HOW TO MAXIMISE STAFF TIME IN THE SALON

The saying ‘time is money’ is more important than ever and worth considering ahead of the festive season explains business expert Liz McKeon

Eliminate distractions

Teach your team to eliminate any distractions from the task at hand. This includes looking at social media, texting friends and web browsing during working hours – the distractions in a salon can be limitless.

Be organised

As a salon owner or manager, it is vital that you are always organised. This is one of the secrets to running a successful business. It also sets an example for your team members as staff like to have an organised boss because it instils confidence. 

Use downtime wisely

Figure out how the team’s downtime is currently being used. Is every team member focusing on activities that are providing the greatest returns? If you start auditing time it will become very clear how much time is being spent on unproductive conversations or activities on the salon floor.

Prioritise your time

Prioritise your time by eliminating tasks that you don’t need to perform and can be delegated to your team members. Identify the top three or four most important tasks and delegate these first – that way you can ensure the essential salon tasks take priority. Evaluate your managerial salon to-do list and ensure it is organised based on the importance of the tasks as opposed to what needs to be carried out urgently. If you are able to prioritise your most important responsibilities, you will be able to achieve the ultimate goals for your business.

The art of delegation 

Make sure you assign time limits to tasks rather than letting a member of staff take as long as they like. Instead give them as much time as the job requires and avoid the urge to ask team members to multi-task. Delegate one task at a time as this will keep everybody productive and busy.

Schedule regular breaks

Build in buffers to everybody’s day by making scheduled breaks and lunch hours. This will ensure everyone performs at their best.

Do the numbers

Bring the team along with you by doing the sums with them for their own targets and wages. It is much easier to manage appointment times when the whole team is on-side and everyone understands what’s expected. Everyone wants to work smarter each day, rather than harder for longer, especially when they see it reflecting back in their wage packet.

Eliminate white space

Get savvy with your schedule and upsell add-on services to clients before their appointment to avoid white space. Clients like a busy atmosphere, so keep all staff as active as possible.