Dear Customer Service: Do Your Job or Step Aside

Technology has advanced from a brisk walk to a steady jog, and I’m here for it. I love innovation that boosts productivity, improves time management, and adds convenience. However, with self-driving cars and automation on the rise, many fear robots will replace customer service jobs. Frankly, with the declining standards of service, I welcome it.

Too many employees treat customers as an inconvenience rather than a priority. If you’re paid to provide a service, do it with professionalism. No one expects perfection, but basic respect and effort should be non-negotiable. If you hate dealing with people, find a role that doesn’t require it—there are plenty. That said, I don’t support customer abuse. No employee should tolerate being cursed at or disrespected. But handling disputes professionally is part of the job. Not every customer will be polite, and customer retention matters.

The lack of accountability in customer service is staggering. Basic courtesy like acknowledging customers, providing clear communication, and doing your job without unnecessary complaints, shouldn’t be rare. Yet, I constantly encounter employees who act like they’re doing me a favor just by showing up. On top of that, communication barriers with service workers have become a growing frustration.

While I respect immigrants and the effort it takes to learn a new language, certain jobs require clear communication. If I can’t convey my address to a delivery driver or get basic assistance due to a language barrier, that’s a problem. Employers need to reinforce standards, and employees need to take pride in their work. Until then, I have no issue with robots stepping in to do the job right.