Public holidays are a much-needed pause. A time to unwind, catch up with family, or just enjoy a slower pace. But for business owners, that pause can come with a bit of anxiety: What if a potential customer calls and no one picks up? What if you miss out on a big opportunity?
Whether it’s Labour Day or Grand Final Eve, the long weekend might be a break for you, but for your customers, it’s often just another day. And yes, they’re still calling.
In our always-on world, people expect businesses to be reachable or at least responsive. Even if they know it’s a public holiday, that won’t always stop them from picking up the phone to ask a question, make a booking, or follow up on something.
The problem? If you or your team are off for the day, those calls may go unanswered. And sometimes, a missed call is more than just a missed ring, it's a missed first impression and a high chance that they will keep shopping around.
Let’s break down what’s really at stake:
Missed Revenue – A lead who couldn’t get through might simply call the next business on their list.
Lost Trust – A returning customer may feel neglected or frustrated if no one responds, especially if they're experiencing some sort of issue.
Staff Burnout – The pressure to “just quickly check messages” over the break adds up.
Post-Holiday Chaos – Coming back to a full voicemail box is no one’s idea of a fresh start.
Public holidays should give you room to breathe, not leave you playing catch-up.
Planning ahead doesn’t have to mean keeping your phone glued to your hand. A professional phone answering service is a simple and smart solution that ensures your business remains available, even when you’re out of office.
Here’s how it works:
Your calls are answered on your behalf by real people based in Australia
Message taking and instant delivery to your email or SMS
Custom scripts to reflect your brand tone
Urgent call handling (calls can be forwarded to key team members if needed)
It’s like having a reliable receptionist who never takes a day off, but without the overheads.
Not all answering services are created equal, and that’s a good thing. Depending on your business size, hours, and customer needs, you can choose a setup that fits just right. Here’s a quick guide to the most common options:
Business 24/7 – Ideal for businesses that want to maintain round-the-clock availability. Great for essential services, trades, and online retailers who never really “close.”
Business Team – A message-taking service that triages calls, takes a message and sends it to the correct recipient. Perfect for businesses with multiple departments.
Virtual Reception – A full reception experience. Answering the phone, triaging calls, and transferring urgent calls just like an in-house receptionist, but remote and cost-effective.
Virtual Assistant – More than just message taking. Your assistant can manage calendars, confirm bookings, and even help with customer service overflow by answering FAQs.
On-Call Escalation – Perfect for healthcare providers, emergency trades, or any service where after-hours escalation matters. Calls can be screened and escalated only when truly necessary.
Let’s look at some everyday examples:
On Grand Final Eve, your workplace closes early, but a few last-minute calls come in. A new client wants to schedule a service, and another needs to reschedule. An answering service ensures they’re heard, not ignored.
During Labour Day, you’re finally having a day to yourself. But the phone still rings. Rather than miss out or stress-check your mobile, your answering service takes care of it. You catch up on what’s needed after your day off.
The morning after the holiday, instead of listening to 12 voicemails and sorting urgent from routine, you open your email to a clear list of messages, already prioritised. That’s business clarity.
One of the unexpected perks? Many businesses that set up an answering service for public holidays end up keeping it longer term. Why?
Because it delivers:
A more professional image - 24/7 availability builds trust and makes your clients feel cared for
Improved customer experience - no more “phone tag”. Your clients speak to a real person who assures them their call will be returned shortly.
Freedom to unplug - weekends, evenings, short breaks
Peace of mind - someone is always there to answer the phone when you can't
It’s a small addition that makes a big difference. Not just during holidays, but year-round.
Public holidays come around fast, and the best time to prepare is before they sneak up on you. Whether it’s just for a single long weekend or a longer-term solution, having your communication covered is one less thing to worry about.
A simple phone answering setup can keep your business looking sharp and running smoothly while you enjoy your time off. Get in touch with our team to get your business prepped for the upcoming public holidays.