We ask for Patch’s exclusive feature Block Talk, in part because many of the people depend on tips — think waitstaff, bartenders, hotel valets and bellhops, and other hospitality and service workers — lost a large chunk of their income during the pandemic.
At the same time, a new service industry emerged with grocery and package delivery services. Health care providers started making house calls again. Tips became a popular expression of gratitude for essential workers providing services while many others were sheltered at home. And sometimes, gratuities are automatically added.