10 things you can do while you wait on hold
Let’s be honest—no one likes being on hold. A lot of the time, it’s like waiting for water to boil or watching paint dry, but with the added bonus of hearing the same four bars of elevator music on repeat.
Thankfully, On Air provides professionally written, voiced and recorded messages on hold that are a lot more engaging than that. But still, waiting is not our favourite.
If you’re stuck on hold, it doesn’t have to be wasted time! Here are 10 things you can do while waiting for a real, live human to pick up:
Things you can do while waiting on hold
1. Master the art of doodling
Grab a pen and paper and unleash your inner artist! Doodle a masterpiece or doodle how waiting on hold is making you feel—either way, it’s a productive use of time.
2. Plan your next meal
Whether you're dreaming of tacos or wondering if you remembered to pick up spaghetti noodles, now’s the perfect time to strategize your next culinary creation. Think it will be a while? Create a meal plan and grocery list for the entire week.
3. Learn something random
Have you ever wondered why flamingos are pink? Or how many types of cheese exist in the world? Or how to fix a leaky faucet? Put your phone on speaker and start Googling! Now’s your chance to learn something new.
4. Start a mini-workout
Who needs a gym membership when you can fit in some squats, lunges, or even a little yoga while you wait on hold? However, if you’re on the phone at work, you might want to make sure you have a little privacy.
5. Meditate
Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and try to reach a state of inner peace. Even a one-minute meditation can feel rejuvenating. Just don’t get too relaxed—you might miss when they finally answer.
6. Write a to-do list
Organize your day, jot down your next big idea, or make a list of all the things you could be doing if you weren’t on hold. Your to-do list can be for the home or for work.
7. Try to decode the on hold music
Where have you heard this music before? Was it when you were on hold with your doctor’s office or with the airline company? Is that a jazz remix of a pop song? Use the time to solve these little mysteries.
8. Catch up on your text messages.
Have you been tardy at responding to your text messages and DMs? Who has the time? You do! Spend this time on hold to respond to those messages, catch up with family and friends or even clean out your email inbox.
9. Play a quick game
Whether it’s a round of Candy Crush, Wordle, or seeing how long you can balance a pen on your finger, keeping your brain entertained can help pass the time. Put your on-hold music on speaker and let the games begin!
10. Listen to the on hold message (really!)
If it’s done right, the message on hold you are listening to might actually be informative. Who knows? You might learn about a new service or a special offer or just enjoy a professional, friendly voice keeping you company.
Professional Messages On Hold
We know hold time isn’t exactly the highlight of anyone’s day. But a well-crafted, engaging on hold message can make the wait more enjoyable and even keep customers on the line longer. Professional and engaging messaging improves customer experience and leads to more sales.
If your business’s hold messages sound like a robot, or you’re using the same boring music loop everyone else is, it’s time for an upgrade. Contact us today!