Putting together a plan for navigating the coronavirus outbreak is difficult. We are all experiencing a new situation. That means a lot of unknowns, and facing unknowns is stressful for everyone involved. Your salon, spa, or medspa employees – especially those in quarantine situations – are likely to feel anxious and experience low morale.

As an employer, there are steps you can take to help encourage your staff. Here are four morale-boosting tips to help guide you:

1. Provide consistent updates and encourage open communication.

As a leader, you have an opportunity to model calm and positive behavior to your employees even during unknowns. Maintaining a calm, positive attitude encourages your employees to follow your lead. Open communication provides a perfect opportunity for modeling positivity. By extent, open communication fosters reassurance. Keeping your employees updated regularly on the status of your business helps reduce unnecessary stress and curtail harmful gossip. Encouraging open and honest discussions concerning your salon, spa, or medspa’s current situation and plans to re-engage customers in the future help bolster your employees’ outlooks.

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2. Encourage proactive behavior and promote employee participation.

Quarantine measures mean many of your employees are likely to have a lot of time on their hands. Encourage proactive behaviors by inviting your employees to participate in strategies aimed at keeping your customers engaged in the preparation of your salon, spa, or medspa’s reopening. Consider involving your quarantined employees in developing social media posts aimed at spreading positivity or offering relaxation tips. Hold online meetings to brainstorm potential marketing strategies, like offering creative packages your customers may use later. Involvement gives your employees a sense of control and encourages them to think beyond present circumstances to future possibilities.

3. Maintain an “open door” policy for questions and reinforce employee appreciation.

Let your employees know that you are available to answer any questions or address any concerns they might have while under quarantine. Don’t leave it to your employees to reach out to you. Set up 1:1 meetings with your employees – whether by video chat or a simple phone call – to give them an opportunity to ask questions. Proactive leadership based on transparency helps instill trust, an essential component of promoting reassurance. While holding 1:1 meetings, take the opportunity to recognize each employee’s contribution to your salon, spa, or medspa. Encourage your employees by telling them they are genuinely appreciated.

4. Urge self-care and well-being measures.

Encourage your employees to follow federal and state guidelines, but also urge them to engage in self-care. Whether taking time to exercise (while practicing social distancing, of course), eating a nutrient-rich diet, or getting plenty of sleep at night, inspire your employees to set time each day to nourish personal well-being. Share your favorite recipes or your favorite YouTube yoga channel – and invite your employees to reciprocate. Your initiation will drive conversations and create a sense of community – outside your quarantined homes.

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For more information and resources to deal with COVID-19, please visit our special resource page.