Recently, during a chat with a friend, she encouraged me to occasionally treat myself and suggested indulging in a favorite drink from Starbucks. I decided to heed her advice, but as I waited in line, guilt crept in. Since the pandemic began, I’d been cautious with my spending, and this felt like an extravagant choice. I also grappled with the privilege of casually spending $5 on a latte while others are facing financial hardships. I understand it was just coffee, but that’s how my mind works.
Then, I thought about extending my friend’s kindness. I wanted to contribute positively to the world around me. I considered covering the order for the person behind me but hesitated, reasoning that they likely had the means for a fancy coffee, unlike the person taking my order.
Service workers—baristas, delivery drivers, grocery clerks—have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to keep our lives running smoothly. They deserve not just our gratitude but also generous tips. While they indeed rely on their wages, which often fall short, they also deserve better treatment from customers who should show respect and appreciation, rather than entitlement.
Interestingly, only seven states in the U.S. ensure that tipped workers receive at least minimum wage before tips, which currently sits at a meager $7.25/hour. When I tipped the barista at Starbucks, his surprised expression reminded me just how important it is to acknowledge these workers who make our lives easier. The pandemic has altered tipping behaviors, with many tipping less or not at all. While I’ve felt the impact in my own work, it’s nothing compared to those in the service and hospitality sectors.
Everyone—from Uber drivers to hairdressers—merits fair compensation for their hard work. If it’s raining or snowing, consider tipping even more. For those uncertain about how much to tip, aim for at least 15-20%. A quick tip calculation trick: move the decimal point of your pre-tax total one place to the left and double it. For example, on a pizza order of $47.25, moving the decimal gives you $4.725; doubling it results in a $9.4 tip. Rounding up to $10 is an easy way to show appreciation for the hard work of those in service.
As society begins to return to normal, let’s not forget the dedication of those who showed up day after day, often at great personal risk. Many of us have had the luxury of staying home, relying on others to bring us what we need. If you grab takeout or visit a drive-thru, remember to tip generously.
Show your gratitude and support for service providers’ tireless efforts throughout this challenging time—do it with cash.
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Summary
In a world where service workers have persevered through unprecedented challenges, it’s crucial to show gratitude through meaningful actions, particularly by giving generous tips. This not only acknowledges their hard work but also helps them make ends meet. As we navigate through these times, let’s remember to uplift those who have supported us.
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– How to tip service workers
– Best practices for tipping
– Why tipping matters
– Supporting service industry workers
– Consequences of not tipping