Anna-Cari Gund: “Inspired leadership is needed in extraordinary times”

We spoke to three experts in their field about topics from recruitment and education to creating collaborative working environments and employee wellbeing.

In excerpts from one interview, Anna Cari-Gund, managing director of spa consultancy Raison d’Etre, dicusses staff retention and the importance of recruiting and retaining a talented spa team.

“Spa managers should be given the confidence to take control of the business and underline for all their guests that the spa services are totally safe to use.”

For a service business such as spas, it is fundamentally important to have a strong team of staff behind you to ensure your guests receive the best experience possible.

“As spa teams navigate through the ‘new normal’, it is important for spa managers to value their teams – after all, happy staff = happy business!”

By setting goals and targets as a team, this acknowledges that spa managers value feedback from all of their employees. In return, spa therapists will feel appreciated by senior members and be more motivated. This can be done through one-to-one meetings; with specific team members or in a group setting where each person’s achievements feel valued.

“A key part of a spa manager’s role is to be completely transparent.”

Employees will want to be kept up-to-date with the latest updates and developments, especially after a long period away from work. Open and authentic communication and thoughtful gestures can add a valued human touch to help engage staff.

“With new measures in place across the spa industry, spas will need to think outside the box when it comes to new packages and offerings.”

Encourage staff to brainstorm new ideas and insights, as this will bring a fresh perspective on the organisation, enhance company culture and bring exciting ideas to the fore. By giving employees something tangible to work towards, you will hopefully push them harder towards success, increase confidence and better their efforts. Grow your people and you will grow your business.