A communication session (e.g., voice or video) is established between a first party and a second party. The communication session is placed on hold or mute by the second party. While the first party is on hold or mute, an event associated with the second party is detected. For example, the second party calls a third party. In response to detecting the event associated with the second party, a progress update message is sent to first party on hold or mute. For example, the progress update message may be a voice message that states the second party (e.g., the contact center agent) is talking to a third party to resolve an issue of the first party. By sending the progress update message, the first party is apprised of the second party's progress in assisting the first party.