Pay it forward by being kind

As the year starts to wind down, we feel the effects of another big year. Another year of dreams conquered, hard work, fun times, and if you are anything like me, you will be feeling a little bit drained and feeling some fatigue from what has been a big year. We are on the home stretch, and its nearly time to relax for many of us.
 
If I could ask one thing of you this holiday season, it is that you give some thought to all of those who will continue to work tirelessly whilst we have a break. 

Christmas and the New Year period for many industries is business as usual. For those who run hospitality and tourism businesses in Australia, it can be the busiest time of the year.  Many venues are open right throughout the public holidays when a lot of us will be enjoying our downtime with our loved ones, families, and friends.
 
The guys and girls pouring the beer at your local pub, the cellar door staff pouring your tastings of wine, and the restaurant staff who serve up Christmas lunch and dinner for those who choose not to cook at home are just some of the legends who work throughout the holidays.
 
Customer service staff know that it is part of the deal to work public holidays, and they don’t expect to be treated any differently. It’s part of the job to work over busy summer periods when others are letting their hair down, but always try and be kind, and treat others like you would expect to be treated yourself.
 
The end of the year is a time for us to celebrate with work colleagues at our staff Christmas parties, or have a few more dinners out at the local pub during the month of December and January with the kids as school holiday’s kick in and you are too tired to cook. On these occasions, be sure to look out for the wonderful staff who work tirelessly in customer service jobs so you can relax, enjoy yourself, and get a coffee on New Year’s day!
 
I’ve worked many Christmas’s and New Year’s Eve’s in my Hospitality days, and what I can say is that mindful and friendly customers make it a whole lot easier to make it a merry occasion for all. Being treated as a human being any day of the year should be a given, but it’s so important during the holiday season.
 
A simple smile and a thank you can go such a long way to making someone’s day, especially if that day happens to be Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve. We all have families and many forego time with family to ensure that others can have an awesome and safe celebration.
 
So, share the holiday spirit and be kind to those who serve you in any capacity. Not just those in hospitality and tourism jobs, but all that work hard to keep businesses open and serving the community.
 
Everyone has their own story; life, love, loss and things going on. Whilst it is expected that customer service staff always have a smile on their face, they might just be battling behind that smile and Christmas although a very merry time for many, can be a hard time for a lot of people as well.
 
Give the gift of a smile and a thank you this Christmas. It will mean a whole lot more than you realise and can have a far greater impact than you know.
 
Just my two cents
Love to hear your thoughts, KB