Running a salon is no small feat. It’s a whirlwind, right? Juggling appointments, customer service, stock, and—oh yeah—managing a team of unique individuals with their quirks, strengths, and needs.
Amid this chaos, it’s easy for recognition to slip through the cracks. But this is where trouble can start brewing.
Let’s talk about how a lack of recognition is quietly contributing to burnout. It’s one of the key causes on both sides of the chair, but what can we do about it?
The burnout conundrum: owners vs. employees
First, I will always take any opportunity to use the word conundrum. I think it’s so underutilised, but I digress. Second, let’s address the elephant in the room: burnout isn’t just an employee problem. Salon owners and managers are just as susceptible.
So, before you start spitting matcha and swiping away, I see you. You’re constantly juggling the demands of the business while trying to keep morale high.
It can feel like a never-ending task. There’s this unspoken expectation that you should always be ready for hype girl/boy mode. Waiting in the wings with a word of encouragement a pat on the back, or a motivational pep talk. And while you genuinely care about your team, sometimes it can feel like you’re being stretched too thin.
On the flip side, employees might feel unappreciated. It might feel like their hard work goes unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of salon life. They might be giving their all—staying late, going the extra mile, and coming up with creative solutions. But without that recognition, it’s easy for them to start feeling undervalued.
Enter burnt out. It’s not uncommon for them to think, “Does anyone even notice the effort I’m putting in?” This disconnect can create a breeding ground for frustration on both sides.
Recognition: the first thing to go
When the salon gets busy, recognition is often the first thing to fall by the wayside. It’s not intentional; it’s just that when you’re knee-deep in managing the day-to-day. It’s easy to overlook the importance of a simple “thank you” or a “great job today.” But these small gestures can be powerful antidotes to burnout.
While you might think you’re showing appreciation, your team might not be receiving it in the way you intend. Maybe you gave a shout-out in a team meeting, but what your stylist needs is one-on-one acknowledgment. Or perhaps you assumed a bonus was recognition enough, but what your team member craved was some public appreciation for their hard work.
The power of communication
Here’s the tricky part: sometimes, the problem isn’t the lack of recognition itself, but rather the way it’s communicated. Different people have different communication styles. What feels like a genuine acknowledgment to one person might feel like a quick, impersonal comment to another.
This is where open communication becomes key. Encourage your team to speak up about how they prefer to be recognised. Maybe they love public praise, or perhaps they’d rather have a quiet word in private. Some might appreciate tangible rewards, while others might just need a few kind words to feel valued. Understanding these nuances can make all the difference.
On the employee side, there’s a bit of responsibility too. Sometimes, you have to toot your own horn a little. If they’ve been putting in extra effort, encourage them to share that with you or your manager. It’s not bragging—it’s making sure your contributions are seen.
Let your team know that you’re human too. You might have just missed noticing something amazing they did but you want to hear about it. Share, and acknowledge value. It’s a recipe for happiness.
Simple strategies to boost recognition
So, how do we bridge the gap and ensure recognition doesn’t become a casualty of busy salon life? Here are a few tips that can help:
Say thank you
Never underestimate the power of a simple thank you. Whether it’s after a long day or a particularly challenging client. Those two words can go a long way in making someone feel appreciated.
One-on-one meetings
Regular one-on-one meetings are so important. It’s a great way to ensure that feedback—both positive and constructive—doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. Use these sessions to acknowledge what’s going well first! Lay the value foundation before diving into areas for improvement. (We like the mirror approach, you can read a blog about this here.
Understand what motivates your team
Everyone is motivated by different things. Take the time to learn what drives each member of your team. Then you can tailor your recognition accordingly. Whether it’s extra time off, a bonus, or simply a heartfelt acknowledgment. Make sure your efforts are landing.
To find out what makes your staff tick, check out our podcast on Love Languages.
Celebrate wins together
Building a strong team culture means celebrating successes as a group. Whether it’s hitting a sales target or just surviving a particularly hectic week, take the time to celebrate together. It fosters a sense of community and reminds everyone that their hard work is noticed.
Encourage peer recognition
Recognition doesn’t always have to come from the top down. Encourage your team to express gratitude and appreciation for each other. It not only boosts morale but also helps build a supportive team environment where everyone feels valued.
The Takeaway
Burnout is a real issue in the salon industry, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. Make recognition a priority, both in giving and receiving it. You’ll create a more positive, supportive work environment.
Foster open communication, understand individual needs, and make sure that everyone feels seen and appreciated. A little recognition can go a long way in keeping burnout at bay and ensuring that your salon remains a vibrant, thriving place for both clients and staff.
So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or notice your team’s energy dipping, take a moment to recognize the hard work that’s happening around you—and don’t be afraid to speak up when you need a little recognition yourself. After all, we’re all in this together!
