The term “hot waitress economic indicator” sounds about as shallow as it gets. It’s the kind of phrase that makes you roll your eyes and wonder if people are actually serious.
But as with most things, there’s often more to the story than meets the eye.
While the concept might seem like a frivolous attempt to quantify something subjective, it actually taps into some interesting psychological and economic nuances.
In this article, we’ll explore the psychology behind this idea, examine the evidence supporting or refuting it, and discuss the broader implications for businesses and society. By the end of it, some of your beliefs might end up being challenged, and you might even find yourself questioning your own assumptions about beauty, economics, and the service industry.
Let’s begin!
1. The Psychology Behind Hot Waitress Economic Indicator
Have you ever been to a restaurant and thought to yourself: Wow, there are a bunch of good-looking people serving me. Maybe jobs aren’t so great right now?
Well, that’s a hot-waitress economic indicator right there, explained to you in the simplest terms possible.
You see, many people think that if you see a lot of attractive waitresses, it means the economy isn’t doing so well.
The idea is that when things are good, these people can find better jobs. So, if they’re working as waitresses, it could be a sign that jobs are scarce.
But is that really the case? Or is it more of a fun observation than a serious economic theory?
Let’s find out!
2. Using Staff Attractiveness for Small Business Success: Is It a Good Idea?
Generally speaking, it is true that people might notice a higher concentration of attractive people in service roles during tough economic times, but-
This is also a pretty oversimplified way to look at things, considering the complexity of understanding what does a waitress do and the various factors influencing their career choices.
Not only is attractiveness just one small factor in why someone might choose a job in the service industry, but economic health is also measured by a whole bunch of other (ahem, more relevant) indicators, including:
- GPD
- Unemployment rates
- Inflation
- Consumer spending
- Stock market performance
- Housing market trends
So where did this indicator come from, and why do some businesses, especially small ones, believe they can benefit from it?
Well, after doing tons of research, we finally found that the “hot waitress economic indicator” was first popularized by journalist Hugo Lindgren in New York Magazine.
Once the idea that attractive people might be more prevalent in service industries during economic downturns took hold, it was a short leap to assume that their perceived attractiveness might influence customer behavior, including tipping habits.
There and then, the idea of “more attractive waitresses receiving higher tips due to biases” was born.
This is because, from a psychological standpoint, people tend to associate positive qualities with attractive individuals (e.g., you’re pretty, so you’re better at your job), which makes them more inclined to reward them (e.g., through tipping).
Meaning: The prettier you are, the better the tip.
So, to conclude, does that mean that hiring attractive waitresses could contribute to small business success?
Well, you might or might not like what you’re gonna read next…
3. The Downturns of Hiring Attractive Waitresses for Small Business Success
After talking to numerous restaurant owners and waitresses, and reading their experiences on online forums and threads, we discovered some potential drawbacks to focusing solely on hiring attractive waitresses to boost your business.
First up is increased customer harassment.
What many restaurant owners noticed is that customers became overly flirtatious with the attractive waitresses, made inappropriate comments to them, and even attempted to touch them without consent.
This not only created a hostile work environment for the waitresses but also alienated other customers who witnessed the inappropriate behavior.
Restaurant owners also found that managing these situations was incredibly difficult without putting the waitress in a more vulnerable position, which often led to them feeling unsupported and unsafe in their workplace.
This, in turn, affected their job performance, morale, and job satisfaction.
Finally, as the restaurant owner is ultimately responsible for creating a safe and respectful work environment for their employees, these incidents often left them feeling guilty, stressed, and concerned about their business’s reputation.
It also created a negative work atmosphere for all employees, not just the targeted waitresses.
Oh, by the way, that belief regarding attractive female servers getting bigger tips? Turns out it’s true, but not from male customers!
4. Factors Beyond Aesthetics That Contribute to Small Business Success
So, now that we know for sure that the attractiveness of a waitress doesn’t guarantee a successful small business, let’s explore what truly matters:
- Personality and People Skills: Because who doesn’t love a good chat with someone who actually seems to enjoy their job? People remember how you make them feel, not just what you look like.
- Positive Attitude: Only a truly happy staff knows how to turn a meal into a whole experience. Good vibes are contagious, and people love to be around positive energy.
- Experience and Professional Skills: Customers appreciate you knowing your stuff. Get to know the menu, drinks, and even local happenings around the restaurant, as that’s guaranteed to make an even bigger difference than your appearance.
- Location, Time of the Day & Type of the Restaurant: In this industry, it’s all about being in the right place at the right time. A busy spot with convenient hours is a major plus and will likely bring in more money.
- Overall Customer Service: Little things and going the extra mile mean a lot. Whether it’s remembering someone’s order or offering helpful suggestions, going above and beyond makes customers feel valued.
- Efficiency: Nobody likes to wait forever. A speedy service can keep customers happy and coming back for more.
Also Read: Strategies for Effective Financial Reporting in Small Businesses
Final Thought
While the idea of hiring attractive staff might seem appealing, it’s important to remember that a business’s foundation should be built on solid business practices and a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction, rather than superficial qualities.
The “hot waitress” economic indicator is a rather simplistic and often misleading notion that prioritizes physical appearance over genuine customer service and business acumen.
It is a strategy that is short-sighted and can even be detrimental to a small business, so it is not one that you should follow blindly for success.
