Do you have the dream team in your salon?

It takes time and effort to create the dream team, so it is important to hold on to them for as long as possible. NHF/NBF chief executive Hilary Hall shares her tips for keeping your staff motivated and happy. Creating a dream team of loyal and hardworking high performers takes time and effort, says NHF/NBF chief executive Hilary Hall. You will need to motivate, engage and reward your staff to ensure the ongoing success of your salon.

Start as you mean to go on

When taking on new staff make time for regular performance reviews and offer constructive feedback as well as praise for a job well done, says Hilary. Mentoring, monitoring and supporting a new team member from day one will inspire their loyalty and help to ensure they feel appreciated. This will pay dividends for your business in the long-term.

Involve the dream team

Hold regular meetings with your team and encourage their ideas and contributions so they feel valued and involved in decisions that are made, advises Hilary. Take the opportunity to highlight staff who have made an exceptional effort and always make it clear that you are available for one-to- ones to discuss any private concerns your staff may have. NHF/NBF members can download a detailed guide to managing staff performance for free by going to nhf.info/performance.

Encourage career development

You should show a genuine interest in the professional development of your team members. Hilary says: "Set clear goals and targets, provide training opportunities so they can learn new skills and encourage friendly competition among your staff. For example, you could start employee of the month and provide special staff awards for particular achievements."

Show your appreciation for your dream team

Always look for ways to show your appreciation when your staff are doing a great job, says Hilary. You
can offer discounts on retail products, extra time off or a special team outing which is also an excellent team-building exercise. In addition, make a point of remembering staff birthdays with a high street or coffee shop voucher. Don't forget the importance of saying thank you. It's a small gesture but will make a big difference to how your staff feel. Always notice when your staff have gone that extra mile and recognise their efforts.

Dealing with underperformance

You will need to act promptly if someone is underperforming, Hilary points out. This will minimise the negative impact on your other staff and business and will also help to sort things out as quickly as possible. Bear in mind that your employee may have health or personal problems, or you may need to provide clearer goals and more support and training. Go to nhf.info/stressed-employee to find out how to support a stressed employee. In some cases, it will be necessary to start formal performance management proceedings but always take legal advice before doing so. NHF/NBF membership includes free access to a 24/7 HR legal helpline: nhf.info/legal-advice.

More support from the NHF/NBF

For less than 75p a day, the NHF/NBF offers a wide range of legal, employment and financial help, plus brilliant ideas for managing people and boosting your business. Visit nhf.info/join or call 01234 831 965 for more information. Join the NHF/NBF before the end of August 2019 and quote HJA25 to get £25 off your membership fee. This is a sponsored post by the NHF/NBF.