{"id":831695,"date":"2025-07-16T08:49:01","date_gmt":"2025-07-16T06:49:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/?p=831695"},"modified":"2025-07-16T08:49:06","modified_gmt":"2025-07-16T06:49:06","slug":"serving-generations-y-and-z-a-client-service-revolution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/industry-news\/831695\/serving-generations-y-and-z-a-client-service-revolution\/","title":{"rendered":"Serving generations Y and Z &#8211; A client service revolution"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Picture client service in the eighties or nineties.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You&#8217;d call a helpline, wait on hold, speak to one representative, and accept whatever solution they offered.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Frustrations aside, the process felt predictable \u2013 but for most of Gen Y and Gen Z, this scenario feels almost unimaginable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medihelp.co.za\/?Campaign=BTJ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Explore Medihelp\u2019s modern approach to medical aid here.<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Suggesting they &#8220;call someone&#8221; might earn you nothing but a blank stare \u2013 or even mild horror \u2013 at the thought of having to speak to a real person on the phone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, client service has evolved. Today\u2019s consumers expect more than phone queues and generic email responses.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While some thrive with dynamic, tech-enabled service, businesses relying on outdated methods are falling behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Catering to younger clients<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Younger clients have less patience and higher expectations. And yet many businesses still misunderstand their needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gartner.com\/en\/newsroom\/press-releases\/2023-10-30-adapting-to-the-customer-service-preferences-of-gen-z-and-millennials\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gartner research<\/a>, adapting to Gen Zs&#8217; and millennials&#8217; service preferences is crucial for business success.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each generation has unique needs, motivators, and communication preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOur goal is to use the data at our disposal to improve each member&#8217;s healthcare experience, not just their claim history,\u201d explains Shabana Patel, Senior Manager: Data Strategy at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.medihelp.co.za\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Medihelp Medical Scheme<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhen you know even a little bit about someone, you can communicate in a way that is more relevant, timely, and ultimately supportive.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This approach reflects a broader shift toward personalised, values-driven service delivery, which can transform both member care and stakeholder engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Millennials &#8211; Navigating a digital-first service world<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditional client service changed completely when digital channels started to gain traction, coinciding with millennials&#8217; coming of age.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Client experience research points out that <a href=\"https:\/\/customerthink.com\/how-organizations-can-adapt-to-meet-gen-z-millennial-self-service-expectations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this shift has shaped their service expectations<\/a>, making them bear little resemblance to those of older generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This generation has known little stability in service quality, especially from a digital perspective.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They experienced the transition from analogue to digital client service, and they&#8217;ve never quite felt as though businesses truly understood their needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What makes millennials frustrated with service?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If millennials feel that their time and concerns aren&#8217;t valued, it can lead to heightened stress and service abandonment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To avoid this, it is important to understand the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>This generation faces the challenge of managing multiple digital touchpoints.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Studies show that many juggle work communications, personal obligations, and family responsibilities <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bolddesk.com\/blogs\/millennials-vs-gen-z\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">while also seeking quick, efficient client support<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>If Millennials are contacting a human, it means the digital options have failed them.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>They&#8217;re already frustrated because they could have Googled their problem, used your app, or asked an AI chatbot instead.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When they do reach out for human help, they need you to prove why this interaction is worth their time by providing immediate, personalised attention.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Despite popular belief, many millennials still struggle with purely automated service.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirrusconnects.com\/blog\/how-do-different-generations-use-customer-service\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">need for authentic connection<\/a> drives them to seek human touchpoints, but they want these interactions to be meaningful and efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can businesses serve them better?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Remove barriers by encouraging proactive communication. This will promote a culture of customer care.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide appropriate service channels, such as live chat, social media support, and comprehensive self-service portals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Invest in intuitive mobile apps and streamlined online experiences.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offer multichannel support that builds their confidence, reduces frustration, and puts them in control of their customer journey.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>At Medihelp, this is already standard practice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe recognise that even digitally confident members may hesitate to reach out if they fear being misunderstood,\u201d notes Patel.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s why our platforms, from live support to app nudges, are designed to feel like a helping hand, not a hurdle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Generation Z &#8211; The first omnichannel natives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Gen Z is the first generation to have grown up in a world where instant, multi-platform client service was present from their very first purchase \u2013 and it shows.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their digital upbringing has shaped their service expectations, communication habits, and satisfaction levels in ways that set them apart from previous generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is frustrating Gen Z clients?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This generation is more likely to disengage from brands after a single negative experience.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The constant exposure to social media and the never-ending stream of brand interactions and reviews has made them <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zendesk.com\/blog\/millennials-vs-gen-z-customer-service-expectations-compare\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">extremely sensitive to service quality<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even small delays or inconsistencies can lead to public feedback or brand abandonment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, unlike millennials, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpdesk.com\/blog\/millennials-vs-gen-z\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gen Z values speed and efficiency over personalisation<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They\u2019re happy to self-serve, as long as the tools are smart, seamless, and intuitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on this, here is how to serve Gen Z clients better:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gen Z is uncomfortable with service uncertainty. Ease their concerns by clearly communicating next steps, wait times, and processes.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It&#8217;s important for Gen Z to find authenticity in their client interactions. Help them by emphasising genuine care and the real impact of their feedback on service improvements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide fast, intelligent self-service options, while still making it easy to escalate when needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Medihelp\u2019s service strategy aligns closely with these expectations. \u201cWe make it easy, convenient, and personal,\u201d says Patel.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cA gym reminder here, a screening nudge there \u2013 small touches can create enormous value when they arrive in the right format, at the right moment, through the channel you prefer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Food for thought &#8211; The service expectation evolution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Client service is now a primary driver of brand loyalty or attrition.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Research shows that younger clients abandon purchases at significantly higher rates due to poor experiences. Globally, this amounts to billions in lost revenue annually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today\u2019s clients want more than responsive service.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They want empathetic, empowering, and efficient experiences that align with their values.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And businesses that provide it? They don\u2019t just retain clients &#8211; they gain advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Medihelp &#8211; A values-driven approach to generational service<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Medihelp understands that customers and members want more than efficiency.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They want service that\u2019s human, relevant, and seamlessly embedded in their daily lives.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve moved away from being data custodians toward becoming collaborative influencers,\u201d says Patel.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBehind every data point is a person with a story. Our job is to use that insight to guide healthier choices, better outcomes, and more personalised service.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ready to reimagine medical aid?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medihelp.co.za\/?Campaign=BTJ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Explore Medihelp\u2019s approach to medical aid here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Today\u2019s consumers expect more than phone queues and generic email responses. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":57,"featured_media":831700,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10459],"tags":[23137,23136,12352],"class_list":["post-831695","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-industry-news","tag-gen-y","tag-gen-z","tag-medihelp"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/831695","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/57"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=831695"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/831695\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":831702,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/831695\/revisions\/831702"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/831700"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=831695"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=831695"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=831695"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}