[Laneco]

I work for a very large corporation and frequently travel. My travel expenses are reimbursed. The majority of our business has something to do with food or service type work. We are VERY good at what we do e.g. Beijing Olympics? We were the ones who did all the food.

About a year ago, the travel policy was revised. The new revision would only allow 15% for gratuities. This of all the points in the 60 page travel policy was the one that caused the ruckus. We are essentially a service based industry and good service is rewarded at 20% (for food) and sometimes even a bit more for a truly exceptional experience. This policy was well intentioned (and frankly I suppor it) to keep costs down for the company. At least they still allowed tipping at all (meaning that if you tipped for a company meal, you would get reimbursed). The thing is, when we travel, we try to stay and eat at our facilities. So it's effectively our own people who are getting shorted tips!

Turns out that most of the field people who travel have chosen a similar path. We tip more than 15% where applicable and pay the difference out of pocket.

On a day to day basis, there may not be enough money to pay good people everything that they deserve. But thoughtful notes (including tips - minor bonuses, a nice thank you note, etc) go a very long way toward job satisfaction and retaining good people. No matter where they are, and yes, that includes 3rd world countries.

You see the big picture. You will never be guilty of stepping over dollars to pick up dimes. You understand that good people are worth the extra measures. The other guys? They don't get it and they are doomed to NEVER getting it...

angela