It is a common occurrence to open up TikTok and see Karens doing their thing–disrespecting workers, making reckless decisions, and causing a total scene. A “Karen” is a slang word used to describe someone who acts entitled and is very demanding. 

Many people find it amusing to watch how crazy “Karen” is acting, so the person the Karen is targeting tends to be overlooked. On many occasions, the target is a service worker.

Service workers need to interact with countless people during every shift. One of their top priorities is ensuring their customers have the best experience, although some people make their job much more difficult than it needs to be. 

Of the many service workers, customer service workers arguably face the most abuse. According to “Escalating Abuse on Customer Service Staff Sparks Concern,” around 43% of customer service workers had reported facing verbal abuse, including being yelled at and sworn at. In addition, around 17% have faced physical violence. These alarming statistics prove workers need to be treated better. If they were treated better, there likely wouldn’t be as many workers quitting. 

Most of these workers are barely making minimum wage yet still make a point to help the customers and meet their needs. However, they are faced with violence and customers who continue to act entitled, disrespectful, and impatient. These customers are likely the reason customer service has one of the highest rates of employees quitting.

These workers need support, and they need people to respect them. Their whole reason for being there is to help you; however, this becomes very difficult when they feel threatened and are essentially unable to do their job. Customer service workers are the people keeping the business afloat. Without them, who would be able to tell you what aisle the Stanleys are in? Or help you check out your items?

Collectively, we need to do a much better job at treating our service workers better. Although many people do treat workers with respect, the minority that don’t always manage to find a way to ruin a worker’s day. However, there are ways we can change that. One way is by setting up a cooler outside with water and snacks for mailmen and delivery men to take on a hot day. It doesn’t even need to be a grand gesture; just thanking workers after they help you can go a long way. 

Staff Vote: 22-0