The rise of tipping culture in the United States has led to a tipping fatigue among consumers, impacting service industry workers. With the average tip in America at 18%, many customers are feeling burnt out and annoyed at being asked to tip in various situations, including takeout food and self-service kiosks.
According to USA Today, approximately 63% of Americans believe that too many places are asking for tips, and nearly 48% are tired of being constantly prompted to tip. This tipping fatigue has resulted in people tipping less, directly affecting employees in customer-facing businesses.
As the holiday season approaches, the issue of tipping becomes even more significant. While the average holiday tip is around 20%, this year may see a decrease in tipping as the demand for tips has reached new heights. This slowdown in tipping is concerning for workers who rely on holiday tips as a significant portion of their annual income.
Despite the tipping fatigue, there may be some hope for service industry workers during the holidays. People tend to tip more during this time of year due to the holiday spirit and increased face-to-face interactions with workers. The human capacity for kindness and compassion during the holidays may lead to an increase in holiday tipping, providing some relief for workers.
Overall, the backlash against tipping culture could have a significant impact on how service industry workers make money, especially during the holiday season. Customers’ attitudes towards tipping and their willingness to tip may shape the earnings of those in the service industry in the coming months.