Customer-facing artificial intelligence (AI), big data, customer activism and rising CRM costs are key priorities for customer service and support leaders this year.
However, the survey of 533 customer service leaders also showed a low-preparedness level to address these issues, despite the rising pressures to increase digital capabilities and enhance the digital experience.
"The propagation of digital technologies and growing customer expectations in the service space are driving the need for greater digital capabilities and a more seamless digital experience," says Gartner advisor Lauren Villeneuve.
Meet increasing internal pressures and accountability - Service leaders are adopting digital technologies to help alleviate pressure from leadership to scale resources. While these technologies, including automation, are geared to improving the customer experience, many service leaders report they struggle with managing technology.
Gain control over service website - More than half of service leaders report they do not have ownership of their service websites. Those that do have ownership report they share that ownership with another function (typically marketing, IT or digital teams).
Prioritise and improve the digital experience - Customers today expect Zappos-like service from every company they interact with, regardless of the product, service or industry. Given these heightened expectations, service leaders are faced with the difficult task of making trade-offs - often prioritising investments in the digital experience over other initiatives, such as upskilling talent.
Explore digital applications to improve operational efficiency - More than 70% of customer service leaders indicate that big data and back-office automation are big priorities for the year. As such, service leaders must work closely with IT leaders to enhance their teams' digital capabilities and improve operational efficiency.
"Customer service organisations are rapidly adopting digital channels and capabilities," adds Gartner vice president Pete Slease.