Redchat

When husband and wife business partners Sonia and Anthony Byrne opened their Redchat salon in Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey, they were determined to extend the same attitude they have to their clients towards their employees also. The couple, who also own a hair salon and spa in Chiswick, London, are firm believers in equal rights. They take a holistic approach to client wellbeing using Aveda products, and treat everyone that walks through the door as an individual. Staff are no exception. With more than 25 years’ experience in the industry, the directors know that ‘looked after’ employees are often more productive, committed, loyal and happy. Inkeeping with this philosophy, the duo have devised a high-value salary and benefits package for their employees. Junior stylists start on salaries of around £23,000 and this increases with career progression and length of service, while spa directors can take home £33,000 per year. “We pay the staff high wages because we value them,” says Sonia. “It helps us keep the right people.” On top of this, every member of staff is entitled to BUPA private healthcare and each month an ‘employee of the month’ is rewarded for the work they do with a £50 cash gift. There is also an annual reward scheme for the team member who sells the most products – the winner can take home a bonus of between £250 and £300. An all American approach Redchat has also embraced the ‘American hours’ concept towards the working day, which has long been adopted by the UK public sector in areas such as nursing and policing. It enables staff to work 12-hour days, instead of the usual eight and means they get an extra day off in the week. According to Sonia, the approach is particularly popular with younger, childless employees. “Both salons employ American hours,” says Sonia. “We get a lot less sickness using this system. When staff know they have three to four days off they seem to be okay.” All this is in addition to regular training to keep staff interested and motivated and monthly meetings. “We try to treat all our staff as family,” says Sonia. “We enjoy having them working for us and they seem to enjoy working in our environment. When the staff are happy, the clients are happy and spend more money.” The benefits of working for Redchat don’t end there. Higher up the career ladder, loyal, long-term staff have the opportunity to take out shares in the company. Menana Bakali is a perfect example. The spa director had worked for the couple for three and a half years at the Chiswick branch, and was delighted when offered the chance to take a stake in the Richmond venture. “Being a partner is a great idea,” says Menana. “I jumped at the chance to invest money in the company as I really like my work.” Anthony adds: “You can turn staff into business partners and they then have a vested interest in the company. They become a part of the business.” Sonia agrees: “We are prepared to have a smaller slice of the pie.” Knowing that the business can be left in a safe pair of hands is essential for Sonia, who is part of Aveda’s creative styling hair team. Overseas adventures She is regularly called away to Paris, London and Milan fashion weeks, but even then she is constantly thinking about how her staff can benefit. Last year, Sonia took one of her salon managers to Milan’s fashion week. “If I can take an assistant I will,” she says, matter of factly. It obviously pays off. According to Menana, the team is very happy. “They get good wages, are always treated the same and we give them lots of opportunity. They have never been to a salon like this before. As soon as they get here they love it.” In return, the salon hones hard-working, loyal, committed employees and there’s no question that it works for both the team and the business.