A guide has been launched to help franchises put empathy at the heart of operations and ensure that customers benefit from the power of human connection.

Leading outsourced communications provider Moneypenny has compiled the free guide to help franchisors and franchisees improve their reputation for customer care and build more valuable, ongoing relationships with customers.

Calling on its experience handling 20 million business interactions for UK franchises each year, Moneypenny’s guide includes include practical tips to improve empathy and ensure employees’ use of language hits the mark. It also addresses the importance of active listening and the need for empathetic leadership, and includes a short quiz to help businesses ascertain just how empathetic they are.

Joanna Swash, CEO of Moneypenny said: “This guide reminds the franchise world of the commercial necessity for empathy and shows how they can engrain it into their practices and service delivery – reassuring people that they’re not only being heard for well but also listened to and understood.”

“The pandemic has changed the relationships we have with each other – our peers, colleagues and clients – and it’s made human connection more appreciated than ever. The franchise winners of the last two years prioritised empathy and have reaped the rewards for doing so. But, as the world returns to normal we have to make sure we don’t forget the importance of these behaviours.” 

Jess Pritchard, Head of the Corporate Sector at Moneypenny said: “As a business that handles inbound and outbound communication around the clock, we know first-hand that empathy shapes client experience. It underpins how we connect with others and has the power to transform reputation. Actively listening and displaying empathy not only puts clients at ease but offers valuable insights that can shape service delivery, and put you at the forefront of your market.”

The guide was developed with insight from emotional intelligence expert and founder of the EI Evolution, Sandra Thompson. Sandra is the first Goleman emotional intelligence coach in the UK and an experienced customer experience management consultant.

Sandra Thompson said: “Neuroscience tells us that it’s impossible to know exactly how someone else is feeling, yet the value of demonstrating that you’re doing your best to understand is huge – particularly when it comes to business. Brilliant client service experiences are built on empathetic interactions. That’s how you keep your clients loyal and make your employees feel empowered.”

The guide is available to download for free on Moneypenny’s website: https://www.moneypenny.com/uk/resources/blog/free-resource-putting-empathy-at-the-heart-of-customer-care/

Established in 2000, Moneypenny is the world’s market leader for telephone answering, live chat, outsourced switchboard and customer contact solutions. In total, more than 21,000 businesses across the UK benefit from Moneypenny’s mix of extraordinary people and ground-breaking technology.