Okay, confession time. Every single time I hear “Have a great day!” at the end of a business call, I cringe – a lot! Not because it’s mean or wrong, it’s perfectly nice! But because I know the person saying it has probably said that exact phrase 47 times already today, and they’re going to say it 53 more times before they clock out. And honestly? We can all tell.

So here’s what I’ve been digging into: does that cheerful, cookie-cutter closing actually make anyone’s day better? And more importantly, what should we be saying instead? Turns out, the research on business phone call endings is pretty fascinating, and it might change how your team wraps up every customer conversation.

Why Generic Closings Fall Flat (According to Actual Research)

Here’s the deal: customers aren’t stupid. They know when you’re reading from a script. And research backs this up. Customer service experts have found that one-size-fits-all closing statements simply don’t work as well because they don’t fit the actual conversation you just had.

Think about it this way. If you’ve just spent fifteen minutes helping someone troubleshoot their phone system, and you end with the exact same perky phrase you’d use after taking a pizza order, something feels off. Your customer might not be able to put their finger on why, but they can sense it.

And this matters more than you might think. Research shows that 68% of customers say a pleasant representative is key to a good service experience. But here’s the kicker, pleasant and robotic aren’t the same thing. In fact, 71% of customers now expect personalized interactions. When they don’t get them? 76% report feeling frustrated. That’s a lot of annoyed customers.

The Money Side of Getting Personal

Now let me hit you with some numbers that’ll make your CFO pay attention. Companies that nail personalization generate 40% more revenue than businesses that phone it in (pun intended). And yes, this extends all the way down to how you end a phone call.

Beyond the revenue boost, personalized service makes customers feel more in control, less stressed, and more empowered. These aren’t fluffy benefits, they’re the difference between customers who barely tolerate you and customers who actually recommend you to their networks.

Time of Day Actually Matters (Who Knew?)

Here’s something I found really interesting: not all closings work equally well at all times of day. Saying “Have a great afternoon!” at 2 PM feels genuine because it’s specific to the moment you’re in. But that same “Have a great day!” at 4:45 PM? Everyone knows you’re not really talking about their “day” anymore.

The research on this is clear, positive greetings that acknowledge the actual time contribute to better moods and increased productivity. When you say “Hope you have a good evening” at 5:30 PM, you’re recognizing that your customer is probably thinking about wrapping up. You’re showing up as a real person, not a closing-phrase robot.

Morning People vs Evening Folks

Studies show that morning greetings can literally set the tone for someone’s entire day. They trigger feel-good hormones and boost self-esteem. So how you end a morning call? That actually matters. Evening calls give you the chance to acknowledge what someone’s accomplished and wish them a restful night. It’s all about meeting people where they are.

Why Fridays Hit Different (Science Says So)

Got that TGIF feeling? You know that feeling when it’s Friday afternoon and everything just seems better? There’s actual research behind that. Studies on anticipatory pleasure show that people often feel happier anticipating something good than experiencing it. That’s why Friday at 3 PM can feel more euphoric than Saturday morning, even though Saturday offers actual freedom.

Here’s what’s wild: Fridays are psychologically distinctive. They consistently “feel like Fridays” while Wednesdays and Thursdays blur together into this midweek fog. So when you acknowledge the approaching weekend in your business phone call endings on Friday, it lands differently. “Enjoy your weekend!” on Friday afternoon resonates. That same phrase on Tuesday? Weird.

The Midweek Struggle Is Real

Mental health research shows people feel worst mid-week, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Which means your call endings on these days might need a little extra warmth. Instead of your standard closer, try something like “Hope the rest of your week goes smoothly.” You’re acknowledging the shared reality of the midweek grind, and people appreciate that.

Scripts Are Killing Your Authenticity

Let me be blunt: rigid scripts make your team sound like robots. I get why companies use them; consistency, training new people, covering all the bases. But research shows that scripted responses make support feel artificial, and customers pick up on it instantly.

There’s a term researchers use called “surface acting” when employees are clearly just going through the motions. Customers hate it. On the flip side, “deep acting” (when someone seems genuinely sincere) gets positive responses. But here’s the problem: only a small percentage of customers actually perceive sincerity from service reps. That gap? That’s your opportunity.

What Authentic Actually Looks Like

Authentic business phone call endings build trust. When someone ends a call with words that feel natural to them, words that specifically reference what you just talked about, it shows they were actually listening. Like, if you just helped someone set up their new phone system, saying “Good luck with the rollout next Tuesday!” demonstrates you paid attention and genuinely care how things turn out.

This is exactly how we approach things at 2talk. We don’t force our team to memorize closing scripts. Instead, we focus on genuine connections. Whether you’re calling about a new phone system, working through a technical issue, or exploring new features, every conversation ends with something that feels personal, and that’s because it is.

So What Should You Actually Say?

Okay, practical advice time. What works better than “Have a great day”? It depends on the conversation, but here’s what the research tells us:

• Reference the actual conversation: “Thanks for being so patient while we figured that out” beats generic gratitude every single time.
• Match the time of day: Morning energy is different from afternoon focus is different from evening wind-down. Acknowledge where people are.
• Know what day it is: Friday closings can nod to the weekend. Monday closings can wish someone a strong start. Tuesday? Maybe just solidarity.
• Get specific to the person: Did they mention a big presentation? Wish them luck. Are they dealing with a challenge? Offer encouragement.
• Sound like yourself: Professional doesn’t mean stiff. Use words that feel natural when they come out of your mouth.

How We Do This at 2talk

Our philosophy on business phone call endings is pretty straightforward: treat people like people. That means actually listening, remembering details, and closing conversations in ways that show you care. It’s not about learning new scripts, it’s about creating a culture where authentic communication is valued.

This extends to everything we do. From that first consultation call to technical support to checking in on how things are going, we’re focused on building real relationships. Because here’s what we know: customers don’t just want their problems solved. They want to feel heard, valued, and like they matter. They’re building a relationship with us, just as much as we are with them.

The Real Answer to “Have a Great Day”

So does saying “Have a great day” actually make people have better days? Maybe, if you mean it and it fits the moment. But the research is pretty clear: personalized business phone call endings consistently beat generic scripts. They create stronger connections, build more trust, and leave customers feeling valued instead of processed.

As we roll into the weekend, maybe it’s worth rethinking those automatic closings. Whether you’re wrapping up a Monday morning call or a Friday afternoon chat, consider what would actually resonate with the person you’ve been talking to. Because in a world that’s increasingly automated, authentic human connection is becoming more valuable, not less.

Want Phone Service That Actually Feels Personal?

At 2talk, we believe great service starts with genuine connections, and that includes how we end every single conversation. If you’re done with telecommunications providers who treat you like account number 47,892, I’d love to show you what authentic service actually looks like. Reach out and let’s have a real conversation about your business phone needs. No scripts, no generic closings, just honest help from people who actually care.