Large numbers of restaurant workers are quitting their jobs, with many leaving to find better opportunities elsewhere, said CNN. The most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that, in May, the quit rate for people in this sector was 5.7 percent, more than twice that of the economy-wide average of 2.5 percent. CNN noted that restaurants, a sector not exactly known for its good labor conditions, have asked even more of their workers over the past year and a half as their businesses sagged during the pandemic. Beyond the typical slings and arrows of eaterie employees, they also needed to enforce mask requirements and social distancing, which added stress.

The large number of restaurant workers quitting their jobs has been at least partially attributed to a feedback effect. Imagine you're a server at a restaurant. One server quits, and your boss needs everyone else to pick up the slack while they try to find a replacement; this means the job is even more stressful, which makes others think of quitting too. With each person quitting without a replacement, the job gets worse, making even more people ponder quitting as well.

This is combined with the observation that workers are increasingly aware that there's better options out there; when one person quits the wait staff for a good opportunity, it also makes the remaining staff wonder whether they too could find greener pastures. Some of these other jobs even come with signing bonuses. Certain restaurants, in response, are upping their wages to attract more workers, but CNN noted that sometimes it's more than just money, it's also hours and general work environment (e.g. not getting harassed or yelled at for asking someone to socially distance).