Workforce Management Featured Article
New Mexico Call Center Shutters Amid Pandemic
News of layoffs and businesses closing their doors due to the Coronavirus pandemic that continues to sweep the nation is not new. However, one industry that’s managed to miss this downturn during these uncertain times has been the call center.
People everywhere are trying to get information about services, order products, and get in touch with companies. That seems to be coming to an end now. As the difficult times have started to hit some call centers harder than others. Now, even in the midst of many announcing hiring sprees, other smaller call centers have had to sadly close their doors.
Last week, New Mexico’s Empereon Marketing call center permanently closed its doors in Las Cruces and laid off 128 staff members.
The call center, located at 2255 Main Street in Las Cruces, is the first business to announce it is closing in the area due to the effects of the pandemic according to a report by La Cruces Sun News.
It had originally shut down back in March when stay-at-home orders were put in place for the entire state. As a result of the forced closures, employees were furloughed temporarily. But the economic conditions in the state - which had seen record unemployment rates - as well as the loss of business for their customers and the continued social distancing requirements all led to a decision to permanently close its doors.
Many small businesses are fighting to survive amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Call centers and businesses are being forced to adapt to new remote workforce capabilities and quickly scale technologies. The need to allow agents to connect with consumers from their home offices without disruptions is critical.
Edited by Maurice Nagle
