¶ … Helpdesk Optimization For many organizations, support departments for the resolution of customer problems are an afterthought. After all, shouldn't the product be so well-developed, so user-friendly, so cleverly designed, so perfect that no one should need help implementing and using it? However, aside from apples (the edible kind) the foolproof product has yet to be developed. This means that users will require support -- and in order to maintain customer loyalty and satisfaction, this support should come from the source. Helpdesk dynamics need to be as well-engineered as possible in order to ensure maximum efficiency and minimum customer frustration. Below, I'll talk about the five most important things IT managers need to do in order to optimize helpdesk performance.

The Right Tools For The Right Job: Support techs and consultants need to be able to stay on a call as long as it takes to close the problem satisfactorily. Help desks, therefore, must be given the same high standard of ergonomic...

Good lighting, minimal distractions, high-quality seating, desk space, headphones, and peripherals are key to better service and low turnover. Decreasing turnover may be difficult for a position that has few opportunities for advancement, but an experienced helpdesk consultant is worth their weight in gold.
2. Support Ladders That Don't Break: IT managers must choose a task management and call tracking system that allows helpdesk staff to keep track of whose problem is whose, and which staff have dealt with which sorts of problems. Calls or queries should also be able to be escalated -- passed on to higher-level support beyond the helpdesk -- in an orderly and understandable fashion. Problem management frameworks and responsibilities should be agreed upon across departments, to minimize buck-passing and thus, minimize stress and client dissatisfaction (Mager & Pipe, 1997).

3. Team Spirit: Support desk staffers have a stressful job, dealing with irate or impatient…