinars to build an industry presence.
  • Contribute to the analysis of business development strategies and processes for effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Engage with cross-functional teams to understand product offerings and value propositions in depth.
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Benjamin via this link.

#4: Design Business Chamber Singapore – Communications Intern

dbcsingapore.org

Website: dbcsingapore.org

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Good time management and organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines
  • An analytical mind and the ability to think critically
  • Good writing and interpersonal communication skills
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Familiar with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and capable of creating visually compelling presentations
Key Responsibilities
  • Write a variety of different content to support communications and marketing efforts, including newsletters, website copy, and updates to members and partners
  • Assist the communications team in developing and implementing a communications strategy designed to further company objectives
  • Monitor analytics and create reports detailing the successes and failures of communications campaigns and strategies
  • Stay up to date on industry trends and make recommendations for adjustments to communications strategies and practices 
  • Assist with events coordination, e.g. registration, communicating with vendors, setup, etc
  • Membership database management
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send your application to [email protected]

#5: WE Communications – Creative Intern (Art-Based)

 

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Website: we-worldwide.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 – 1,200 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Currently pursuing a diploma/degree in Journalism, Communications, Visual Communications, Broadcast Media, or a related field.
  • A creative thinker with the ability to follow creative direction and produce rich and dynamic content that fits within a defined style or purpose 
  • A quick and willing learner with an open mindset 
  • The ability to communicate ideas in an effective and creative manner 
  • Can work independently and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment 
  • Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is a must 
  • Basic knowledge of Microsoft applications is a must
  • Basic knowledge of 2D animation and video editing skills using Final Cut Pro is a plus
Key Responsibilities
  • Work closely with Art Directors and creative content team in Singapore to support clients with content marketing ideas
  • Conceptualize, create, design, and develop digital assets to support campaigns for social channels, microsites, landing pages, and online advertising 
  • Participate in brainstorms and preparation of new business pitch proposals and mock-ups required for social and online platforms 
  • Familiarize with clients’ products/services and their competitors 
  • Revise the final overall look and feel of creative assets
How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Claire via this link.

Editor’s note: These internships are selected based on the “remote” tag, but some positions are hybrid ones and you may need to report physically to the office. For more deets, do contact the employer directly.

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How to Effectively Deal with Client Complaints

I vividly recall an incident when a client called my boss to complain that I had been rude to the owner’s wife. Initially, I was taken aback by the accusation, as I believed I had done nothing wrong. Nevertheless, I apologized for the incident, and they still remain our client to this day.

Dealing with client complaints is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction. Unhappy customers may not express their concerns directly to you but instead voice their grievances to others and take their business elsewhere.

As Marketing Expert Seymour Fine once said: “When a customer complains, he or she is doing you a special favor; he is giving you another chance to serve him to his satisfaction.” Customer complaints present excellent opportunities not only to reassess your customer service strategy, but also to enhance and recreate your products. By effectively managing and swiftly resolving customer complaints, you can enhance your business processes and foster repeat business.

Here are some steps to effectively handle client complaints:

Step 1: ACTIVE LISTENING

Begin by attentively listening to the complaint and expressing gratitude to the customer for bringing the matter to your attention. Take responsibility for the issue without placing blame on others and maintain a courteous demeanor. Remember, if a customer takes the time to voice a problem, it holds significance to them, even if it seems trivial to you.

Step 2: COMPREHENSIVE DOCUMENTATION

Thoroughly examine the complaint to gain a precise understanding of the problem. Maintain a centralized record of all complaints, enabling you to identify any recurring patterns or issues.

Step 3: ACCURATE INFORMATION GATHERING

Ensure that you have correctly comprehended and recorded the details of the complaint. Seek clarification through appropriate questioning if necessary.

Step 4: EXPLORING SOLUTIONS

Discuss potential options for resolving the problem with the customer. Inquire about the outcome they desire, such as a repair, replacement, refund, or apology. Evaluate the reasonableness of their request.

Present a suitable solution and verify its effectiveness. Once you have identified the root cause of the complaint and proposed a solution, it is essential to confirm that the proposed resolution has indeed resolved the issue.

Step 5: TIMELY ACTION

Strive to resolve the complaint promptly. Delayed responses may lead to escalated dissatisfaction.

Step 6: UPHOLDING PROMISES

Keep the customer informed if any delays occur while addressing their concerns. Avoid making promises that you cannot fulfill.

Maintain a complaint log to track issues. If a single customer reports a particular issue over a decade, it may not require immediate attention. However, if multiple customers express the same complaint, it signifies a developing trend that needs to be addressed.

Step 7: GIVE FOLLOW-UP

How will the customer know that you handled the situation promptly? Initiate contact with the customer to ensure their satisfaction with how their complaint was handled. Communicate the steps you are taking to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.

BOTTOMLINE

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Ensure that your staff members are well-trained to follow the established complaint handling procedures, empowering them to swiftly resolve issues. Encourage customers to provide feedback and voice complaints, as it allows you to address problems and seize opportunities for resolution. By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage client complaints, enhance customer satisfaction, and foster a thriving business.

Sources: 1 & 2

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