We encounter them everywhere, and maybe we just don’t notice them. We may have even said they are just doing their jobs. Service workers received a lot more attention than they usually do at the height of the pandemic; but there are service workers everywhere, not just in the medical field. Yet, we sometimes may fail to notice others who are really helping us.
The unidentified caregivers I especially make a habit to notice are the cashiers. Lord knows they have to deal with an interesting assortment of consumers in the checkout line with a spectrum of behaviors and attitudes. The expectation on the part of the consumer is that the cashier will be courteous and patient. (Not to mention, quick.) And that’s usually what we encounter; but truthfully, sometimes it doesn’t happen that way.
What I have found though, is that if I take the time to notice a cashier’s nametag, I can call them by name when I say hello and ask how their day is going. I also use their name again when I say thanks as I leave. This usually changes the attitude of even those who are not in the best of moods or who just had a doozy of a customer before me. I’ve even asked those with hidden or missing nametags what their name is to make sure I use their names and smile before I leave. The cashiers are truly caring for us. If you don’t believe so, see how long it takes you to find some of the barcodes on your purchases the next time you use the self-service checkouts. In the meantime, make an effort to recognize any other unidentified caregivers who cross your path, and remember to be gracious to them.
Care For The Caregiver 