In a method for managing a communication system, the method includes: identifying, by a processor, initiation of a chat communication session with a user device operated by a user; establishing, by the processor, a connection to the chat communication session by an automated chat resource; routing, by the processor, the chat communication session to a first agent device operated by a first agent; detecting, by the processor, a disconnection of the user device from the chat communication session; maintaining, by the processor, the connection to the chat communication session by the automated chat resource during a timeout period after the disconnection of the user device is detected; detecting, by the processor, the user device reconnecting to the chat communication session; and routing, by the processor, the chat communication session to a contact center resource.