Spa Marketing Made Easy Podcast: Episode SMME #426 Title: 10 Ways to Make Your Team Feel Valued (Even Without Giving a Raise)
Host: Daniela Woerner, Licensed Aesthetician
Release Date: March 24, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #426 of the Spa Marketing Made Easy Podcast, host Daniela Woerner delves into a crucial aspect of spa management: valuing your team without the immediate option of offering raises. Recognizing the financial constraints many businesses face, Daniela provides actionable strategies to ensure team members feel appreciated and motivated, fostering a positive work environment that enhances productivity and reduces turnover.

1. Recognize and Celebrate Achievements

Daniela emphasizes the importance of acknowledgment in the workplace. She states, “People want to know that their work matters. People want to know that you see when they go the extra mile” (02:15). Celebrating both major and minor victories publicly can significantly boost employee morale. Practical methods include shout-outs during daily meetings, social media spotlights, employee of the month programs, and personalized thank-you notes. Such recognition fosters engagement, loyalty, and productivity.

2. Offer Personalized Rewards

Generic rewards often fall flat, but personalized incentives resonate more deeply. Daniela shares her approach: “Ask your team what motivates them and tailor your rewards accordingly” (05:30). By utilizing tools like Google Forms to gather individual preferences, she customizes rewards that reflect each employee’s unique interests—from spa treatments to gift certificates for favorite local spots. This personalization demonstrates genuine appreciation and enhances the perceived value of rewards.

3. Provide Growth and Learning Opportunities

Investing in employees' personal and professional development is pivotal. “People stay where they grow,” Daniela asserts (09:10). Offering training, mentorship, and opportunities to attend industry conferences not only benefits the individual but also the business. She highlights the importance of safeguarding these investments with agreements that encourage employees to remain with the company post-training, ensuring mutual growth and stability.

4. Give the Gift of Time Off

Addressing burnout, Daniela advocates for thoughtful time-off policies. “A well-rested team is a happy team and a productive one,” she explains (13:45). Options include surprise wellness days, paid time off for rest and recharge, shorter shifts, or additional breaks during peak seasons. These measures help maintain high energy levels and quality of service, critical in the demanding spa industry.

5. Offer Flexible Scheduling When Possible

Flexibility in scheduling shows respect for employees’ personal lives. Daniela shares her company’s approach: “Life happens. Kids get sick, cars break down, unexpected events come up” (17:20). Strategies include shift swapping, customized schedules, and accommodating special requests like regular time off for parents. Such flexibility builds trust and demonstrates a commitment to employees' work-life balance.

6. Create a Culture of Gratitude

A culture rooted in gratitude can transform workplace dynamics. Daniela stresses, “A simple thank you can be incredibly powerful” (21:50). Implementing practices like gratitude boards, regular appreciation meetings, and personal thank-you cards fosters a supportive environment. She shares a personal anecdote about integrating a family tradition of expressing thankfulness, which she adapts for her team to enhance mutual appreciation and confidence.

7. Host Team Lunches or Coffee Outings

Building relationships outside of work enhances team cohesion. Daniela recommends regular social gatherings: “Plan a monthly team lunch. Bring in coffees or pastries. Organize a fun outing” (25:30). These informal settings allow team members to connect on a personal level, strengthening bonds and creating a sense of chosen family within the workplace.

8. Implement Profit Sharing or Bonuses

While not direct raises, profit sharing and bonuses align employee success with business performance. Daniela explains, “Profit sharing isn't a raise. It is a way that you can reward based on performance of the spa” (29:10). Options include quarterly bonuses, percentages of retail sales, or rewards for hitting specific milestones. This approach incentivizes employees to contribute to the spa's success without committing to permanent salary increases.

9. Encourage Employee Feedback and Give Them a Voice

Empowering employees by valuing their input fosters a sense of belonging and investment. Daniela highlights, “No one wants to feel like a number” (32:45). Strategies include regular check-ins, anonymous surveys, and open team meetings where feedback is not only solicited but also acted upon. Transparent communication ensures employees feel heard and respected, enhancing overall morale.

10. Celebrate Personal Milestones

Recognizing significant personal events strengthens team bonds. Daniela recounts an experience where a team member celebrated the birth of a child with elaborate decorations: “It was a really beautiful thing… celebrating with the team and with all of the patients” (36:20). However, she advises sensitivity to individual preferences, suggesting resources like Love Languages for the Workplace to tailor celebrations appropriately. Acknowledging birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and other milestones makes employees feel valued beyond their professional contributions.

Conclusion

Daniela Woerner’s Episode #426 provides a comprehensive guide for spa owners and managers to cultivate a supportive and appreciative workplace without relying solely on financial incentives. By implementing these ten strategies—ranging from personalized rewards and flexible scheduling to fostering a culture of gratitude and recognizing personal milestones—leaders can create an environment where employees feel genuinely valued. This not only enhances job satisfaction and loyalty but also drives the overall success and growth of the spa business.

“Appreciation isn't just about money. Money's important. But people wanna belong to a team. They wanna feel that they are respected and supported and they're excited to come to work.” (40:00)

Daniela encourages listeners to embrace these practices to build long-term success and create a workplace where both employees and the business can thrive.

Notable Quotes:

• “People want to know that their work matters. People want to know that you see when they go the extra mile.” — Daniela Woerner (02:15)
• “A well-rested team is a happy team and a productive one.” — Daniela Woerner (13:45)
• “Life happens. Kids get sick, cars break down, unexpected events come up.” — Daniela Woerner (17:20)
• “Appreciation isn't just about money. Money's important. But people wanna belong to a team.” — Daniela Woerner (40:00)

By implementing these strategies, spa owners can ensure their teams feel valued and motivated, laying the foundation for a thriving and harmonious business environment.