Skip to content

Still drowning in tickets? You don't need more agents, you need better structure

Whether your system is slowing you down or no longer scales, clear intake, smart self-service, and simple automation remove unnecessary volume so your team can focus on what truly matters.

Empower agents / reduce turnover

Agents still burned out or leaving? The problem is structure, not people

Whether you're looking for a better platform or already using Zendesk, agents perform better when workflows are clear, repetitive tasks are automated, and information is easy to find. Chaotic systems drain motivation and increase turnover.

Blockframe_Accordion_Messaging_004__en_gb

Turnover rises when work feels chaotic. Repetitive tasks, unclear processes, and inconsistent tools drain motivation. Many teams with Zendesk still struggle because they never built the macros, knowledge bases, or internal workflows that remove frustration.

Main reasons agents leave or disengage

No access to knowledge or documentation

Agents constantly interrupt colleagues because information isn't centralized. They feel incompetent even when it's the system's fault.

Can't make decisions without approval

Every refund, discount, or exception requires manager escalation. Agents feel like order-takers, not problem-solvers.

Manual, repetitive work that could be automated

Agents spend hours copying data, updating records, or manually routing tickets instead of solving customer problems.

No clear path for skill development

Training ends after onboarding. Agents don't see how to grow from junior support to senior or specialist roles.

What this means for teams

Supporting agents with structure reduces stress and helps them deliver high-quality service — even during peak periods.

Stocksy_unlicensed_comp_2134082-1

Practical ways to empower agents

Impact

At Premium Plus, we believe that guiding our customers to success is like helping them climb a mountain. Our solutions are designed to help you reach the top, where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of your company and everything you’ve achieved.
25%
Improvement in agent satisfaction
Faster
onboarding
Lower
turnover

 

"We had 60% annual turnover. Agents were frustrated by constant escalations and manual work. Premium Plus built an internal knowledge base, automated routing, and gave agents refund authority up to $200. Turnover dropped to 28% in six months."

article-image
Support Operations Lead

Common questions about empowering agents

How much authority should we give agents? Start with routine decisions that don't carry high risk: small refunds, standard discounts, shipping adjustments, account resets. Define dollar limits or specific scenarios. Monitor results and expand authority as agents demonstrate good judgment. Most teams underestimate how much responsibility agents can handle.
How do we balance empowerment with consistency? Empowerment works within clear boundaries. Define policies, authority levels, and escalation criteria. Give agents flexibility in how they apply those guidelines to individual situations. Templates and knowledge bases support consistency while agents exercise judgment on tone, approach, and specific solutions.
What if agents make bad decisions when empowered? Clear guidelines and ongoing coaching reduce poor decisions. When mistakes happen, treat them as learning opportunities, not failures. Track decision patterns to identify agents who need additional support. The cost of occasional bad decisions is usually lower than the cost of high turnover and customer frustration from slow escalations.
What tasks should we automate vs. keep manual? Automate repetitive, rule-based tasks: ticket routing, status updates, data copying, follow-up reminders. Keep manual work that requires judgment, empathy, or complex problem-solving. Automation should remove tedium, not replace human decision-making in nuanced situations.
How long before we see reduced turnover? Agent satisfaction improves within weeks as friction decreases. Turnover reduction shows up over 3-6 months as agents who would have left stay engaged. Retention improvements compound over time as experienced agents mentor newer ones and team culture strengthens.

Talk to our service consultant

Get expert guidance on reducing ticket volume, improving resolution speed, and creating smoother experiences.

Rafael jpg-min