Being Of Service

Today, at my local breakfast café, the manager took my order and mentioned, “We have a lot of new staff and customers coming in at the moment!” Curiously, I asked, “Why do you feel that is happening?”  

She replied, “Fewer people want to do simple service jobs anymore. Everyone wants to be someone, focusing on money, position, and influence based on ‘likes.’ They enjoy being served but don’t truly understand, or value ‘being of service.’”

We often take for granted the care we receive from strangers, treating it as a mere transaction. Yet, we all know the warmth and genuine connection that comes from someone who truly want to.

In my work within the hospitality, hair and beauty industries, I see the difficulty businesses face in finding and keeping good service staff. Many prefer to be in the customer’s seat rather than the service provider’s.

If everyone felt this way, service and exchange would cease to exist, leading to a breakdown in society. At our core, all we have is the exchange—whether with ourselves, others, or the environment.

Our priorities are misplaced. Without service, money and influence lose their purpose. The service staff we often undervalue, are those we need to value and invest in the most.

Humanity stands at a crossroads. We can either move towards a superficial world focused on looks, position, and wealth, or we can choose to be ‘real,’ shedding outdated beliefs to embrace a truth that unites us, beyond physical classification.   

Being of service to ourselves and each other transcends untrue measurements of value. Life is priceless, making each of us equally valuable.

When workplaces foster warmth and authenticity, it creates a ripple effect, engaging and stabilizing staff, who then pass that wholesomeness on to customers and their families.

By reclaiming our true power and the value of service, we foster care and connection, bringing us together as a ‘common unity’!

Jilly Gabrielson

Workplace Wellbeing Presenter/Mentor/Counsellor

Brightsparkhealth.com.au