FOCUS ON TRAINING

Keeping therapists’ skills up to date is vital but you shouldn’t be left out of pocket if they leave. The NHBF team share their advice

In a beauty salon, you need to invest time and effort into building your team – and the work doesn’t end there. To keep your “dream team” together and your business thriving into the future, you will need to invest in your staff and show your appreciation.

A beauty salon that doesn’t keep up with the latest products, trends, and ways of working could lose revenue. Your employees must receive the proper training to keep up with current trends and developments.

Your employees are your greatest asset, and a commitment to their ongoing training and development will encourage staff loyalty, help retain key talent, and boost staff engagement in your business. Your employees will be better equipped to help you stay ahead of your nearest competitors. An ongoing training programme to support your salon staff’s continuing professional development (CPD) will help to:

1. Ensure your employees feel valued

2. Reduce employee turnover

3. Create a pool of employees ready for more senior roles

4. Give your employees a wider understanding of your business

5. Enhance your reputation as an employer and attract a wider pool of quality candidates

6. Tackle workplace issues; for example, if your team is struggling with a particular skill or task

7. Keep up to date with the latest skills, techniques, developments, products and technology.

Managing the costs of training

Investing in staff training does not have to be expensive. Low-cost options include online courses and in-house training. In addition, staff who have been on paid-for courses can share their new knowledge and skills with the rest of the team.

Consider the needs of your employees and your business goals before committing to paying for training. Only go ahead if you’re confident your employee will add value to your beauty salon as a direct result of the training.

Consider the investment against the outcome. For example, a reputable threading course may be initially expensive but will attract more clients, extend your portfolio of services and increase profits once established. Don’t forget your own training and development as a business owner too.

Recouping costs if your employee leaves

Do you worry that your employee will join your company for training only to leave shortly thereafter? By including training fee arrangements in your employment contract, you can avoid this financial loss.

The NHBF’s employment contracts, available free to NHBF members, set out how much your employee would have to pay towards training if they resigned during or shortly after a training course. See more at nhbf.co.uk/contract-of-employment/

This means that the longer they stay, the longer your business will benefit from the training and the less they will have to pay back. Ensure the employee fully understands the arrangements before you agree to pay for the training. They must understand and agree that, if necessary, you will deduct the costs of training from their final salary as set out in the contract.

Business support services are available from the NHBF for salons and barbershops, including legal, employment and financial guidance, as well as expert guidance on managing people and boosting profits. Find out more about NHBF member benefits nhbf.co.uk/benefits.

Join the NHBF before the end of February 2022 and quote PBF25 to get £25 off your membership fee.