In today's digital age, mobile marketing has become an integral part of our daily lives. With the rise of smartphones and social media, businesses are increasingly relying on mobile marketing strategies to reach their target audience. However, the practice of tipping in Canada is still shrouded in controversy. A recent survey by Dalhousie University found that Canadians' views on tipping remain divided.
The Impact of Tipping
Tipping has far-reaching consequences for workers and consumers alike. On one hand, it can boost workers' income and give them a greater sense of control over their work. On the other hand, it often comes with negative outcomes such as sexual harassment, pressure to engage in degrading behaviors, inequality among workers, racial discrimination, and unpredictable incomes.
A Shifting Landscape
The gig economy is rapidly growing, with 13% of Canadians reported to have worked in this sector in 2021. Tipping is spreading to more industries, including cafes, restaurants, airlines, liquor stores, and pet grooming businesses. This trend is taking place without a serious policy debate or direction. When tipping does receive attention, it often focuses on tweaking minimum wages for tipped workers or adapting laws around tip pooling.
The Need for a Serious Conversation
It's time for Canadians to have a serious conversation about the future of compensation in Canada and the role of tipping. This discussion should consider the pros and cons of tipping and its alternatives, such as service charges and service-inclusive pricing. It should also provide opportunities for workers to learn and deliberate together by accessing expert insights, research, and stakeholder perspectives.
The Future of Mobile Marketing
Canadians may ultimately desire the elimination of tipping in some sectors, as seen in some U.S. states in the past. This could be coupled with policies giving workers higher wages and autonomy over their jobs. Alternatively, Canadians may want to keep tipping but implement clear rules about soliciting tips through apps and platforms, higher wages for workers, and transparency around tip distribution.
Rather than tipping being largely determined by businesses, it should be defined by Canadians who have not been given the chance to properly reflect on it. This will become increasingly important as the pandemic draws attention to creating an economy that offers decent work for all.