I agree it’s more likely this. And although service is better in the US, it does make me feel crappy because I know the only reason it’s better is because they so desperately need the tips.
Especially if jobs are scarce.
I also think it's harder to fire people in Europe. But I'm not certain it's this constant unwavering fear of job loss that drives the better service, I'd put more emphasis on the variable tip than that.
But if the only reason it's better is because of the tips then how do we get good service without them? Because there's not much tipping in Europe and in the eight months over two trips spent in five countries there, service just seemed to stink.
Maybe there's quite a few cultural differences, it may be that Americans move quicker in general (a slower pace seems common in some European places where people like to just sit at cafes and relax), plus tipping, plus economic anxiety (although I think a lot of Europeans must feel that, Sicily's unemployment is something like 20%), plus attitudes toward work in general, plus the ease with which you may be let go could all add up to create the differences I've experienced.
But I much prefer eating in restuarants here.
- in Europe a waiter constantly asking how it's going, is the food good, etc.. is considered intrusive, not "good service".
- waiters not putting huge effort in cheaper restaurants is because, hey why would they when they're not making much more than minimal wage, and because every restaurant in that price range is doing the same.
> if the only reason it's better is because of the tips then how do we get good service without them?
You tell us! Are you a a software developer?
Are you paid by the FP? Are you paid by the rate of bug/FP? Is the amount you are paid per metrics unilaterally decided by your employer with no way for you to negotiate?
If not, do you produce quality code? How does your employer get you to do a good job without paying you a random amount that they decide, after the fact, with no room for negociation?
Make everybody a contractor! Let employers vote with their wallet. You slack off, you don't get renewed. I've been a contractor for more than 25 years, plenty of happy customers, plenty of renewals. Legally, my customers don't need to pay me if they can argue I did not deliver what was asked.
But, we negotiate and agree, beforehand, what the work and what the compensation is. I would never work without knowing what the compensation is ahead of time. WOULD YOU?