Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Business

Reader to Reader: Should you fire an employee for bad-mouthing the salon?

April 11, 2012

Yes! If you work at the salon then you should only be saying good things. When you bad-mouth your own salon then it makes your guest think, “Why am I coming here if the salon is so bad?”
Stefanie Piscitello
Indulge Salon & Spa, Tampa

No, an owner should pull that employee aside and discuss what she has an issue with. They should come to an agreement. This way the owner has started building an open relationship with her employee and the drama can end before it starts. There are two sides to every story.
Tiffany Ector
Nailtricity by Tiffany, Cleveland

I don’t know about “fired” but I would pull the person aside and let her know that I know what was said and if she is not happy with the salon, then this may not be the salon for her. I would give her the option of 1.) explaining the issues or 2.) packing her belongings.
Angela Williams
Jazzy Nailz, Jacksonville, Fla.

I would encourage an employee to look for work elsewhere if she was not happy. I would give the employee the option to resign and keep her professional dignity and if she refused then I would suspend her pending an investigation. I’d also hope to gain some honest feedback as to why she was not happy.
Sharon McCabe
Cherry Beauty, Glasgow, Scotland

It depends on the attitude of the boss: Would she listen to the employee? Did the client complain and the employee simply agree? Should the boss not be asking the employee how she can make the situation better? I wouldn’t want anyone working for me and dreading coming to work — surely a happy worker yields a happy client.
Tracey Allen
Grimsby, England

Step in and stop the conversation. Pull the employee/booth renter aside and tell her you overheard her, ask her to stop, and have her stay after work to talk. If it can be resolved, great, but this employee must understand that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated; there are no second chances. If she is not happy, leave immediately.
Chris Esselink
Oasis Hair and Nail Studio, Grand Forks, British Columbia, Canada


It depends on if you are an employee or a booth renter. If you’re bad-mouthing the business that pays you to work there I would say it makes the employee look bad and might make the client go elsewhere. On the other hand if you booth rent, then I think you have every right to voice how you feel about the environment you work in. You’re paying to work there and your clients come there to see you, not the salon.
Taylar Hillman
Bliss Hair Body & Boutique, Anaconda, Mont.

It depends. She should receive counseling. Ask her why she is so unhappy and if she could change anything what it would be. The nail tech might be a person who complains about everything and does not realize her demeanor is toxic. She should be given the opportunity to change. If she is unwilling to change perhaps it would be in everyone’s best interest if she found other employment. Document everything to have a record so it does not come back to haunt you.
Jeri Wood
Beauty Brands, Shiloh, Ill.

Illustration by Ajay Peckham

You Might Also Like:

The Art of the Staff Meeting

Training Day

More FAQ

What's The Best Thing You've Bartered Your Services For?

What's the best thing you've bartered your services for?... read more

How Young Of A Client Will You Service?

How young of a client will you service?... read more

How do you announce an increase in your service prices?

How do you announce an increase in your service prices?... read more

How do you handle your pet peeves about clients?

How do you handle your pet peeves about clients?... read more

How do you refuse a service yet keep the client?

How do you refuse a service yet keep the client?... read more

How do you keep waiting clients happy?

If my clients are waiting for a manicure, I offer them a free paraffin therapy. If my clients are waiting for fills, I offer them a bottle of nail polish or a small bottle of lotion or gel for free.... read more

What is your salon’s policy regarding children in the salon?

Our policy is: “Any children unsupervised will be sold as slaves.” This sign is on the table in my waiting area.... read more

What summer specials do you offer?

To ward off the summer slump, I run a pedicure promotion called “Do you dare to go bare…barefooted.” ... read more

How Do You Get Clients To Buy Retail Items?

How Do You Get Clients To Buy Retail Items?... read more

How Do You Encourage New-Client Referrals?

I offer my clients a choice of either free nail art, a free fill, or a free paraffin dip for every two new clients they refer.... read more

What's the key to retaining good nail technicians?

Among our readers' suggestions: be professional; offer a clean and stable work environment; have a salon manual outlining rules and procedures; offer paid vacations after the first year and add bonuses for perfect attendance.... read more

How Do I Politely Get To Business Right Away With A Talkative Client?

How do I politely get to business right away with a talkative client?... read more