I work as a cleaner and earn an hourly wage. As a service worker, I am only compensated while I’m on the job, and only when there’s work available. You may argue that this is how it should be, but let me ask you: do you enjoy benefits like paid sick leave, holidays, or the flexibility to take breaks during your workday without worrying about your paycheck? If you have a salaried position, you might still need to perform well to maintain your job, but you likely enjoy more security and adaptability than those in service or gig roles, especially during the economic shifts we’re facing due to the pandemic.
Service workers strive to perform their duties effectively, but if you’re enjoying the service provided, please remember to tip. While tips alone can’t fully support a person’s budget—at least not for those I know in the service industry—they do significantly help bridge the gap between low hourly wages and our monthly expenses.
A recent Harris Poll revealed that 19% of Americans are tipping less now than before the pandemic. This isn’t just due to fewer dining experiences; it reflects a decline in the amount given per outing. Another study from One Fair Wage found that 80% of restaurant employees have received fewer tips, and 40% reported increased harassment from customers compared to the pre-COVID era. A part of this may stem from discomfort with mask mandates or not being able to see a server’s face, which can influence tipping decisions. Moreover, with the rise of contactless delivery and takeout, the human connection that often encourages tips has diminished, leading some to justify not tipping generously, or at all.
I too have noticed a reduction in tips this holiday season. Many of my clients, including long-term ones I relied on for tips, opted not to give this year. I take pride in my work, and while my quality of service didn’t diminish, my patience and flexibility were tested. From March to June, understandably, my clients were hesitant to have me in their homes. I was also navigating my own children’s virtual schooling during that time. Many of my friends managed to work from home and still receive their paychecks, which was not an option for me.
I maintained communication with families and reserved spots for them until I could resume work. I always wear a mask during my visits and request that my clients do the same. Thankfully, they have been respectful, but working around adults and students learning from home has extended the time it takes to complete my tasks. I only get paid for the estimated time it should take, regardless of delays caused by clients.
I don’t earn anything for time spent in traffic or lengthy conversations with clients. If I need to take a sick day, or if a client cancels for any reason, I don’t receive payment. Still, I must remain polite, flexible, and sometimes even charming, to retain my clients.
Tips signal appreciation and recognition of the extra time spent providing quality service. They can offer some financial cushion during holidays or replace income lost due to cancellations. While I won’t reduce my effort without a tip, I also won’t feel motivated to go above and beyond if I feel unappreciated. This year’s lack of tips has made it harder to reconcile the risks I take to earn a living during a pandemic. And please don’t justify the lack of generosity as a result of being financially strapped due to COVID-19. Many of these clients have openly stated how much they are saving by not traveling or engaging in leisure activities.
If you can afford luxuries that enhance your life, you can afford to tip your barista, hair stylist, house cleaner, restaurant staff, hotel employees, rideshare drivers, and nail technicians. This isn’t up for debate; it’s a fact. What you might view as a convenience or necessity is a privilege that others do not share. While I hate relying on this privilege, it would be reassuring for it to be recognized. Despite our economic differences, respect can and should be mutual. Service workers hustle and often endure difficult interactions with customers to maintain the income we desperately need.
To clarify, my clients aren’t terrible people, but I often don’t feel respected. The clients I feel most comfortable with are those who see me as more than just hired help. They express gratitude through thank-you notes, ask if they can reschedule rather than cancel, and show appreciation through tips. One client even paid me for every missed appointment due to COVID-19, which brought me to tears. They acknowledged that they had budgeted for my payments and wanted to offer me financial stability during uncertain times. Their kindness made me feel valued and cared for; although I’m self-employed, my clients ultimately determine my income.
If you believe service providers shouldn’t be tipped just for “doing their jobs,” then you should apply that same mindset to salaried employees regarding bonuses or pay raises. Kindly remind your boss that you’re already earning your agreed-upon salary and don’t need additional compensation. Or you can choose to tip your service providers, recognizing that they make your life easier and deserve a living wage.
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Summary:
The article emphasizes the importance of tipping service workers, who often face financial instability and lack benefits that many salaried employees enjoy. It highlights the challenges faced by service workers during the pandemic, including decreased tips and increased customer harassment. The author underscores that while service workers are dedicated to their jobs, they need recognition and fair compensation for their efforts. The message is clear: if you can afford to enjoy services, you should also be willing to tip those who provide them.