The Learning Curve: The narrative under ‘Encountering the Night Shift’ finds Yawa-Attah plunged into a night shift she hadn’t anticipated working in. She was shocked and embarrassed by the confident and bold behavior of the ‘night girls’ she encountered, which starkly contrasted with the modesty she had been taught to uphold. Her discomfort was heightened by the memory of her boss’s stern warning about the temptations and dangers of working in a hotel.
Yawa-Attah initially dismissed her boss’s warning about the dangers of working in a hotel, believing it to be a safe place to build her career. However, after narrowly escaping a sexual assault and witnessing the lives of the “night girls,” she began to question her judgments and beliefs. Throughout the night, she struggled to reconcile her strict upbringing with the complex realities of the world outside her family’s protection. This experience stirred a mix of discomfort and empathy within her, leading her to adopt a more compassionate and open-minded attitude. The night shift became a significant step in her personal growth and self-discovery, transforming her into a more empathetic individual.
The Unwavering Integrity of Yawa-Attah
In the bustling world of hotel operations, tips are a common and accepted practice. Guests often express their gratitude with generous tips, and hotel staff have come to rely on these extra earnings. However, tipping practices differ widely across the world, with some countries expecting it and others considering it as rude.
In Ghana, visitors are encouraged to be prepared to leave a tip when receiving services. While it is not mandatory, tipping is generally expected and always appreciated. When a porter is especially friendly and helpful, or when a restaurant service is outstanding, a tip is customary. It is also common to leave a tip for a room attendant as an expression of gratitude. Tipping is therefore a ‘nice’ gesture.
Yawa-Attah, however, had consistently rejected tips offered directly to her. Since childhood, she had been taught not to accept gifts from strangers, and this principle had become an integral part of her identity. Despite the norms and expectations within the hotel industry, she chose to uphold her values by consistently refusing tips from guests.
One particular evening, a guest, greatly impressed by her professionalism and warmth, made a gesture to give her a substantial tip. “No, thank you,” Yawa-Attah said, declining it with a polite smile. The guest, taken aback and perhaps a bit embarrassed, insisted, but Yawa-Attah stood firm in her refusal. Her colleagues on duty with her watched in astonishment, and whispers began to circulate, with some staff interpreting it as a display of pride. The news of this particular refusal of a tip, spread rapidly throughout the hotel.
Yawa-Attah had to grapple with a variety of negative feelings due to her refusal to accept tips. She worried that her actions were upsetting her colleagues.
Her steadfast refusal to accept tips had a ripple effect throughout the hotel. Her colleagues, many of whom were accustomed to receiving tips, viewed her actions with a mix of admiration and resentment. While some respected her principles and saw her as a symbol of integrity, others felt that her refusal to accept tips made them look greedy by comparison. This created an unspoken tension among the staff, as Yawa-Attah’s actions inadvertently highlighted the differences in their values and motivations. She felt lonely in her ethical stance, especially when no one else shared her values.
For the other staff, Yawa-Attah’s refusal to accept tips constantly reminded them of the ethical dilemmas of tipping. Some staff members began to question their own practices and the influence of tips on their behavior. This introspection led to a subtle shift in the work environment, as discussions about the fairness and impact of tips became more frequent.
Guests, on the other hand, had varied reactions to Yawa-Attah’s stance on tipping. Some guests, particularly those who were accustomed to tipping as a way to show appreciation, were puzzled by her refusal. They often insisted on tipping her, believing it to be a gesture of gratitude for her exceptional service. However, Yawa-Attah’s polite but firm refusals left them feeling both impressed by her principles and slightly uncomfortable, as they were not used to such rejections. A few, however, managed to give their tips through Mr. Aanani.
Yawa-Attah had long observed how her male colleagues were influenced by tips. They often prioritized guests who offered larger tips, even when there were no vacancies, reinforcing her belief that accepting tips could compromise the fairness and integrity of their work environment. Guided by her core beliefs, she remained resolute in her decision to refuse tips.
Yawa-Attah’s commitment to Professional Pride meant she took pride in providing excellent service because it was her job, not for personal financial gain. She believed in Fairness, thinking that accepting tips could lead to favoritism and create an unfair work environment. Her upbringing instilled in her strong Personal Values, teaching her not to accept gifts or money from strangers. Finally, she aimed to maintain Integrity in her interactions with guests, treating everyone with respect regardless of their financial situation. Through her actions, Yawa-Attah sought to uphold these principles, even in the face of challenges and misunderstandings from her colleagues and guests.
Mr. Aanani, the front office manager, was concerned about the potential impact on staff morale, given the recent events and growing allegations surrounding her tip refusal. He called her into his office for a private conversation.
“Yawa-Attah,” Mr. Aanani began, “I appreciate your dedication and principles, but rejecting tips can create awkward situations for our guests and your colleagues. Tips are a part of our industry and they help supplement our staff’s income.”
Yawa-Attah nodded, understanding his concerns, but felt hesitant to explain the negative influence tips had on her colleagues. “I understand, Mr. Aanani, but I won’t accept them.”
Mr. Aanani sighed, recognizing the challenge. “I respect your stance, Yawa-Attah. However, we need to find a solution that works for everyone.”
After some thought, they came up with a compromise. Yawa-Attah would continue to decline tips, but any tips offered to her would be placed in a communal fund to be shared among the staff. This way, her principles were upheld, and her colleagues still benefited from the generosity of the guests.
Yawa-Attah felt emboldened when she came across an article giving reasons why certain individuals in the service industry refuse tips. The article resonated with her deeply, and she highlighted five out of the ten points that aligned with her own beliefs:
1. Personal values: She believed that tips create an uneven power dynamic, where some guests feel entitled to special treatment or try to buy favors.
2. Professional pride: She took pride in providing excellent service solely because it was her job, not for personal financial gain.
3. Cultural or religious beliefs: Her cultural background discouraged accepting tips and emphasized the importance of selfless service.
7. Focus on intrinsic motivation: She believed that her motivation for providing excellent service should come from within, rather than being driven by external rewards like tips.
10. Personal boundary: She preferred not to accept tips as a matter of personal boundary, choosing to maintain a clear distinction between her professional and personal life.
Feeling validated, Yawa-Attah slipped the article under Mr. Aanani’s door, hoping it would help him understand her stance.
Thank you for reading! Stay tuned for the next installment.
Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
