I receive an e-newsletter periodically from the National Association of Eco-Friendly Salons & Spas. Usually it contains interesting ideas for greening your salon, but in the latest edition founder Tamara Jercha talked about how look after and nurture a salon’s most valuable resource — its personnel.

“The definition of a sustainable salon/spa business is one that creates profits while protecting the environment and improving the lives of those with whom it interacts” says Jercha. “Economic growth and financial success are important and provide significant benefits to individuals and society as a whole. But other human values are also important.”

Jercha offers the following tips to help improve employer/employee relations, increase productivity, and decrease employee turnover:

• Become a salary-based employer, thereby helping techs and stylists to put stability into their personal lives.

• Hold paid monthly or quarterly meetings to engage employees in the process of producing effective business strategies, and to discuss what is and is not working.

• Engage outside speakers to visit meetings occasionally, to educate your staff about subjects outside of the industry such as finance, interior design, healthy cooking, and self-improvement.

• Encourage your staff to take pride of ownership through profit-sharing.

• Confine conversation in public areas to the guests’ needs and promote salon spirit.

• Discourage gossip about other employees and guests. Lead by example, don’t do it.

• Always invest in education for yourself and your employees.

• Post a clear and positive mission statement in full view of staff and guests.

“There are many practices in place for creating successful employer/employee relationships. Always be open to learning and sharing ideas,” say Jercha.

— Judy