PhonePe slashes support staff by 60pct, now uses AI for 90pct customer queries

Updated on 22-Oct-2024
HIGHLIGHTS

PhonePe revealed that it has reduced its customer support staff by 60% over the past five years.

This reduction in customer support staff is largely due to PhonePe's heavy reliance on AI.

Now, over 90% of customer service issues are now resolved by chatbots.

As AI technology continues to rise, many people are worried about its impact on jobs. While there are valid concerns, some companies are leveraging AI to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction. PhonePe, a major fintech player in India, has recently demonstrated how AI can transform business operations.

In its latest annual report, the company revealed that it has reduced its customer support staff by 60% over the past five years. The workforce shrank from around 1,100 agents to just over 400, even as the company experienced a remarkable 40-fold increase in transactions between FY18-19 and FY23-24.

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This reduction in staff is largely due to PhonePe’s heavy reliance on AI-driven automation. The report highlighted that over 90% of customer service issues are now resolved by chatbots, showcasing the effectiveness of technology in handling customer queries. Despite these cuts, PhonePe has not only maintained customer satisfaction but has also seen improvements, as reflected in its consistently rising Net Promoter Score (NPS) during the same period.

The annual report noted, “Despite significant external challenges over the past five years, including the Zero MDR law and the Covid-19 pandemic, our relentless focus on process automation and unit economics has driven a clear path to profitability.”

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In FY24, PhonePe reported a significant 73% increase in revenue, soaring to Rs 5,064 crore, up from Rs 2,914 crore in the previous fiscal year. Additionally, PhonePe has turned its Adjusted Profit After Tax (PAT) positive, recording Rs 197 crore, a remarkable turnaround from the Rs 738 crore loss reported last year.

PhonePe’s journey shows how businesses can harness AI to streamline operations and improve customer satisfaction. However, this also raises concerns about job security, as automation may lead to reduced employment opportunities in certain sectors.

Ayushi Jain

Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds.

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