--- title: Five Guidelines for a Successful Call Volume Event description: iQor's expert operations and workforce management tips to guide a successful call volume event for your customer service outsourcing business. image: https://blog.iqor.com/hubfs/alex-kotliarskyi-QBpZGqEMsKg-unsplash-1.jpg --- - Solutions - [Customer Interaction Solutions](http://www.iqor.com/solutions/customer-contact-solutions) - [Product Support Services](http://www.iqor.com/solutions/aftermarket-services) - [Data Solutions & Analytics](http://www.iqor.com/solutions/data-solutions-analytics) - [iQor LinQ](http://www.iqor.com/solutions/linq) - Culture - [Overview](http://www.iqor.com/culture) - [Leadership](http://www.iqor.com/culture#culture-leadership) - [Investors](http://www.iqor.com/culture#culture-leadership) - [Locations](http://www.iqor.com/culture#culture-global) - Careers - [Overview](http://www.iqor.com/careers) - [Customer Interaction](http://www.iqor.com/careers#careers-ccs) - [Product Support](http://www.iqor.com/careers#careers-ams) - [Leadership](http://www.iqor.com/careers#careers-leadership) - Industries - [Media & Wireless](http://www.iqor.com/industries/media-wireless-support) - [Digital Infrastructure](http://www.iqor.com/industries/digital-infrastructure) - [Consumer Electronics](http://www.iqor.com/industries/consumer-electronics) - [Telecommunications](http://www.iqor.com/industries/telecommunications) - [Transportation & Logistics](http://www.iqor.com/industries/transportation) - [Utilities](http://www.iqor.com/industries/utilities) - [Retail & E-tail](http://www.iqor.com/industries/wholesale-retail) - [Financial Services & Insurance](http://www.iqor.com/industries/financial-services) - [Healthcare](http://http://www.iqor.com/industries/healthcare) - General - [Blog](http://www.iqor.com/blog) - [Resources](http://www.iqor.com/resources) - [Experience Matters](http://www.iqor.com/experience-matters) - [Privacy Policy](http://www.iqor.com/privacy-policy) - [Sustainability Policy](http://www.iqor.com/sustainability-policy) - [Terms of Use](http://www.iqor.com/terms-of-use) - Contact - [Get In Touch](http://www.iqor.com/contact) [![iqor](https://blog.iqor.com/hubfs/IQORDec2016%20Theme/Image/xiqor-logo.png.pagespeed.ic.lyylfHuds4.png)](http://www.iqor.com) - [About](http://www.iqor.com/about) - Solutions - [Customer Interaction Solutions](http://www.iqor.com/solutions/customer-contact-solutions) - [Product Support Services](http://www.iqor.com/solutions/aftermarket-services) - [Data Solutions & Analytics](http://www.iqor.com/solutions/data-solutions-analytics) - [iQor LinQ](http://http://www.iqor.com/solutions/linq) - [Culture](http://www.iqor.com/culture) - [Careers](http://www.iqor.com/careers) - Industries - [Media & Wireless](http://www.iqor.com/industries/media-wireless-support) - [Digital Infrastructure](http://www.iqor.com/industries/digital-infrastructure) - [Consumer Electronics](http://www.iqor.com/industries/consumer-electronics) - [Telecommunications](http://www.iqor.com/industries/telecommunications) - [Transportation & Logistics](http://www.iqor.com/industries/transportation) - [Utilities](http://www.iqor.com/industries/utilities) - [Retail / E-tail](http://www.iqor.com/industries/wholesale-retail) - [Financial Services & Insurance](http://www.iqor.com/industries/financial-services) - [Healthcare](http://www.iqor.com/industries/healthcare) - [Resources](http://www.iqor.com/resources) - [Blog](https://blog.iqor.com/) - [Contact](http://www.iqor.com/contact) # Five Guidelines for a Successful Call Volume Event ## Operations and Workforce Management tips [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.iqor.com%2Fworkforce-management-tips-for-call-volume-event%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.iqor.com%2Fworkforce-management-tips-for-call-volume-event%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.iqor.com%2Fworkforce-management-tips-for-call-volume-event%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.iqor.com%2Fworkforce-management-tips-for-call-volume-event%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Five%20Guidelines%20for%20a%20Successful%20Call%20Volume%20Event) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.iqor.com%2Fworkforce-management-tips-for-call-volume-event%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.iqor.com%2Fworkforce-management-tips-for-call-volume-event%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ## The Right Plan Makes All the Difference    Call volume events can be major online shopping days to rival Cyber Monday, the release of a new smartphone or a customer appreciation sale. Whether you’re part of your company’s operations or workforce management team, or if you’re in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, planning for any call volume event can be daunting. Your plan, and how you execute it, will determine the call center’s success.   ### These five guidelines will keep you focused. #### **1. Forecast** You need to know what to expect, so review as much historical data as you have available. (If you’re a BPO, be sure to ask your client for any available data in enough time to raise questions.) Ask your marketing and sales departments for input on customer response rates. Review your forecast  with senior leadership from both operations and workforce management.   As you forecast, remember that call volume may be higher in the days leading up to the event, as customers call in with questions or trying to beat the rush. Conversely, you could have lower than average call volume afterward. And don’t forget to consider the impact these events can have on call handle time. #### **2. Agent Schedules** Every call center needs more coverage for special events. You may need to bring in additional agents or ask your regular agents to work more than their normal shifts.   Consider the following questions as you create schedules: *•    Is overtime mandatory or on a volunteer basis?  •    Will it be necessary to shorten breaks and lunch?  •    Can you switch agents’ days off so that most are scheduled to work on the day or days of the event?  •    Do you have other hourly employees, such as lead or quality assurance representatives, who can take phone calls? How about supervisors and trainers?* As you schedule agents to be on the phone, think about how many other staffers you’ll need available to assist agents with questions and escalated calls.  #### **3. Food** More than likely, you will need to reduce lunch breaks, leaving your team no time to run out for food or even grab something from the vending machines. If you have the budget, look into providing a meal for each agent. Shop around for the best price, order in advance and have the food delivered throughout the day.  ![](http://www.iqor.com/media/resource/9604a82ada6a77b919bc52ff3e6fd60a.jpg) *If you have a smaller budget, try to arrange for at least drinks and snacks. And if there’s no money, consider a potluck. Management can provide plates, cups and utensils, and you can create a sign-up sheet so workers don’t bring in too many items from one category.* #### **4. Fun** This is where it’s time to get creative. It’s going to be a busy day, and the activities you plan should motivate your agents not only to come to work, but also to stay for the duration of their shift or longer. For instance, you could raffle off an Apple Watch or hand out certificates for additional dress-down days. Whenever possible, tie prizes to desired outcomes or KPIs, such as call handling time or conversions.  Schedule attainment jumps off the page as something to always focus on partnered with sales conversion for marketing and sales events.  #### **5. Communication** From the beginning, get out there and talk to your agents and front-line support staff. Announce the upcoming call volume event as soon as possible. Explain what you need from everyone to make the event successful. Describe the activities you’ve planned. Ask for a show of hands of who will be there. And if you can afford it, let everyone know that lunch is on you.  Tap into iQor’s experience in seasonal and event-driven call volume spikes. [Contact us to learn more. ](https://www.iqor.com/contact) *Written By: Robert Sloma, Jr., Senior Workforce Manager, iQor * [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.iqor.com%2Fworkforce-management-tips-for-call-volume-event%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.iqor.com%2Fworkforce-management-tips-for-call-volume-event%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.iqor.com%2Fworkforce-management-tips-for-call-volume-event%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.iqor.com%2Fworkforce-management-tips-for-call-volume-event%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Five%20Guidelines%20for%20a%20Successful%20Call%20Volume%20Event) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.iqor.com%2Fworkforce-management-tips-for-call-volume-event%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.iqor.com%2Fworkforce-management-tips-for-call-volume-event%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Subscribe ##### FEATURED POSTS ### [Becoming Digital: Rise of the Augmented Agent Customer Service, Product Support, Customer Experience](https://blog.iqor.com/becoming-digital-rise-of-the-augmented-agent) [Read More](https://blog.iqor.com/workforce-management-tips-for-call-volume-event) ### [Agents Need Virtual Assistants Too Customer Service, Product Support, Customer Experience](https://blog.iqor.com/agents-need-virtual-assistants-too) [Read More](https://blog.iqor.com/workforce-management-tips-for-call-volume-event) ### [Customer Service Week 2019 at iQor Customer Service, Events](https://blog.iqor.com/customer-service-week-2019-at-iqor) [Read More](https://blog.iqor.com/workforce-management-tips-for-call-volume-event) ### View other posts tagged: [Customer Service](https://blog.iqor.com/topic/customer-service) [Call Volume](https://blog.iqor.com/topic/call-volume) [Events](https://blog.iqor.com/topic/events) [Customer Experience](https://blog.iqor.com/topic/customer-experience) ![Customer Service Week 2019 at iQor](https://blog.iqor.com/hubfs/Customer%20Service%20Week%202019.png "Customer Service Week 2019 at iQor") [Customer Service Week 2019 at iQor](https://blog.iqor.com/customer-service-week-2019-at-iqor) October 14, 2019 [+](https://blog.iqor.com/customer-service-week-2019-at-iqor) ![Three Ways to Extend the Life of Media Devices and Strengthen the Customer Experience](https://blog.iqor.com/hubfs/shutterstock_1233444955.jpg "Three Ways to Extend the Life of Media Devices and Strengthen the Customer Experience") [Three Ways to Extend the Life of Media Devices and Strengthen the Customer Experience](https://blog.iqor.com/three-ways-to-extend-the-life-of-media-devices-and-strengthen-the-customer-experience) June 13, 2019 [+](https://blog.iqor.com/three-ways-to-extend-the-life-of-media-devices-and-strengthen-the-customer-experience) ![iQorian Values Week 2019](https://blog.iqor.com/hubfs/chihuahua%20ivw%202019%20sign.jpg "iQorian Values Week 2019") [iQorian Values Week 2019](https://blog.iqor.com/iqorian-values-week-2019) May 30, 2019 [+](https://blog.iqor.com/iqorian-values-week-2019) ![Co-Sponsors the 2019 Dinagyang Music Festival in Iloilo](https://blog.iqor.com/hubfs/music%20festival%20(1).png "Co-Sponsors the 2019 Dinagyang Music Festival in Iloilo") [Co-Sponsors the 2019 Dinagyang Music Festival in Iloilo](https://blog.iqor.com/co-sponsoring-the-2019-dinagyang-music-festival-in-iloilo) March 11, 2019 [+](https://blog.iqor.com/co-sponsoring-the-2019-dinagyang-music-festival-in-iloilo) ###### Careers - [Overview](http://www.iqor.com/careers) - [Customer Interaction](http://www.iqor.com/careers#careers-ccs) - [Product Support](http://www.iqor.com/careers#careers-ams) - [Leadership](http://www.iqor.com/careers#careers-leadership) ###### Industries - [Media & Wireless](http://www.iqor.com/industries/media-wireless-support) - [Digital Infrastructure](http://www.iqor.com/industries/digital-infrastructure) - [Consumer Electronics](http://www.iqor.com/industries/consumer-electronics) - [Telecommunications](http://www.iqor.com/industries/telecommunications) - [Transportation & Logistics](http://www.iqor.com/industries/transportation) - [Utilities](http://www.iqor.com/industries/utilities) - [Retail / E-tail](http://www.iqor.com/industries/wholesale-retail) - [Financial Services & Insurance](http://www.iqor.com/industries/financial-services) - [Healthcare](http://www.iqor.com/industries/healthcare) ###### General - [Contact](http://www.iqor.com/contact) - [Blog](http://www.iqor.com/blog) - [Resources](http://www.iqor.com/resources) - [Experience Matters](http://www.iqor.com/experience-matters) - [Sustainability Policy](http://www.iqor.com/sustainability-policy) - [Privacy policy](http://www.iqor.com/privacy-policy) - [Terms Of Use](http://www.iqor.com/terms-of-use) ### Subscribe © iQor 2015 Copyright. All Rights Reserved. ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=105438516934807&ev=PageView%20&noscript=1)