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A company’s culture is deep-rooted values, and actions. It should embody all that you do. From your services to the way you treat clients, to your internal team dynamic, to the way you interact with your community – business culture is the foundation of a successful business.

Salon Today perfectly describes salon culture as “an invisible, yet tangible, energy that binds and propels a team and attracts clients.” While a strong business culture takes time to build, it has the power to turn your salon or spa into an unstoppable force. Need help improving the vibe at your business? Here are 3 ways to instantly improve your culture.

#1 Embrace Transparency

Transparency – internal and external – fosters healthy communication. Transparency is appealing to both employees and clients in a raw, human sort of way. We like people who are transparent, so it makes sense that we like businesses that are transparent, too. It’s not about some new “hack” to make yourself more intriguing – it’s about being real and relatable.

Transparency produces trust. Who can trust a company or a leader who doesn’t share anything? Embracing transparency includes:

Two-way communication No gossip ‘Open door’ policies Team huddles Revealing sensitive information to clients (when appropriate) Celebrating successes and owning up to mistakes Nurturing unsatisfied customers Openly declaring changes Openly resolving conflict

#2 Support Professional Development

Support the continuous education of your team, such as training to learn a new skill or tuition reimbursement to help further their professional development. Studies show that access to continued education improves an employee’s motivation, morale, and the likelihood of sticking around.

Consider creating ‘career paths’ within your business. This gives your team milestones in their career to work towards, thus increasing work ethic and motivation.

Your front desk career path may look something like:

Part-Time Front Desk Associate> Front Desk Professional> Guest Services Coordinator> Guest Services Manager

#3 Healthy Work and Play Balance

When employees feel a greater sense of ownership over their own lives, they tend to have better relationships with management and can leave work issues at work and home issues at home. Balanced employees tend to feel more motivated and less stressed out at work, which can increase productivity and reduce conflict.

Beyond a work-life balance, don’t forget to play with your team, too! Team-building activities help create strong bonds between your team members. Fun at work inspires creativity and reignites a sense of pride for your business.

Want to learn more?

Great company cultures were not built in one day by one person. With the right diligence, flexibility, and persistence, you have the power to create an amazing culture that will help make your salon or spa unstoppable. Download Millennium S.I.’s free guide for even more ways to improve your business culture at your salon or spa.