DAYSPA is the business resource for spa & wellness professionals! Each issue covers the latest in skin care, spa treatments, wellness services and management strategies.
Issue link: https://dayspamagazine.epubxp.com/i/918922
dayspamagazine.com/freeinfo [ 66 ] • # dayspamagazine • january 2018 management workshop After her selfi e wakeup call, Kerschbaumer took yoga classes and hired a nutritionist, cutting sugar and white fl our from her diet. "I lost 30 pounds within three and half months," she says, realizing that burnout had caused her to eat poorly and ignore her health. But slowing down didn't come easily. "Being a workaholic had become a way of life," notes Kerschbaumer. "I had to learn how to unwind!" She also made a point of adjusting her attitude. "I started listening to audiobooks instead of the news. I would go on walks and listen to motivational speakers talk about well-being and how to inspire people. I found it very calming and uplifting," says Kerschbaumer. This new mindset has carried over to how she treats her staff . Kerschbaumer encourages them to book that trip they've been talking about, and gives them cash or gift cards to help them check something off their bucket lists. In October, she has employees sign up for company-provided education that takes place in January. "It gives them something to look forward to in the New Year," she says. "I also like to occasionally discuss (and maybe update) one of their service off erings, so the therapists aren't stuck doing the same thing over and over again." In addition, Kerschbaumer began holding "service days" for employees; she shuts down the spa and—after morning meetings—everyone receives relaxing treatments from each other. "It allows them to take some time to unwind and have fun. They love it," she says. "When I start feeling overwhelmed, I have to read," says Phillips. "I'll take half a day off to immerse myself in a book—from mystery to motivation to romance—to escape, stimulate my mind and forget about everything else." She also suggests attending trade shows as a way to rediscover your passion for the industry. "I met most of my best friends at trade shows—some more than 20 years ago!" she enthuses. "You have to get away from your bubble to get a diff erent outlook. That's why they say travel is the best education." It's a matter of perspective, says Duncan. "Burnout is a normal part of life. It happens to all of us," he points out. "If you speak as a mentor and show your staff that you understand, it makes them realize that they're just human." That way, they'll feel safe openly discussing what they're going through and are better able to proactively address it—because although it can be a normal experience, burnout should never be overlooked. "You have to take control of the situation," stresses Duncan. "Routine can become boring, so be creative about adding new energy: Play music in the back offi ce, come up with fun contests and activities, care more, give more, listen more closely and look for an opportunity to help staff shine." u