I work in customer service scheduling appointments for AC service. I've worked tons of customer service jobs, been in management, etc. and have never had a manager take issue with how I speak to customers. I've been at this job for three months and have been warned twice for my “tone” when answering calls.
“Thanks for calling ____! How can I help you today?” I say this with a general customer service voice. Polite and friendly… but my manager says I sound MISERABLE. This is bizarre to me bc I don't have any complaints from customers about my service and they're the ones who would know best if it seemed like I don't want to help them??
I asked what was wrong with my voice and they just say I sound miserable and like I don't want to be there. Then they compare me to a male employee who has this VERY particular way of talking (upbeat and kind of goofy – I am pretty sure he says “howdy”) and say I should do it more like him.
I just feel like it's so unreasonable to keep commenting on my tone – I can only do so much with my voice and don't want to talk like a cartoon character for 8 hrs a day! They hired me knowing what I sound like! I'm all for constructive criticism but this just seems personal and has made me hate this job. I think if they send me another one of my calls to “review” and comment on my greeting again I'm just gonna tell them this isn't a good fit and walk out. Anyone else ever have their voice micromanaged at work?