Terry calvert's tips on staff codes of conduct

With the party season in full swing, Terry Calvert, a member of HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards Hall of Fame and owner of six Clipso salons through London, Brighton and Hertfordshire, shares his advice for introducing a code of conduct for your salon team.

Set Rules at the Start

"Whatever your business, it’s essential to introduce some rules and regulations, otherwise there are no boundaries and mayhem reigns. "Every professional salon will have its own salon manual and code of conduct that are given to team members when they start. You need rules to keep control and help with the organisation of the salon."

Communicate the Rules Without Laying Down the Law

"When you’re communicating the rules to your team, keep it light-hearted and deliver the message with a sense of humour. "Of course, it’s essential that your team understands what would happen if the codes weren’t in place. "Using examples of what’s right and what isn’t means much more than just a boring ‘don’t do that’ attitude."

The Big Issues

“We focus on areas like the importance of time-keeping both from a manager’s point of view, and that of other team members and salon customers. "The importance of personal care – uniforms, hygiene, etc – is also key, and we stress the need for staff to communicate with other team members in a manner they would want to be spoken to. "We have an open-door policy too, for any team members to have their chance to approach colleagues and managers. Etiquette around customers, or out in public at an industry event, is covered as well."

Lead By Example

"Act how you would like your team to act, and they will, in most cases, follow. "You need to have your management on-side and be aware of the rules, so they can advise and encourage other team members on how to behave. "It isn’t just about the younger team members; even long-standing staff need role models and occasional reminders of how to act responsibly.”

When Things Go Wrong...

"Our disciplinary procedures are outlined in the salon induction and employment manual, which is given to each team member when they start working with us. "Ultimately, someone who doesn’t adhere to the codes will first be invited into their manager’s office and the issues discussed verbally. "If their inappropriate behaviour continues, a written warning will be given, followed by a second and then, as a last resort, dismissal."