Industry Speak: Growing Together in COVID Times
At the beginning of this year, the world was plunged into a crisis never seen before in modern times. Now after several months of living through a pandemic, we are learning to survive it. From industry to industry, the ‘new normal’ has similarities and differences; but hope and happiness remain a staple requirement to win this challenge. With the motto of ‘Together we can’, Beauty Launchpad spoke to salon owners about how they are keeping spirits high and supporting their staff during these trying? — By Esha Gakhar
We asked two questions to salons across the country. How they have supported their staff and how they have spread happiness. Here’s what some said:
Supporting the Staff @ LOOKS Privé
I believe in spreading happiness year-round, every day but yes, during this pandemic we have done a lot to maintain the happiness of my team and clients, as happiness is the key to faith and positivity.
The COVID times are new to everyone and we are all doing our best. Nobody could imagine that the world would come to a standstill. But we are together in this and we will come out stronger and better.
Spreading Happiness @ LOOKS Privé
I have taken care of supporting them in maintaining mental health and positivity. I have done my best in terms of financial support as well while keeping them busy through learning and online training. We did a few sessions for our clients and followers on how to maintain their hair at home and also provided home care.
Supporting the Staff @ Creme
During these COVID times, I am trying to do my bit to spread happiness by speaking kind and positive words to all. My conversations have a lot of gratitude expressed. I also try to appreciate them for the work they have done no matter how small. I feel it simply turns a normal day to a happy day for them.
Spreading Happiness @ Creme
I have put in a lot of emphasis on individually speaking to my employees, to understand what challenges they may be facing. Trying to make them understand how COVID-19 has changed the circumstances and so have the requirements.
I have provided my employees with resources that range from counseling services to financial aid. Have hosted virtual sessions with them to ensure their mental, emotional & financial wellbeing. Also, educated them about keeping their bodies and minds healthy.
Supporting the Staff @ Magnifique
We are in the business of bringing smiles and we continue to do that. The biggest smiles we experienced was on starting our luxury home services, especially for our junior and elderly clients who have been afraid to step out but are now getting to experience our services within the safety of their homes.
Our staff has been with us for over 5 years now and we have supported each other through thick and thin. At a time, like this, when our industry is suffering at large, we are there for each other and the support is not just from us to them; it comes from them to us too. It’s ironic that while the business is lesser, our operational costs on disposables, PPE kits and other sanitization equipment have gone up. But everyone has understood this and taken it in their stride and cut down on everything else that we could to ensure we don’t compromise on safety and client experience.
Spreading Happiness @ Magnifique
- A lot of our employees had taken short term loans from the company, we have stopped taking repayments this year.
- We continue to pay salaries on time like the pre-COVID days.
- We take extreme precautions to ensure the safety of our staff: regular sanitisation of the staff area, toilets and the salon, providing them with PPE kits and gloves, and following social distancing norms in the salon
- Refusal of clients with fever, cough or cold to ensure the safety of our staff.
Supporting the Staff @ LOOKS GK-2
During these tough times, I have tried my best to not get disappointed and didn’t let things become stressful. I tried to stay happy with the thought that it’s just a phase of life which will pass with time. Life is a rollercoaster ride. Good times and bad times are a part of life.
Spreading Happiness @ LOOKS GK-2
I made sure that all of my team members get sufficient pay so that they could fulfil their daily needs. I tried to support them emotionally as well and gave them an opportunity to start the business as soon as possible to start revenue generation.
Read the full story in Beauty Launchpad’s October Digital issue.