“ The spa industry is amazing . We have so many opportunities to better serve our guests and heal the communities we are a part of . Creating positive culture so employees can learn and grow in an environment where they feel valued is so important . It shows we truly care , which is what the spa industry is all about : caring .”
“ The spa industry is amazing . We have so many opportunities to better serve our guests and heal the communities we are a part of . Creating positive culture so employees can learn and grow in an environment where they feel valued is so important . It shows we truly care , which is what the spa industry is all about : caring .”
— CG FUNK of-the-house are behind closed doors most of the day . They come in , they have their own world , they do their work and they leave . Going through massage therapy school , you ’ re very connected with your fellow students . And then , suddenly , out in the marketplace you ’ ve lost that connection , leaving you feeling isolated . Good managers understand the importance of planned , consistent efforts to connect with therapists regularly .
It ’ s helpful to also understand what each therapist aspires to and what the individual needs to grow . It may be continuing education . More individual attention . Coaching . Inspiration . Assessment done in a conscious way . Most of our franchisees have lead therapists and trainers who help with this .
In 2023 , we have created a new way to outreach to our franchisees ’ therapists . We ’ re doing special monthly Zoom modules that are facilitated by corporate staff or guest teachers . They receive some additional training and updates on our brand as a whole . Things like new retail , services and promotions . This keeps them connected in a real way .
Pulse : Typically , what traits would you look for in a lead ? CGF : A therapist who has been in the profession as a practicing massage therapist for at least five years . Someone with good communication skills , writing skills , previous management experience . Someone who knows the work and how to communicate not only service facilitation , but also policies , procedures and protocols in an inspirational and functional way . Coaching skills are important as well as it ’ s the lead ’ s responsibility to work with each therapist to help them be successful .
Pulse : Sometimes owners don ’ t see the math and view these efforts as a discretionary expense , but in the long run , it ’ s really a savings because the revolving door of having to recruit new people and getting them onboarded is a huge expense . CGF : It is , and retention is half the battle . Most massage therapists who are going to resign do so within the first 90 days . So , the focus should be on building training and outreach to ensure they are onboarded positively . If you keep them past 90 days , you ’ re more than likely to keep them two years plus . Good , focused onboarding helps a therapist feel confident and comfortable in their roles . Selecting the right lead or trainer for this is big . And having an inclusive training and support program for your lead therapists or trainer is important .
JULY 2023 n PULSE 41