Generosity is a quality that can have profound positive effects on our lives and the lives of those around us. While many of us are familiar with the notion of being generous with family and friends, we may not always recognize the unseen effects of offering kindness and generosity to strangers. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the unseen impact of generosity and explore how tipping acts as a form of altruism. We'll also explore some practical ways to support service workers, as well as how to build meaningful relationships with those we encounter in our daily lives.
Knowing that we have the power to bring someone a brief moment of joy can be empowering. Acts of generosity can bring out the best in us and those around us, and lead us to pursue our common humanity. By understanding this power and using it responsibly, we can begin to create tangible connections with people we’ve never met before which, ultimately, will help us to foster meaningful relationships with our communities.
As consumers, service workers enable us to enjoy the comfort of having a meal prepared or the convenience of having an item delivered. Despite the essential role they play in our lives, service workers often lack the appreciation and recognition they deserve. Tipping is an opportunity for us to appreciate and reward their hard work.
Tipping for restaurant service helps ensure that employees earn a living wage and is important to maintain continuity in the industry. It is a common practice to tip 15-20% of the bill, however larger tips may be appropriate depending on the level of service. Likewise, smaller tips or no tips at all may be appropriate if service is inadequate, although this should instead be brought to the attention of management.
When ordering take-out or delivery, the tip may be added to the order or paid with cash separately. Since the actual delivery person who brings the food to your door typically does not receive a portion of the service charge included in the total bill, an additional tip is recommended. Tips are meant to be discretionary and should be based on the level of service received. Some online delivery services add a “tip” option to the bill to simplify the process.
Tip your taxi or ridesharing driver 15-20% of the fare, just as you would in a taxi. Because many ridesharing apps add the option for consumers to add tips, it’s important to remember that the driver does still rely on tips as a portion of their income. Tak eyour cue from your level of service-if the driver goes out of their way to help you, or makes special accommodations, feel free to enhance your tip.
Barbers and hair stylists provide a service that many of us rely on for our daily grooming needs. These professionals often have long hours and work to accommodate their customers. Tipping for barber and hair stylist services is the standard in most places and is usually done in cash. A tip of 15-20% is appropriate, with a larger tip for a more elaborate style or extra services rendered.
Cleaners and janitors often work in an environment where their labour is taken for granted. Consider tipping at least a dollar or two per service session to show your gratitude. In some places, it’s common to leave a larger tip of up to 5% of the bill for an especially thorough cleaning.
Housekeepers and maids provide an invaluable service by ensuring our homes are clean and comfortable. Tipping housekeepers is not standard practice, but it is certainly an appreciated gesture. It’s best to tip in cash and preferably in an envelope with your name included. A tip of $2-5 per day is a suitable range.
Artists and creatives often rely on generous tipping to sustain their craft. Small donations and tips help to inspire these professionals to create beautiful works for us to enjoy and appreciate. A donation of any size is a generous gesture, and if you cannot donate, simply sharing their work can be a kind act.
Generosity is an extremely powerful tool that can be used to build meaningful relationships, support local businesses and service workers, and inspire a sense of greater purpose in us. By reflecting on our individual power to offer kindness, we can foster a sense of connection and foster a brighter tomorrow.
Tipping service workers offers us a chance to recognize the integral role they play in our lives. We often take for granted the comfort and convenience of having a meal prepared or an item delivered, but service workers are the ones who make it happen. Tipping is our opportunity to show our appreciation for their hard work and can make a big difference in their lives. Tips should be commensurate with the level of service and discretion should also be used when deciding how much to tip. Beyond tips, a kind word or smile can go a long way in brightening someone’s day. As consumers, let us use our power to create change and foster brighter tomorrows.