UK 'stuck on repeat' as new research says 6 in 10 repeat themselves every day
According to the findings, 6 in 10 people say they're regularly forced to repeat themselves every day, with nearly all Brits (92%) finding it frustrating, and a fifth (21%) admitting it's one of their biggest bugbears, and serial repeaters wishing they never had to ask more than once (95%).
Asking someone to do their share of the housework (20%) more than once is the main reason those living with partners are irked at home; and it's the common theme of young kids going to bed on time (30%) or doing their homework (24%) that parents across the nation are tired of repeating themselves with.
Continually reminding friends about plans (12%), asking someone to transfer money (12%) or asking a colleague the same question (13%) also feature highly on Brit's list of the repeat requests that rile them up the most.
But, whilst household and relationship related asks rate high on the list of most annoying things people have to ask repeatedly, the research found its customer service that really pushes Brits to their repetitive limit.
When faced with a problem with a product or service and contact with customer service is needed, almost all Brits (87%) have had to explain their issue more than once. In fact, on average, we're having to repeat it up to 4 times, spend over 15 minutes on hold, send 4 messages to a chatbot with no avail, get timed out and have to start again 2 times, and are passed around 3 different agents whilst doing so.
Remembering special passwords (41%), the tricky 'first pet' question (36%) and old usernames (30%) having to finding old account numbers (32%) and order numbers (28%) are all added pressures that test our patience along the way.
In its ambition to set a new standard for customer service in the industry, Vodafone has launched 'Just Ask Once', a game-changing new service will see one person deal with a customer's query from start to finish, until it is sorted.
This removes well-known bug bears such as waiting on hold, repeating the problem to multiple different people, and the need to chase for an update. If the query can't be resolved straight away, the same person from Vodafone will proactively message the customer with updates until it is solved, so they aren't left worrying, wondering what is going on or spending time chasing.
Partnering with Vodafone, psychologist Jo Hemmings reveals that repeating fatigue is real, and why we find it so irritating to ask simple things more than once.
She said: 'Having to repeat ourselves, especially over something simple, can feel incredibly frustrating because it signals that we're not being heard or valued. And the proof is there – Vodafone's research shows that 95% of us wish we didn't have to ask the same thing more than once!
'This taps into the basic human psychological need for recognition and autonomy, which are both key drivers for mental wellbeing and day-to-day motivation. Feeling ignored or being asked to start from scratch repeatedly creates what's known as cognitive overload, where mental energy is drained. And whether it's with loved ones, colleagues, friends or even customer service, it can produce emotional fatigue and can even trigger avoidance behaviours. Over time, it's not just inconvenient - it's stressful and disempowering.
'That's why solutions that reduce this mental load, like Vodafone's 'Just Ask Once', are so important in helping people feel seen, heard and supported. It's removing the unnecessary stress that people feel when they have to get in touch with customer service, and is a promise that their problem will get solve.'
Top things Brits are most fed-up of repeating more than once:
Issues to multiple customer service representatives
Answering the same question from customer service
Chasing people to reply to a message or email
Asking for an update once you have flagged an issue or problem with a service or product
Making general complaints to customer service
Asking someone to do their share of the housework
Asking someone to transfer money
Having to ask a colleague the same question over and over
Repeating a food or drink order
Having to ask someone to take the bins out
Continually reminding friends about plans
Having to chase a colleague
Having to ask your kids more than once to go to bed
Asking the kids to brush their teeth
Telling the kids to do their homework
Prompting partner to put the washing on or take it out
Customers don't have to remember any long difficult case, tracking or order numbers, their mother's maiden name or the name of their first pet, they can simply log in to the MyVodafone app, send a message on get on with their day while Vodafone gets on with solving the query.
Vodafone will proactively message the customer with updates until it is solved, so they aren't left worrying, wondering what is going on or spending time chasing. If Vodafone can't provide the service they've promised, then customers can leave with no exit fee.
Rob Winterschladen, Consumer Director, VodafoneThree, said: 'We all know the frustration of having to ask more than once; whether it's at home, work, or when dealing with customer service - repeating ourselves is annoying. Over half of the nation find repeating themselves to customer service frustrating, and for a fifth, it's even their biggest bugbear.
'Our new 'Just Ask Once' promise is based on a simple principle, when a customer needs help, they ask us once and we'll sort it. By messaging through the MyVodafone app, just like you would a friend on WhatsApp, you'll get your own dedicated problem solver and proactive updates, so there's no repeating yourself or waiting around on your phone - you can just get on with your day.'
Customers who don't want to contact Vodafone customer service using the My Vodafone app can still get help by calling 191 on their mobile or through the Vodafone website here.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
20 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
What it means when you walk into a room and forget why – the ‘doorway effect' explained
BRAIN BLIP What it means when you walk into a room and forget why – the 'doorway effect' explained Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EXPERTS have broken down the "doorway effect" and why we find ourselves walking into rooms and completely forgetting why we entered in the first place. We have all found ourselves confidently marching into a room only to get there and forget what the purpose was entirely, but why is this? Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Experts explain the "doorway effect" Experts have broken down this puzzling phenomenon - and good news, you are not going insane, but rather, there is actually a perfectly good explanation for it. The 'doorway effect' explained Experts have found that simply passing through a doorway as you travel from one room to another can trigger a kind of mental reset. In a nutshell, this is the brain's way of transitioning from one room into another, and processing the new information. According to a group of psychologists from the University of Notre Dame, when you move into a new room your brain automatically updates the contexts and clears out any information that is no longer needed. This means that the task you previously had in mind may be pushed to one side. Experts have dubbed this the "event boundary" effect, and it has a big part to play in that ever-so-frustrating moment when we forget what we walked into a room for. These event boundaries aren't just limited to doorways but can also occur when you are in the middle of a task that you have to stop answer the phone or the door for example. Once the interaction ends, just like entering a new room, people often experience a complete mind blank. While we often attribute this to brain fog and see our forgetfulness as negative, experts have made a case for this actually being an impressive feature of the brain. Rather than considering it a flaw, it should be seen as an efficiency tactic, whereby your brain is trying to prioritise what is important in that specific moment, rather than what was important a few minutes ago. Moment Brit comic Cerys Nelmes 'shoplifts' from Zara after 'forgetting clothes in bag' as she faces years in Turkey jail Stress and fatigue are key factors This forgetfulness is also typically triggered by stress, fatigue and anxiety. Our brains are constantly being forced to juggle all of our tasks, to do lists and mental notes each day, which can often challenge its ability to focus on specific things. When you are multitasking, overstimulated, or simply feeling more tired than usual, you are more likely to experience one of these slip ups. How to reduce your risk of dimentia Experts agree that what's good for your heart is also good for your brain. This means you can help reduce your risk of dementia by: This means you can help reduce your risk of dementia by: Eating a balanced diet (which includes five portions of fruit and veg per day) Maintaining a healthy weight (a BMI score of between 18.5 and 24.9) Exercising regularly (at least 150 minutes of physical activity over a week) Keeping alcohol within recommended limits Stopping smoking Keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level (between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg) Source: NHS How to combat forgetfuless Luckily, there are some handy hacks to help you combat these faux pars. One of the best methods to keep your brain on track is to say the task out loud as you walk into the room. While this may feel silly and confuse those your living with, it is one of the best ways to keep your brain focused on the task at hand. Other things you can do include carrying a physical object that reminds you of the task and pausing at the doorway to mentally "anchor" your goal, reports Times of India. However, ultimately, these mental blanks are nothing to worry about and completely normal for most. This is just a unviersal experience that we all have when our brain is overwhelmed, it isn't an indicator of early memory loss. That being said, if you're consistently forgetting names, appointments, or other important tasks, there is no harm in checking in with a doctor.
Edinburgh Live
a day ago
- Edinburgh Live
Rats will flee your garden if you use one particular kitchen item they hate
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info While you might not always notice rats in your garden, there could be subtle signs of their stealthy presence. The silver lining is that evicting these uninvited guests may be easier than you anticipate, as a common household item can keep them at bay. There are plenty of natural methods to dissuade rats from infiltrating your garden without causing harm to other wildlife. Rats and similar pests can carry diseases and wreak havoc by burrowing into parts of your lawn, so it's vital to deter them safely. There are various strategies to begin making your garden less attractive to these pests, ranging from citronella oil to onions, but one method stands out due to its simplicity. This comes after Brits were warned against placing a certain prohibited item in garden bins, as they could face penalties. Rats tend to steer clear of strong-smelling foods such as onions, garlic, and vinegar. Vinegar, in particular, is a straightforward and cost-effective solution to the problem, according to the Express. However, there are other tactics as well. From a gardening perspective, keeping grass short can help reduce potential hiding places for rats, reports the Mirror. They're also not keen on certain plant aromas, like lavender and mint, so planting these around your garden could act as a natural deterrent. The scent is thought to be off-putting to them, and you can scatter small amounts of these plants throughout your garden. If you're out of vinegar but have onions on hand, they can be a useful alternative. Onions contain sulphur compounds that can irritate rats' eyes and noses. Although it's improbable that a rat would ingest a significant amount, experts warn that large quantities can be toxic if consumed, so it's best to scatter small slices around your garden. Following these straightforward tips will help you effortlessly maintain your garden in top condition without threatening the wildlife inhabiting your outdoor area.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Keep washing machines mould-free for years with three 'easy' 5-second tasks
Mould is a common household issue that grows in warm, damp environments like bathrooms - and it can also develop inside washing machines. Don't worry, here are three easy tasks to keep it sparkling Mould thrives in warm, damp conditions - precisely the environment found inside most washing machines. Following each cycle, residual water, detergent, and fabric softener can stick to components like the rubber door seal and detergent compartment. When these areas aren't cleaned regularly, they become perfect breeding grounds for mould and bacteria. Front-loading machines face particular risk, as their door seals are engineered in a manner that traps moisture more readily than top-loaders. Without adequate maintenance, mould can accumulate rapidly and impact both your machine's performance and your laundry 's freshness. In other similar news, Brits are told to never put one banned item in garden bins as you could face punishment. Brittany Bailey shared on her blog, Pretty Handy Girl, that there are merely three straightforward methods to stop mould from establishing itself in washing machines, requiring only five seconds each, reports the Express. She revealed that over a decade, she'd only cleaned her washing machine's interior twice - once after it remained in her garage for more than a month, sealed during renovations, and again when a house guest "didn't know to do three things to keep the washer clean and smelling fresh." How to maintain washing machines mould-free permanently Always wipe the door after every load Develop the routine of wiping the door following each wash, or at minimum weekly. A swift wipe can significantly prevent grime accumulation. Always clean the gasket (top to bottom) This is to eliminate any water and moisture, as the rubber seal is the primary area where mould and mildew will accumulate first. Gently tug the gasket towards you to clean inside and behind it. Pay particular attention to the drain holes at the bottom. Keep the door and detergent d rawer open after every wash Once your wash is finished, leave your washing machine door open to thoroughly ventilate your washer. Aim to keep the washing machine door and drawer open for about 30 minutes after you've completed a load. For those who notice visible mould in the form of black stains inside the rubber seal, Brittany has offered a simple home remedy. She suggests mixing a small quantity of bleach and water in a container, dipping an old scrubbing brush or old toothbrush into the mixture, and scrubbing the spots with the brush. Afterwards, wipe clean with a clean cloth soaked in water to remove the bleach mixture. Repeat as necessary. Once the mould has been removed, dry off with a clean cloth.
