She Strengthens

The Shift in Tipping Culture: A New Era of Gratitude

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the service industry, a surprising trend has emerged: higher tips on carryout orders. This shift in tipping culture is not only a testament to the generosity of customers but also a reflection of the changing landscape of dining and hospitality.

The Struggle is Real

In the United States, tipped employees are only required to be paid $2.13 per hour, with the expectation that tips will make up the difference to reach the federal minimum wage. However, with stay-at-home orders in place, many restaurant workers have been laid off or forced to adapt to a new reality. Only seven states require employers to pay tipped employees a full state minimum wage before tips, leaving many service-industry workers struggling to make ends meet.

Adapting to a New Reality

Restaurants are finding creative ways to stay afloat, from adding grocery options to their carryout offerings to reworking menus to fit the new normal. Some establishments are even donating their time and resources to provide meal kits to laid-off industry workers and frontline healthcare professionals. These efforts have not only helped to support the community but have also led to an increase in tips on carryout orders.

A New Language of Gratitude

Traditionally, tipping has been associated with dining experiences, but the pandemic has highlighted the importance of recognizing the hard work and dedication of service-industry employees in all aspects of their job. Carryout orders, once seen as a component of tipping that many people overlooked, are now being recognized as an essential part of the service industry. As a result, customers are showing their appreciation through higher tips.

Campaigns of Kindness

Several campaigns have emerged to support bartenders and service-industry workers who have been impacted by the pandemic. GoTipEm.com, a database of over 4,700 bartenders from all 50 states, allows customers to tip their favorite bartenders electronically. ClevelandTips.com, a virtual tip jar, encourages site visitors to send tips to Cleveland’s hospitality industry by highlighting a random worker of the day and partnering with restaurants and pubs in a tip match.

Community Care

The restaurant industry has come together to support each other and their communities during these challenging times. The #FeedTheFrontLine movement, which encourages businesses and individuals to purchase large quantities of food from local restaurants and have it delivered to frontline workers, is just one example of this community care. This movement not only supports local restaurants but also shows appreciation for the hard work and dedication of essential staff.

A New Era of Tipping

As the industry adapts to the new normal, the landscape of dining and tipping will inevitably shift. What is valued as exceptional service will still be important, but so will stories of community members and essential staff. As customers, we have the power to show our appreciation for the hard work and dedication of service-industry employees through our tips. In doing so, we can help to create a new era of gratitude and community care.