Customer experience: from back-to-school season to Customer Service Week

September is always a pivotal month. It signals the return to work, unfinished projects, adjusted business strategies, and most importantly renewed customer expectations. In today’s landscape, where customer experience is one of the most powerful levers of differentiation, companies are compelled to rethink their approach to customer service in order to remain competitive.

And October is shaping up to be a highlight of the year: Customer Service Week, which will be celebrated from October 6 to 10, 2025. This event is a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on the often-invisible heroes of customer relations the advisors, support agents, front-desk teams, and customer service representatives who work daily to make the customer experience better.

In this article, we will look back at the key dynamics of September and then shift our perspective forward to Customer Service Week a global event that reminds us that customer service is not just a function, but a strategic driver of growth and loyalty.

September: A Month of Transition for Customer Relations

The Back-to-Business Season and Its Challenges

September marks the true end of summer. For companies, this is the moment when customers return with fresh expectations: greater efficiency, deeper personalization, and faster responses. Brands no longer have the luxury of making mistakes.

A Zendesk study shows that 60% of customers stop buying from a brand after just one bad experience. In a world where competitors are only a click away, every interaction counts.

Evolving Customer Expectations

Today’s consumers no longer compare a company only to its direct competitors. Instead, they measure it against the best customer experience they’ve ever had no matter the industry. Expectations are therefore universal.

  • Responsiveness: customers want nearly instant replies.
  • Proximity: despite digitalization, the human touch remains essential.
  • Simplicity: smooth, frictionless journeys are non-negotiable.

This is precisely what RightCom understands with its integrated solutions like RightQ (intelligent queue management) and RightDesk (digital customer support).

The Role of Digitalization and Tools

Digital transformation has reshaped customer relations. Digital channels such as chatbots, apps, self-service platforms, and social media don’t replace human contact but rather streamline and enhance the overall journey.

With solutions like RightSurvey, it is now possible to capture customer feedback in real time and immediately adapt operations to ensure an outstanding customer experience.

Why Customer Service Remains Strategic

A Loyalty Driver

Acquiring a new customer costs five to seven times more than retaining an existing one. Loyalty is built not just on product quality or pricing, but on the experience and service provided.

A company that invests in strong customer service gains a sustainable competitive advantage and delivers a truly elevated customer experience.

Turning Data Into Action

Collecting customer feedback is meaningless if it doesn’t lead to action. Real-time analytics, automation, and personalization are now the cornerstones of modern customer service.

At RightCom, data is harnessed for action. Tools like RightData help identify trends and friction points, transforming information into operational decisions.

Balancing Human and Digital

Customers want the best of both worlds: the speed of digital and the warmth of human interaction. Research consistently shows that the most memorable customer experiences are those where technology and humanity complement each other.

Customer Service Week: A Global Event

Origins and Purpose of Customer Service Week

Customer Service Week was launched in 1991 and has been celebrated during the first full week of October ever since. Recognized by the U.S. Congress, it has grown into a global movement.

Its purpose: to honor customer service professionals and highlight their vital role in customer satisfaction and loyalty. Learn more at the official Customer Service Week website.

How Companies Celebrate Worldwide

Across the globe, thousands of companies organize activities for their support teams, such as:

  • Recognition ceremonies and awards.
  • Training and professional development workshops.
  • Themed days (fun activities, internal challenges).
  • Highlighting customer testimonials.

Why Africa Should Be More Involved

In Africa, customer experience is becoming a key differentiator in fast-growing markets. Celebrating Customer Service Week is an opportunity to:

  • Recognize teams that often work under high pressure.
  • Strengthen customer-centric culture.
  • Attract and retain top talent.
  • Showcase Africa’s importance in the global customer service conversation.

This is exactly the mission that RightCom has embraced as a leader not only in customer experience management but also in employee experience.

How to Truly Celebrate and Value Customer Service Teams

Internal Recognition

Recognition often starts with something simple: saying “thank you.” Yet many organizations overlook the importance of a culture of gratitude.

Hosting internal award ceremonies, showcasing customer stories, or highlighting team members in the company newsletter are simple yet impactful actions.

Training and Upskilling

Support teams need to be equipped and trained. This builds confidence and efficiency in dealing with customers.

Tools like RightSurvey not only measure customer satisfaction but also help identify areas where staff need additional training.

Celebrations and Events

Customer Service Week is also a time for fun. Companies can organize team-building sessions, workshops, or team lunches. These moments strengthen cohesion and engagement across teams.

RightCom’s Vision for Customer Service in Africa

Concrete Solutions by RightCom

  • RightQ: intelligent queue management for smoother in-branch experiences.
  • RightDesk: centralized digital support.
  • RightSurvey: real-time customer feedback collection and analysis.
  • RightData: actionable insights through data intelligence.

Inspiring Success Stories

  • A leading West African bank reduced customer wait times by 40% with RightQ.
  • A telecom operator, by implementing RightSurvey, identified and resolved a recurring issue in under two weeks, boosting its Net Promoter Score (NPS) by 12 points.

The RightCom Mission

Founded in 2013, RightCom’s mission is to transform customer experience management across Africa by combining technology and strategic consulting. Today, it stands as a continental leader and trusted partner for businesses aiming to elevate their customer service.

Discover more: www.rightcom.com

Conclusion: Heading Into October With Customer Service Week

September was a month of transition, filled with challenges and opportunities in customer relations. Expectations continue to evolve, technology advances, and the human factor remains at the heart of it all.

In October, it’s time for Customer Service Week. More than just a global celebration, it’s a collective reminder: without quality customer service, no growth strategy is truly sustainable.

It’s time to celebrate, recognize, and invest in the people who shape customer experience every single day.

RightCom will be there. And you how will you celebrate your customer service team this year?

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