Chapter 4: Sensitivity in the Workplace: Examining Best Workplace Practices 1 CE Hour
Course overview This course will discuss the importance of sensitivity in the workplace by identifying key points of good communication and emphasizing the importance of respect and equality. Learning outcomes After completing this course, the learner will be able to:
Additionally, the course will examine best workplace practices and provide insight to acceptable professional conduct.
Identify eight key points of good communication.
Define the meaning of respect. Define the meaning of equality.
INTRODUCTION
In a salon and spa work environment, many staff members perform different roles to create a successful team. The greeter welcomes each guest walking through the door. After relaxing in the waiting area, the guest is placed in the hands of the service provider: the designers, skin care professionals, the massage therapists, the nail technicians, the colorists, the barber, the nutritionist. As the guest looks around the salon, hopefully they find the cleaning staff and maintenance staff have been doing a thorough job. The guest is introduced to the intern who gently removes the color foils, shampoos and conditions their hair. Then, back to the hydraulic styling chair to be finished. Upon completion of the desired service, the guest now makes her way to the front desk receptionist to pay and hopefully rebook. Wow! What a long list of different roles in a salon! When proper training isn’t given at every level, the number of encounters in which a guest could be offended or “turned off,” are many. If a client were to feel ignored at some point during the appointment, it could cost the salon. The client could choose not to return. Respect is the foundation and key to operating a successful, peaceful salon and spa (and all other types of businesses). Business owners should seek out ways to improve working relations with their staff. The first step would be to identify which areas need attention. Business owners could start by speaking with employees and carefully consider any suggestions they may offer. “Lead by example” is an old adage that speaks volumes. Beginning in team meetings, each staff member should be made aware of and given a clear definition of his or her role, and the expectations placed on them to guarantee good reviews from a guest. Team leaders, managers, and salon and spa owners should treat the staff in a positive and fair manner. By using uplifting and encouraging words, understanding and offering constructive criticism, a leader can instill positive behavior. Using an appropriate tone of voice and treating everyone equally can increase productivity. This can help ensure the staff will, in turn, do the same and respect each other and treat each guest in an appropriate manner. Aside from a runway-worthy hairstyle, clients are seeking a comfortable, pleasant atmosphere. Every client is different. Their definition of a “comfortable, pleasant atmosphere” will greatly vary. For this reason, it is important to open doors to everyone and acknowledge that one salon may not
Every ethnic group, culture, belief, religion, individual, dignitary or commoner; every child, every adult, every human, not only wants it, but deserves it. What is it that each of us long for? What is it that makes us feel understood? What is it that makes us feel that we “belong”? It is called “respect.” The common thread that creates peace and unity in most places, including the work place, is respect. The definition of respect (as a noun) is a “feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements” ( What is respect? n.d). Oftentimes, we sit back, staring in admiration at the abilities of athletes. We try to mimic qualities in others that we ourselves would like to possess. These are all examples of respect. The way we live our everyday lives spills over into our work place. People who exhibit positivity at home with their family and friends likely have a positive effect on their co- workers too. Those who are negative – for example, the angry parent yelling at their child’s baseball coach and other team parents at every game – will likely carry negativity into their workplace. Individuals should ask themselves these questions in order to assess their current position as a team player. Whether it be a positive or negative response, by answering honestly, people will develop more self-awareness. 1. Do I focus on other’s needs? 2. Do I communicate well? 3. Do I use an appropriate tone of voice? 4. Do I appreciate diverse opinions? 5. Do I take responsibility for my own actions? 6. Do I oftentimes complain? 7. Do I speak highly of the company or brand that employees me? 8. Do I speak negatively about others or start/ spread gossip? After answering these questions individuals should consider the answers they gave. They should consider what their boss, co-workers, or clients might say about them. Perhaps an employee might want to be a little more “go with the flow” type of employee or leader. Or maybe they would like to learn more about ways to communicate effectively. As people mature, good qualities and attributes should mature, as well.
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Book Code: NTNC0825
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