Getting the best out of new salon staff

There is an art to getting the most out of your staff, particularly new starters.

Management consulatant Karrin Lawrence, managing director of Pure Clarity, gives her advice on welcoming new members to the team. 

• Be welcoming
  
  First impressions count, and although we all know the new starter will be out to make the best impact on the team, it is equally important for your business to make a good first impression on the new starter. 
  
  Being warm and friendly as a group and professional as a business will give your new starter an example of what you would like from their behaviour as they join your team.



• Be clear on your expectations
  
  A new employee will not know the salon's rules and regulations, or its culture, so, ideally on their first day of work, you should provide a salon induction.
  
  This ensures you follow good employment practice. It delivers your expectations and ensures the starter has a fresh and eager attitude.
  
  It also ensures boundaries are laid down as to what is appropriate or inappropriate behaviour, setting clear benchmarks by which to measure performance during any probationary period.



• Provide a mentor
  
  A starter should feel confident to be able to ask anyone in the salon anything as they are settling in. If this is difficult in the busy environment of the salon, ensure you allocate someone who can act as a mentor and be available to them as they learn the workings of your salon.
  
  Ideally, this person should be someone who is loyal to your salon, and who can answer most questions for them.



• Review performance and integrate their skills into the company vision
  
  Over the first three months it is worth having a 30 minute review meeting each month to offer feedback to the starter on their performance. This can also set the start of a training plan for them as they further progress into salon life.
  
  If the set measurements are not being met by the recruit, it is then worth asking yourself if they fit your business needs or if they would benefit from some more formal training?



• Ask the new recruit for their feedback on your salon
  
  As a new pair of eyes coming into the salon, it is always worth asking a recruit what they think of the salon, and if they feel any aspect of the business can be improved?

More Management Advice from Karrin Lawrence

• Holding one-to-one meetings wuth the team
• Making the step from stylist to salon manager
• Maximising the results of team meetings