The key is “ connecting with the individual and asking what they need and what you can do to help . It ’ s remembering the human element and understanding that this is a human being who is hurting .”
— SHANE BIRD for anyone ; we figure it out and we have coverage . Our employees also have access to our wellness facilities and unlimited access to our behavioral health .”
Bird echoed this sentiment .“ In the last five years , I have not denied an individual a day off . I tell my employees they can have any day they want off , but they need to find coverage . It has created an environment that everyone sort of scratches everyone else ’ s back . It ’ s become a cohesive personal environment and we ’ re all in it together .”
Best practices to re-center and help find calm Lora shared two favorite ideas for re-centering : “ Getting out for a walk or doing a little yoga ” and “ going to do something with someone else to break that moment in your mind .”
Fields praised the value of short pauses , saying his best tip is “ Taking a break , especially if it ’ s something high stress and doesn ’ t need an immediate response .” He urged spa leaders to “ give yourself that time to process your thoughts . I love the idea of getting up or moving around .”
McCorkle added her top advice is “ Deep breaths , exhale the past , inhale the future . I also enjoy working with my team to find a solution , not just me working on the solution .”
Addressing team member burnout “ It ’ s never one size fits all ,” Bird noted about burnout and stress , saying the key is “ connecting with the individual and asking what they need and what you can do to help . It ’ s remembering the human element and understanding that this is a human being who is hurting .”
McCorkle highlighted available resources .“ We have several state programs in Colorado for employees . We also just started a paid family leave in additional to FMLA , which allows employees to take up to 12
weeks to care for someone in their family or themselves .”
Lora emphasized meaningful interactions .“ Don ’ t just check the box . When I would see an employee getting burnt out , my first inclination was to give them some time off , but I started asking them if they wanted me to add in a break or two during the day . That kept them engaged and made them feel heard . The follow-up and taking the time to listen are so important .”
Reduce burnout and increase excitement for the workday “ I put my alerts on snooze when I ’ m out of the office ,” said Fields .“ I ’ ll still check my email from time to time when I ’ m not working , but not having the constant notifications is a big one . You can really disconnect .”
Lora advised spa leaders to “ create a culture that encourages communication and create a safe environment .” n
ISPA THANKS PLUSH + OAK for sponsoring the November 2024 ISPA Town Hall . A video of the event is available to members in the On-Demand Learning section of the Resources tab at experienceispa . com .
FEBRUARY 2025 n PULSE 29