Receptionists are on the front line at thousands of businesses across the United States. In fact, there are currently more than 1.1 million receptionists employed in the country.
This figure is expected to grow by another 4% over the next eight years. However, this is growth rate is not as strong as many other occupations.
The primary reason is that the Covid-19 pandemic changed everything. Businesses are trying to keep human interaction to a minimum to help customers stay safe.
Read on to learn about small business managing during the new normal. This comprehensive guide answers the question, do I need a receptionist? Here, we explore the debate virtual receptionist vs human receptionist in detail.
What Are the Benefits of a Human Receptionist?
A human receptionist is how your company greets customers at the door. Customers receive a warm welcome and are pointed in the right direction.
Human receptionists are known to improve customer satisfaction. They make sure that the customer fills out all relevant paperwork. Also, receptionists help schedule appointments and ensure clients’ needs are taken care of.
Receptionists have excellent communication and interaction skills. They make customers feel at home and comfortable in the business setting.
Human receptionists also reduce the risk of a negative experience. This helps the business receive positive online reviews and receive referrals.
What Are the Benefits of a Virtual Receptionist?
Unfortunately, the pandemic has changed the way companies do business. Now, receptionists are behind plexiglass to protect them from airborne virus particles.
In addition, they are wearing masks to protect customers. This takes away from the warm greeting that used to meet customers entering the business.
Businesses are also dealing with reduced demand due to the economic impacts of the pandemic. They are looking to reduce costs to keep profits above water.
As a result of these changes, businesses are turning to virtual solutions such as the ones offered by alicereceptionist.com. There are many benefits to transitioning to a virtual receptionist.
For starters, virtual receptionists never call out sick and do not take time off. They are on the job 24/7 and are ultra-reliable.
The virtual alternative also helps your company reduce costs. There are no overhead expenses with a virtual receptionist. They do need health benefits, paid time off, or a retirement savings account.
Are There Any Draw Backs to a Virtual System?
Many companies fear losing the human touch when dealing with customers. While there is some truth to this, technology is advancing rapidly to fill this gap.
The latest virtual receptionist technology includes video to detect incoming visitors. It responds promptly to customer questions just like Alexa or Siri do on a smart device.
Additionally, it understands human commands and completes basic tasks. Virtual receptionists also have valuable features such as notifying human employees when a customer arrives.
Small Business Managing – What Type of Receptionist Should You Hire?
There is a legitimate debate over virtual receptionist vs human receptionist. While the virtual option can never replace a warm human greeting, it does have many benefits. Your virtual receptionist never calls out and does not require benefits.
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