We’ve all heard the saying, “The customer is always right.” Unfortunately, some people take that a little too far. During normal times, front-line workers deal with a lot of hostility. The current health crisis, however, has taken many customers’ tendencies toward impatience to a whole new level. Not only are essential workers dealing with pent-up frustrations from customers every day, but they also put their own health and the health of their families at risk. These workers are feeling the same frustrations as their customers, so they are owed a great deal of respect.

Marketing in the time of Coronavirus has been tricky, and the impact on customers and employees of all sectors is profound. Here are a few ways COVID-19 has effected customer service.

Show Kindness to Grocery Store Workers

Grocery store workers get the brunt of a lot of customers’ frustrations, especially when shoppers can’t find what they’re looking for. The toilet paper shortage certainly caused a lot of panic, but other items have been in short supply as well. Soap and hand sanitizer can be scarce at times. People’s favorite brands can also be out of stock for lengthy periods. It’s important to realize that it isn’t the fault of the grocery clerk or even the store manager. They are working around the clock to get the shelves stocked. Try to be kind to the staff even when you are frustrated.

Here are some tips to remember while you shop:

• Wear your mask – Many states are making masks mandatory, but not all. Masks may seem like a nuisance, but wearing one shows the workers that you are doing your part to keep them safe in a dangerous environment.
• Look, but don’t touch – When you are scanning the aisles for your choices, don’t touch every package in sight. Handle only the items you plan to buy.
• Keep family members to a minimum – Limit the number of people you take along with you to the store, if possible. Don’t let kids roam around the store unsupervised either.
• Always thank your cashier – It may seem like a given, but when you are frustrated it’s easy to forget this simple expression of appreciation. Grocery store staff are under intense pressure right now, so try to make their day a little less stressful.

Be Patient With Hospitality Staff

There are many other hospitality workers who put their health at risk to serve you. Hotels in particular were hit hard by COVID-19. Restaurant workers and gas station attendants can be exposed to diseases every day. It’s important to be kind to all those who work with the public.

Taking a trip during this time is stressful. That said, there have been many positive hospitality stories during COVID-19. to inspire us during this time. Airline and hotel staff are especially vulnerable, so remember to wear your mask and wash your hands frequently.

Outdoor activities are a lot more popular. If you plan to take a boat trip, yacht crew etiquette is important to follow. Respect the staff’s privacy and don’t enter their quarters. They are there to serve you, but they also deserve their own space.

Respect Health Care Workers

Doctors and nurses are at the front line every day in the fight against all kinds of diseases. Now, more than ever, they deserve our respect. These professionals aren’t the only health care workers who are risking their own health to keep you safe.

Health care support workers, including medical assistants, orderlies, pharmacy aides and phlebotomists, work closely with patients all day long. Health care service workers, such as housekeepers, food preparation workers and janitors, are exposed to diseases as well.

Direct care workers are also impacted. Those who serve as home health workers and personal care aides are in close contact with people daily. Following these tips will help make their day a little less stressful.

During this stressful time, everyone is anxious when they go out in public. Remember the people serving you deserve to stay healthy.