Pulse August / September 2022 | Page 31

“ New employees can be trained and molded specifically for the spa , rather than entering the spa workplace with predetermined skillsets that must be modified or corrected .”
In the spa industry , it may not be possible to allow employees the flexibility to work at home . However , there are creative ways that spa owners can attract talent . Some ideas to consider include : l Setting up a “ kid-friendly ” room with toys , books , and activities so that employees who need to may bring their child to work for a few hours . This could also benefit customers who want to visit the spa and have a relaxing experience , without worrying about childcare . Of course , this can be supervised and will give you an advantage over spa competitors . l Create opportunities where employees can share aspects of their lives with co-workers , such as a bulletin board with pet photos and / or outside activities being enjoyed . l Give employees schedule flexibility , such as making choices around when they work , so long as definitive boundaries and expectations are met on both sides . l Firsthand learning opportunities . l Yoga or meditation breaks . l Within the spa environment , enable creative physical spaces for employees to connect with one another and allow time for social interaction . l Offer “ SPIFFS ” or cash payouts as incentives to employees who go the extra mile for your customers . For example , upsells of spa products and services , sales volume deals , etc . This empowers employees to earn more than just a salaried position , which can incentivize motivated team members . l Consider employee well-being benefits of the kind referenced later in this article . l Discounts on products and services for employees and immediate relatives . l Milestone bonuses , for six-month , one year or longer annual commitments can favorably prevent employees from quitting . l Rewards and recognition programs and incentives go a long way toward boosting morale , as they can make employees feel appreciated and valued . The O . C . Tanner study also noted that companies that provide ample flexibility have a 77 percent higher likelihood of employee retention , as well as a 41 percent higher likelihood of engagement .
Inclusivity is More Than Just a Buzz Word To be a leader in the spa industry , it is vital to foster inclusivity and equality in the workplace . What does that look like , exactly ?
Even before the pandemic , employees were vying for

“ New employees can be trained and molded specifically for the spa , rather than entering the spa workplace with predetermined skillsets that must be modified or corrected .”

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 n PULSE 29