While we may live in a world made increasingly convenient by technology, that doesn’t make a day-to-day living any less free from stress. Today, everyone feels stressed, it seems, and it affects getting the job done. Research from EnMast, an online community for business owners, indicates that “job stress costs U.S. companies $300 billion from turnover, absenteeism, and loss of productivity. Work causes stress for 83 percent of Americans, and an estimated 40 percent of workers say they are unproductive because of stress. These figures should concern any small business owner and particularly someone who runs s spa or massage business.
After all, your business is about helping clients relieve stress through massage, often enhanced with aromatherapy and other services. Stress, according to EnMast, harms relationships, focus, and creativity. The firm found in its research that:
- Stress reduces focus and memory by 25 percent.
- Problem-solving ability declines more quickly from chronic stress.
- Stress overloads your prefrontal cortex – the part of your brain that deals with working memory:
Ways to Eliminate Workplace Stress
Start by Communicating
Encourage open dialogue and make yourself available to talk to your team on a one-on-one basis or infrequent – ideally weekly - meetings. Ensure everyone knows about changes in the business that affect them; so they don’t have to worry about things that they overhear.
Clearly state your Expectations
Often employees worry because they are unsure of expectations. Job roles may be unclear, with too many trying to do the same tasks. Make sure everyone knows their role and what success looks like.
Provide Sufficient Training
Sometimes employees get stressed because they don’t feel they have adequate skills or knowledge to do their job. Provide your employees with the proper training to make sure they approach their work with full confidence. You may need to send them to classes or bring in a trainer. In some cases, someone internally may be able to provide the needed training.
Plan Group Activities
Plan some times away from work where your team can unwind and interact. It helps to build bonds and open communication. Plus, it also sends a message that you understand the need to put work on the back burner and have fun.
Encourage work/life Balance
Consider ways to help your employees establish more balance between work and their life outside the spa or massage practice. Consider more flexible work schedules, for example.
Acknowledge Good Performance
Commend your employees for a job well done. Don’t wait for a performance review to pat someone on the back. Let them know you appreciate their efforts and how much the business benefits from their professionalism and going the extra mile.
When employees feel frustrated and even defeated, they use up all their energy to deal with the obstacles in their path, real or perceived. They won’t have the energy to be highly productive on the job and provide outstanding client service. When your spa or massage practice is stress and free from worry, everyone wins – you, your clients, and your team.