The importance of staff training during the recession
As well as the cost of the course (or courses) it can mean time out of the salon - and that's an extra expense that some salon owner may choose to avoid.
However many experts believe that this in fact is a crucial time to invest in training.
Steve North of Span Training and Development offers five reasons for continuing to train staff during a recession.
Staff Loyalty
Training is always necessary for standards of excellence and the health and well-being of any company, but during a recession is absolutely vital.
We have found during the last 26 years that when times get tough, staff get nervous and really benefit from strong leadership. The investment in personnel training helps reassure staff and enables them to develop and feel valued.
Training offers the opportunity to inspire, create loyalty, confirm good practice and create high performing teams.
Increased Moral
The moral of those who remain with the company during difficult times drops when they do not see the management investing in the future of the company. With low moral comes high absenteeism and poor performance.
A focus on good skills can confirm with staff their important role within the company and the need to work even harder to retain a viable level of business. In turn, this will gain security for the company as well as the individuals working within it.
Ready for upturn
History tells us that when an upturn in the economy occurs many companies fail, or are slow, out of the blocks because they don't have the right people in place.
It has been seen time and time again during similar recessions that a lack of investment results in a shortage of appropriately qualified technicians and stylists. This results in restricted growth within companies. This sort of high skill shortage can have long-term implications and can impact on a company's performance for many years after an upturn has begun.
Increased Profit
It is worth remembering that hairdressing clients do still spend during a recession, but they only spend where they perceive excellent value for money. The value is not just about price, but the whole experience - including the performance of staff.
Clients will be looking for staff that demonstrate excellent skill levels and offer attentive efficient customer service - both of which rely on effective training.
Client loyalty
A salon owner needs to ask some key questions about the service they are providing and the level of skills within it:
- Does the salon have excellent skills to attract and retain sophisticated clientele?
- Is the customer service attentive, efficient and responsive to customer needs?
- Overall, does the salon provide a memorable experience that will stay with clients and encourage them to repeat their business while also telling others?
Competitive Edge
As business becomes even more competitive, it's vitally important for a salon to have an edge over it nearest rivals. Acquiring the right people and equipping them with the right skills will ensure success.
The wise salon will be one that invests in training and reaps the benefits - unlike many of their competitors who will cut back.
