Dayspa

SEP 2013

DAYSPA is the magazine of spa management. Spa owners and spa managers turn to DAYSPA for spa management trends, spa management tips and more.

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MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP The Culture of Diversity We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike. —Maya Angelou The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by the end of this decade, no one racial or ethnic group will make up the majority of America's children. By the time those children reach middle age, there will be no racial or ethnic majority in the country as a whole. When you add into the spectrum cultural and religious traditions, political beliefs, gender and sexual orientation, and differences in age, size and physical ability, the diversity is staggering. Is this diversity reflected in your spa staff? In your clients? The answer is likely to be different if you're doing business in Boston versus Duluth, Minnesota, versus Macon, Georgia. But one thing is certain: To stay in business for the employees and clients of tomorrow, sensitivity to diversity should be a priority. A diversity-friendly business understands and accepts the differences between people. America is not, in fact, a melting pot in which everyone melds into a single identity. Really, we are a country comprised of many 100 DAYSPA | SEPTEMBER 2013 By Andrea Renskoff languages, varied perceptions and individual ideas. When differences are strategically acknowledged, and skills and experiences are welcomed, an open and truly accepting workplace is created. Diversity isn't a substitute for equality. Especially with the Internet and social media so vital to survival, sensitivity is a must. A bad spa review based on real or perceived discrimination can cost thousands upon thousands of dollars in lost business. Lack of sensitivity might be the sometimes-invisible cause of high employee turnover, low morale, poor productivity or a general "bad vibe" in the workplace. And employees—and even potential employees—are filing legal complaints regarding equality violations with increasing frequency. For some spas, workplace diversity comes naturally. Most spas offer services whose origins come from countries all over the world. The reverence and respect for those beauty and wellness traditions helps to lend an international air to the spa world. And, especially in urban areas, a spa staff is likely to be diverse. But a bona fide diversity sensitivity plan should be a part of ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM Are you fostering a truly inclusive spa environment?

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