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1. Control your scheduling.
If you are not willing to work around high school and college
schedules, you are going to lose people. I am not saying let them
dictate their schedule, but be reasonable. When we have had multiple
employees in school at one time, we found that getting everyone
together before the new quarter started and assigning set days has
worked very well. Everyone signs up for different days and times and
the store remains fully staffed. It puts the responsibility on them to
insure slots are filled. Since many other jobs may not be as flexible,
you earn employee loyalty while they continue their schooling.
2. Create a desirable place to work.
Work environment is something that makes a huge difference. People who
enjoy coming to work, work harder, set a positive atmosphere and create
a good feeling in you business. Gossip and lack of teamwork can kill
even the best staff, not to mention turn off customers if overheard.
Although this is very hard to control with young adults in a
competitive atmosphere, it can be done. We let people know as early as
their first interview that if they are caught gossiping about another
employee or they do not function as part of the team they will be
terminated on the spot and we have enforced that policy. All issues
with another employee may only be discussed with management. Management
then in turn needs to handle the issue immediately.
3. Set store goals.
Reward teamwork and have team building events away from the salon to
help your staff become closer and function together as a team with
little conflict. It’s called Esprit de Corps or spirit of the group.
4. Be open to ideas.
Listen to your employee’s suggestions on salon operations, promotion
ideas, store goals, and coupon content. Partnering in decisions will
get “buy in” and result in better participation and success. Some of
the very best ideas came from our staff. Reward them for their good
ideas and you’ll get more.
When
you are approachable and willing to work with people your turnover rate
will decrease, sales will increase and customers will genuinely enjoy
coming to your salon. In the long run you will save yourself a lot of
frustration with having to hire and train every few months, not to
mention the expense of training.
Heather Collinsworth operates Solar Tan in Miamisburg, Ohio and also is a certified servicer and business consultant to salons.
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