Buzz
You’re already practicing good hygiene by washing your hands, staying home if you're unwell, and resisting the urge to hoard hand sanitizer. But if you're feeling fine and going about your usual routine, there’s one more thoughtful gesture you can make: tip generously.
For every business that allows its employees to work from home for a few weeks, there’s another that can’t offer that option because of the nature of the job. The person who prepares your lunch salad can’t do it remotely. Your nail technician can’t file your nails over a video call.
Service workers face not only the risk of catching the coronavirus, but also the potential for significant income loss. Unlike other jobs, they often don’t have paid sick leave, which can leave them in a tough spot if they fall ill.
If business slows down, workers may see their shifts cut or, even worse, lose their jobs entirely. According to Eater, some restaurant groups in New York are facing revenue drops between 25% and 70% as customers cancel their dining plans.
Even if a service worker keeps their usual hours, the decrease in foot traffic means fewer tips, which can quickly lead to financial difficulties for those who rely heavily on those tips.
While some large service-focused companies are rolling out measures to support their workers—Instacart and DoorDash are offering up to two weeks of sick pay for any workers who are quarantined.
However, these policies only apply to a small portion of gig workers. And with campaigns advising people to avoid panic but essentially to stay home, it’s bound to be a challenging time for workers who interact with the public and depend on tips.
While it may not be possible to double your usual tip, consider adding an extra dollar or two whenever you can. If possible, tip in cash so that the worker can access their earnings right away.
Tipping an extra dollar or two might not feel like much, but for someone who depends on tips, it can bring a bit of relief in challenging times like these.
