The recent cuts to workforces combined with the resurgence of in-person activity have led to worker shortages in all 50 states. Chances are, the restaurants and brick-and-mortar stores you are visiting are having staffing issues. Which likely means these shops are understaffed, or they are in the process of onboarding and training new hires.
Restaurants in many areas are turning away customers as they don't have the resources to accommodate the sudden flood of people.
Meaning your next shopping trip or restaurant outing will likely be met with long lines, higher wait times, and some new rules. Wait times for everything in the summer of 2021 are reported as longer than summers of previous years.
So if you are heading to the store with kids, make sure you bring additional activities for them. Coloring books, magnetic games, and magic non-sticky sand products are all great alternatives to the typical smartphone or tablet.
If you plan to take an Uber or Lyft, make sure to account for the probable 20 additional minutes of wait time on each end of your trip. There is a significant shortage of rideshare drivers, resulting in higher surge pricing and extended wait times.
Make sure you pack some snacks to sustain yourself while waiting for a table or even food at a restaurant. A surprising number of restaurants are reporting "90 minute wait times for seating, long pauses between courses, reduced menu offerings and unpredictable hours." So having an arsenal of snacks in tow is a smart way to keep the whole family happy- kids or no kids.
We have passed the era of extreme sanitization of public spaces. Due to the shortage of workers, the surfaces you are touching are likely not getting the thorough cleaning they once received. So you should be prepared by bringing your own hand sanitizer. Regardless of whether or not you are vaccinated against Covid-19, there are plenty of other germs and common cold-causing bacteria on surfaces in public spaces. Nothing can put a damper on your summer plans like being sick.
Depending on where you are going, you may need a covid vaccine card. Many states are still requiring masks in public spaces to protect against Covid-19. So if you were hoping to go mask-free indoors this summer, you might want to have your Covid-19 vaccination card handy.
Now that we are not home all the time with chargers readily available, we have to remember to bring our own. Longer wait times will surely lead to longer times spent out overall. When packing for your next shopping trip, make sure to bring along a portable charger for all of your devices. Having a portable charger with you will ensure your phone or tablet won't lose battery while you're out, and you won't have to resort to communications methods of the 90s.
Stores are more hectic now than ever before. If you are not already a list person, now is the time to start. With capacity limits lifting all over the country, many of us are not used to the crowds now forming in public places. Crowd sizes can leave many flustered and forgetful. Bringing a list with you is a great way to organize your tasks and ensure you complete everything you need to get done.
