By Kirstie McDermott
The Australian beauty industry is dominated by female-owned businesses and female workers. With 35,000 hairdressing and beauty services businesses in the country employing 80,000 workers, 97% are female.
When it comes to other forms of labour, a PwC report found that Australian women account for almost three quarters of all unpaid work––this is the “invisible work” of childcare, housework and caring responsibilities. The study identified that Australian women conduct 76% of childcare, 67% of domestic work, 69% of the care of adults, and 57% of volunteering activities.
With the burden of care being placed so firmly on women’s shoulders, it’s not surprising that new figures from company review website Glassdoor have pointed to a four day week as their workplace ideal. In fact, 88% of female respondents said they’d be more productive if their company brought in a four-day week, compared to 75% of men.
For women, a shorter working week can allow greater flexibility, which actually helps to support female participation in the workforce. But while it’s clear that employees will support this model, business owners can be less sure, citing productivity loss.
However, the results of a four-day work week trial tell a different story. Conducted by non-profit organisation 4 Day Week Global, Australia began a four day work week pilot program across twenty companies in 2022, which lasted six months.
During the trial, employees worked 80% of their usual hours, but crucially, experienced no reduction of pay. After the trial concluded, 95% of the participating companies said they wanted to continue with the four day working week model, rating its productivity as a seven out of 10.
As four day working weeks gain traction, companies are cottoning onto the fact it can be a powerful talent attractor, especially for women.
If you’d like to explore your options, the Professional Beauty Job Board is a great place to begin a job hunt. Filled with inclusive companies looking to hire beauty professionals across all sectors and skill levels, discover three beauty roles below.
Makeup Artist – Castle Towers, Sephora Australia Pty Ltd, Sydney
Sephora has an exciting new store opportunity located in Castle Towers, where you’ll join the team as a Makeup Artist (Beauty Studio Artist) with full-time, part-time and casual positions available. You will bring creativity to the store team by inspiring and helping customers unleash their inner artist and become the best version themselves through makeup. And you will have the opportunity to work across all our departments from beauty, skincare, haircare, and wellness. You’ll shine here if you enjoy creating an amazing customer experience by providing a welcoming environment to listen and embrace their unique makeup needs, are a keen observer of new products and the latest beauty trends and techniques and are open to participating in cross-training and attending in-store beauty expert training sessions where you’re encouraged to continuously learn and explore. Get more details here.
Beauty Therapist | Full Time Opportunity, Crown Melbourne, Melbourne
Located in the award-winning Crown Towers, Crown Spa offers guests a new level of luxury with tranquil surrounds, relaxing décor and the ultimate in private pampering suites. With the finest product lines, a vast array of treatments and a superior focus on the client’s journey, this is one of Australia’s premier spa facilities. As a Beauty Therapist you’ll be responsible for performing a variety of treatments such as facial therapies, body treatments, waxing, relaxation massage, manicures and pedicures. You’ll need previous experience in a hotel spa or day spa environment, a nationally recognised Diploma in Beauty Therapy, confidence and experience in delivering a wide range of beauty treatments as well as experience in delivering relaxation massage. Find out more now.
Retail Sales Assistant – Department Store Beauty Floor – Canberra City, Dyson, Canberra
As a Dyson Retail Assistant, you’ll deliver hands-on hair styling demonstrations with customers, showcasing the unique benefits of Dyson products across the Beauty range, styling customer’s hair based on their hair type and desired result. Additionally, you will take personal responsibility for achieving individual KPI whilst delivering a high standard of customer service and will maintain a high standard of visual merchandising in your area, always looking for opportunities to increase Dyson in-store presence. To be considered, you will have an understanding of retail principles such as in-store presentation standards, and will be comfortable working towards sales targets. Plus, you should have a keen interest in the beauty and hair industry, with the ability to communicate how Dyson hair care machines work differently, with a confidence in styling both your own hair and that of customers. Interested? See more details here.
Explore the Professional Beauty Job Board to find your perfect fit.
This article was produced in partnership with Jobbio.
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