Keeping staff motivated through the new normal

When salon owners returned to work in July – and when they return next month in Victoria – there was a sense of relief for numerous reasons: they were likely thrilled to still have jobs, they were probably excited to be getting back to the routine of going to work after weeks of being stuck at home, they were no-doubt looking forward to catching up with clients and colleagues. But as that excitement wears off, it can be easy to miss the lull in spirits, says careers counsellor, Beth Jasper.

“As humans, we’re hardwired to look for something that sparks happiness in us, and for salon owners and workers, that would have been the excitement of returning to work. But we need to realise that we have never lived through something like this before, so we don’t really know how to behave,” she says, highlighting what she refers to as the ‘post-lockdown comedown’, where the joy of being permitted out of our homes eventually gives way to more negative feelings.

“We’re worried,” says Beth. “Beauty workers are worried that their salons may be ordered into lockdown again, that they may lose their jobs, that they may get sick. Some of them may have family overseas or interstate and therefore haven’t seen them in months. All of these things can have a direct effect on our state of mind and our motivation at work.”

Don’t ignore the reality
Chances are that as a salon owner, you’re feeling the exact same way as your staff, worried about what’s coming next or how your business will recover. “It’s important to strike a balance with your staff; acknowledge that you’re having similar feelings, but don’t add your business stress onto them. That’s not their concern. Tell them that you also miss your family, that you too long for the days where you didn’t have to wear a mask all day. By showing your staff that you can empathise with what they’re going through, they’ll be more likely to feel united with you.”

Do something fun
Give your team – and yourself – a break. Close off an afternoon for a team-building event, or spend an evening out. “Get away from the salon. Use the time to bond, to remind your staff why they love the work they do, and that you’re going to see them through this confusing and confronting period,” says Beth.

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