5 ways nail salon owners can support employee wellbeing

Scratch explores ways that salon owners can look after their employees’ physical and mental wellbeing…

1. Promote healthy eating & hydration

Here are a few tips:

• Provide a fruit bowl/healthy snacks in the staff area for employees to help themselves to.
• Encourage regular food and drink breaks, with water stations available in the salon.
• Have your team send around their favourite healthy recipes for you all to try, as a team-bonding activity.

2. Encourage staying active

Exercise has many benefits. According to the NHS, it can boost self-esteem, mood and sleep quality, as well as reduce the risk of stress and depression. Here are some ideas on how to keep your team active:

• Ensure employees take their full lunch breaks, and encourage them to go out for a walk during this.
• Create a staff sports team, where you meet regularly to play a team sport.
• Support each other with an exercise plan. You could create a group chat and follow the programme together.

3. Show your appreciation

Feeling valued is an important motivator for a team. A small gesture lets your employees know that their efforts at work are noticed and appreciated. Whether it’s a surprise delivery in the post, or a voucher so they can treat themselves, a little something to reward employees can go a long way.

4. Prioritise social interaction

Whether a bowling night or drinks after work, social interaction is important for team bonding and to help staff feel less lonely, if needed. Throughout the day, make sure you’re still spending time talking to your team – and not just about work.

5. Offer peer support

Often, people find it easier to speak to someone who isn’t their manager. Peer support allows colleagues to support one another outside of the in-house management structure, and provides a great way for junior nail technicians to learn from more senior members of staff. Mentoring and buddy schemes can help new employees to understand the way the salon works faster, and support the whole team in gaining confidence and developing skills.

For information on supporting stressed employees in the salon, click here.