March 13, 2016
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of St. Paddy’s Day? More often than not, it’s the color green. The two are synonymous! To avoid feeling a bit too green, either from over-indulgence in the customary libations or possibly from some other impropriety, here are some tips to keep your manners in check on this fun holiday.
On March 17th, wear some green to the office to show your St. Patrick’s Day support. If you don’t have a green shirt or blouse, try a tasteful accessory, such as a scarf or tie that includes some green. Whatever you wear, make sure it’s in accordance with your work’s dress code policy. Avoid wearing anything that could be considered silly or improper. These include “funny” hats or t-shirts that have inappropriate sayings on them (i.e. “Kiss me, I’m Irish”). Keep in mind that you are at work to conduct business, even on these holidays where a little fun can be sprinkled into the day.
What happens if someone doesn’t wear any green on St. Patrick’s Day? Well, it is a long-standing tradition to give that person a pinch. Even if you’re a stickler for tradition, the office is not the place to carry out this part of St. Paddy’s Day fun. To avoid an uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing situation, simply refrain from pinching anyone at the office and jovially say “Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Where’s your green?” instead. (Seriously, you wouldn’t pinch your boss if he isn’t decked out in green, would you?)
Speaking of green, you know that favorite cabbage dish of yours that you thought would be fun to bring to work (because it’s… green)? Avoid reheating your leftovers in the office microwave. That distinct smell could be found disagreeable to most everyone it wafts to—making them, understandably… GREEN. 🙂
Perhaps you plan to celebrate the holiday after 5 o’clock by partaking in ‘adult’ beverages. If so, try to keep your consumption at a minimum. St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year. Remember that you’ll need to wake up for work bright and early on Wednesday morning. Do yourself a favor and skip the hard stuff. Instead, stick to just one beer or glass of wine and remember to eat something. Of course, never drink and drive. The luck of the Irish does nothing to protect you from DUIs or hangovers.
Lastly, avoid approaching a visiting Irish native with a goofy, “Top o’the mornin’ to ya!” While it’s a nice way of saying “Best of the morning to you!” this phrase is very rarely used in Ireland. However, if you are on the receiving end of this “customary” greeting, the proper way to return it is to say, “And the rest of the day to yourself.”
Even if you aren’t Irish, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Besides, all that green reminds us that spring is only a few short days away! So let loose a little, but play it safe and enjoy.
I’ll leave you with these Irish toasts for St. Patrick’s Day:
“May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light, may good luck pursue you each morning and night.”
“May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live.”
“May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks. May your heart be as light as a song. May each day bring you bright, happy hours. That stay with you all the year long.”
Continue Reading »
Print This Post
Posted by Margaret Page in Uncategorized
March 13, 2016
Innovation has been an amazing thing, hasn’t it? In our desire for everything to be bigger… better… faster… technology has answered the call. However, one of these digital enhancements has actually inflated, and confused, how much we give as gratuities. Here’s how:
You may have seen the new, tablet-based point-of-sale (POS) systems that are replacing cash registers in coffee shops, salons, delis and even dry cleaners. If you’ve been presented with an iPad to sign-off on a credit card transaction, then you’ve used one. Many of these digital POS systems have a section where you can add a tip. Seems harmless enough, and maybe even efficient, and here lies the problem:
Lets say you go to your favorite coffee shop and get in line to purchase a $4 coffee. You order your double latte, hand the clerk your credit card and he or she turns the iPad toward you to complete the transaction. You stood in line to order a coffee –and will have to wait in another line to pick up your coffee — and now suddenly you’re presented with tip options? The server is staring at you, awaiting your next move and there is a line of impatient people waiting behind you. What do you do?
Welcome to the world of “tip creep.” Tip creep is the expectation of an exorbitant tip where none was demanded or even expected before (like at a dry cleaner). It’s fueled not only by POS’s tip suggestion, as well as the pressure to tip the counterperson who is waiting for you complete your purchase (as is everyone in line behind you.)
Most people avoid the “No Tip” button as they don’t want to be seen as “that guy.” The preset default tip amounts then tap into the power of suggestion and quick convenience. With those, gratuities can be inflated to 50 percent or higher. (Which, by the way, is what you would have paid if you opted for a $2 gratuity on the $4 cup of coffee!)
In short: You’re thrown into an uncomfortable position, and all you wanted was to get your early morning caffeine fix!
Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to gratuities on point of sale technology.
When at casual, order-at-the-counter establishments:
- Pay with cash. These types of purchases are often under $10 anyway. Plus, you’ll save yourself additional fees if your bank charges you for debit transactions.
- Tipping is at your discretion. If you feel that you’ve had exceptional service, leave a tip that you feel comfortable with.
- Avoid giving in to pressure from those behind the counter or in line behind you.
When at a full-service, sit-down restaurant:
- Tip your waitperson at least 15 percent for good service and 20 percent for great service. If the kitchen made a mistake on your order, avoid punishing the server with little or no tip. Tip as you would normally, and tactfully talk to the waiter and/or management about the problem that occurred so that it can be rectified.
- Refrain from writing things such as “Better luck next time” or “Find sour cream” on the tip line. Passive-aggressive notes such as these are in very poor taste and can actually work against you (especially for the “Find sour cream” guy).
Would you like some more tips on tipping etiquette? Check out my Guide to Tipping Etiquette or download my handy, one-page Tipping Etiquette Cheat Sheet.
Continue Reading »
Print This Post
Posted by Margaret Page in Uncategorized and tagged tipping etiquette
