Pulse October 2020 | Page 66

“ Directors who focus messages around therapist safety , wellness , self-care and continued education opportunities are showing their therapists that they care about them as part of their community and team .”
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enhanced their sanitation and cleaning procedures . I do believe that many of these changes will remain in place for some time to come . I am not comfortable saying that this is forever , but I do believe that until we know more about this virus and viruses that may come in the future , most clients and therapists want the additional precautions kept in place .
5 . Previously , many spa directors and service providers were loath to use sick time . Spa directors don ’ t like scrambling to cover for a sick employee , and service providers hate missing out on commission opportunities . How will the dynamics around the use of sick time change going forward ? I believe that public safety must come before any inconveniences or lost income incurred because a therapist is sick . Spa owners and directors must realize that the health and safety of their therapists and clients must come

“ Directors who focus messages around therapist safety , wellness , self-care and continued education opportunities are showing their therapists that they care about them as part of their community and team .”

first . In addition , our consumers expect us to keep them safe . Spa directors need to make sure that all of their therapists have comprehensive professional liability insurance that covers them for communicable diseases like COVID-19 . AMTA members have no exclusions on their policy for COVID-19 or communicable diseases . If you aren ’ t an AMTA member , make sure you check with your provider .
6 . How do you think COVID-19 will affect the relationship between a spa director and their employees ? What expectations will shift ? Do you think these changes will be permanent , or trend back towards ‘ the old normal ?’ I really believe that COVID-19 has brought many obstacles for spa directors and owners , but with every obstacle comes an opportunity . Enhanced sanitation and cleaning procedures are ways of keeping the therapists safe as much as it is for keeping the clients safe . Directors who focus messages around therapist safety , wellness , self-care and continued education opportunities are showing their therapists that they care about them as part of their community and team .
In my practice , we have closed our lobby . This means that clients come in and check out one at a time . The therapist meets them at the door , escorts them to their treatment room , provides their massage and then escorts them to checkout and reschedule . It is a one-on-one experience from start to finish , and our clients love it . What we implemented to keep them safe has actually enhanced their overall experience and many of them have told us it makes them feel very special . n
54 PULSE OCTOBER 2020