Helena Greszk on how to lead with integrity

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, Helena Greszk, general manager of the UK Spa Association, shares creative solutions to support and empower your team.

“Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many UK spas and their teams have been through an uncomfortable and unprecedented period of change.”

Some businesses have been forced to make difficult decisions and there have been numerous redundancies including several of our highly skilled spa directors, spa managers, and therapists who have sadly lost their roles. However, the UK spa and wellness industry has also stood together, united to support and encourage each other with compassion, inspiring positivity, and incredible creativity.

“The impact of Covid-19 has varied from spa to spa.”

For some, it has been truly devastating, but for others it has been a time of true collaboration and adapting to evolve into the businesses they have always wanted to be. We have seen businesses pivot, embracing technology, upskilling and cross-skilling to utilise every opportunity to maintain loyalty from their members and guests, and to retain as many of their team as possible.

“Creating a wellbeing culture within your spa team will support productivity, improve retention and minimise absenteeism.”

Above all, it is important for staff to feel that they are part of a safe and nurturing environment where they are supported and developed. There is a saying that has always stuck with me: ‘You can’t pour from an empty cup’ and it’s true so, wherever possible, help your team to find balance, build resilience and boost their mental health and wellbeing.

“Spa operators must lead their teams with heart and integrity.”

It would be so easy for individual and team motivation to be diminished with the changes we’re encountering with social distancing and frustrations with the new ways of working, so it is vital that we create a supportive culture that is reinforced by actions which demonstrate that we truly care about health and wellbeing.

“As we begin to adapt to the ‘new normal’, we must embrace the discovery of what the future of wellness holds.”

It’s time for our industry to rise and lead the charge in preventative self-care. As wellness leaders, it is our responsibility to share this knowledge and expertise with our guests but most importantly, we have to start with the wellbeing of our teams.