{"id":12776,"date":"2025-09-14T07:10:52","date_gmt":"2025-09-14T07:10:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voice.ai\/hub\/?p=12776"},"modified":"2025-09-20T18:00:17","modified_gmt":"2025-09-20T18:00:17","slug":"average-handle-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voice.ai\/hub\/tts\/average-handle-time\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Average Handle Time (AHT) and How Can You Reduce It?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Picture a caller stuck on hold while an agent flips between scripts and screens; every extra second raises frustration and cost. Average Handle Time (AHT) sits at the center of that problem as a core contact center metric that combines talk time, hold time, and wrap-up time and shapes service level, agent productivity, and queue times. Want to cut response time, improve first call resolution, and deliver faster, more efficient customer interactions without sacrificing service quality? That\u2019s where innovations like what is text to speech used for<\/a> come into play, helping transform customer engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Voice AI\u2019s text to speech tool<\/a> can help by automating routine prompts, shortening talk time and wrap-up time while keeping a natural tone, and freeing agents to handle complex issues, so you lower Average Handle Time without losing empathy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Average Handle Time (AHT) and How Do You Calculate It?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Person<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Average Handle Time (AHT)<\/a>, measures the average duration of a customer interaction from start to finish. It tracks how long an agent spends on a contact, including live conversation, the time the customer spends on hold, and the work done after the contact to close the ticket. Contact centers use AHT as a core call center metric and KPI to gauge operational efficiency, forecast staffing needs, and control support costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Three Parts of AHT and Why Each Part Counts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Talk Time<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This is the live interaction between agent and customer. It captures problem-solving, explanation, and negotiation. Accurate talk time reflects agent communication skills and the complexity of issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hold Time<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This is the time the customer waits while the agent consults, runs checks, or routes the call. Holding impacts customer experience and queue performance metrics such as average speed of answer and abandonment rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After Call Work<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Also called wrap-up time or follow-up time, this includes updating CRM records, logging resolutions, and any required outbound actions. After call, work completes the interaction and affects throughput and agent occupancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Count All Three?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Each component consumes agent time and budget. Combined, they form handle time per interaction, which informs WFM, workforce scheduling, and call center analytics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The AHT Formula: How to Calculate It Step by Step<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Core formula for voice contacts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

AHT = (total talk time + total hold time + total after-call work time) \/ total number of calls handled<\/p>\n\n\n\n