Our industry experts answers questions in every aspect of running a successful spa.

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How can I look after my therapists to prevent burnout.

 

The industry is growing, with more people going to spas,  and most of them wanting a massage. Therapist very often are not prepared to fulfil the high demand.  Because of that,  they burnout,  go into a state of anxiety and become stressed out.

There are two main causes. Firstly,  it's improper techniques that cause problems with elbows, wrists and lower back,  and secondly the therapists  are not getting enough breaks.  The first thing to recognise is that therapists have unusual needs in terms of the way they need to be managed and taken care of.

Therapist also need training - not only on the level of massage techniques,  but also in how to self-develop.  Also,  look at things like your equipment.  Simple things like tables that don't adjust will create  lots of pressure on the posture of the therapists.  Uniforms are often tight - they don't give therapist any movement.  All of this will have an impact.

Another important thing is their self-care - doing stretches and taking breaks between treatments. Your therapist are the most important element of your business because without them your spa  basically doesn't exist.  If they give this deep quality of treatment,  then the client will come, and the profit will come with that.

The most important thing is routines.  If your therapists understand how profound their  work is and how much the result depends on their well-being,  they will create daily routines for things like breathing and meditation.  When they start work,  ask them to make sure everything is in place. Between treatments they need to stretch and drink plenty of water even if they are busy.  They need movement to take care of their bodies, whether that's trough  yoga,  pilates or just walking.  Therapists  cannot give good treatments if they are not looking after themselves.  Make sure yours are making time for themselves.