As a leader, I understand how crucial it is to prioritise my own mental health; to be the best leader for my team, I need to be the best version of myself. That’s why I’ve been working with the incredible life coach, Jo Irving, on a bespoke 1:1 coaching programme. It’s been incredibly rewarding, helping me find the balance and clarity I need to lead with intention and authenticity.
Taking time to focus on my own mental health and growth has allowed me to be a more present and supportive leader for my team.
In addition to looking after my own mental health, I’ve introduced several initiatives to support the wellbeing of my team. We’ve invested in mindfulness apps and run regular team activities, helping promote collaboration and self-care. We also provide Vitality private health insurance, offering access to therapists when needed.
These initiatives encourage our team to make self-care a top priority, both mentally and physically.
We’re always committed to ensuring everyone feels comfortable in their role. If a team member isn’t comfortable working with a client, we won’t ask them to do so again. We have a zero-tolerance policy for rudeness, and we encourage the team to use our private outdoor area to get fresh air and vitamin D. We also provide opportunities for personal growth, offering training that boosts confidence and helps ease any anxiety. All these efforts come together to create a supportive, empowering atmosphere where our team feels valued and equipped to thrive.
In our high-energy industry, managing stress and pressure is essential. It’s not just about surviving the busy periods – it’s about thriving through them. In my salon, we make a conscious effort to ensure everyone has the tools they need to cope with pressure, both mentally and physically. We encourage our team to recognise when they need a break and take it. This culture of rest and recharge is vital for preventing burnout and promoting long-term resilience.
Investing in HR support has made such a difference. Ian from Loop HR has taken the pressure off, freeing me up to focus on my team and business. Loop HR streamlines commission and wage processing, handles HR tasks like sickness forms and lets the team request and track holidays easily. It’s saved me so much time and massively reduced the stress of managing a team, improving my own mental health as a result.
Coping isn’t just about individual practices; it’s also about how we approach challenges as a team. We focus on creating a supportive environment where the team can openly share their challenges and lean on each other when needed. Whether it’s through team-building activities like EFT tapping workshops or simply checking in with each other, we ensure coping mechanisms are part of our day-to-day operations.
Our clients trust us with so much more than just their hair; they trust us with their stories, their emotions and sometimes their vulnerabilities. These connections are what make our work so impactful, as our clients come to us not just for a transformation in their hair, but for a space to feel heard and valued. We play a vital role in our clients’ emotional wellbeing, and it’s a privilege to be trusted with that responsibility.
Ultimately, the mental health of our teams and clients is something that should be a constant focus. Caring, coping and connecting are not just buzzwords; they’re the foundation of a healthy salon culture. By adopting these values, we can create a more positive, supportive and inclusive space for everyone who walks through our doors.
