As April marks Stress Awareness Month in the UK, it’s vital to not only safely identify and manage staff stress, but also client stress in the salon or spa. Some clients will be affected by pressures even before visiting, whereas others may become stressed from something that happens onsite. No matter the reason, we’ve outlined several stress-diffusing methods to help clients during their visit.
Manage expectations to remove client stress
Some clients will be excited to visit your salon or spa, whereas others may feel more anxious. That means it’s important to reassure clients of any pressure points the moment they visit your website. The best way to do this is to explain what clients can expect on their visit. Things like showing your salon or spa environment, outlining where to park, team bios and FAQs go a long way to pre-empt client stress prior to visit.
Once clients place a booking, you can then send a welcome email or SMS. Here, you can confirm their appointment details and any other details, making sure they know what to expect. When they finally head on-site, you can then give them a warm welcome in person.
Greet clients with a warming smile
Make sure to always greet clients with a warming smile. Smiles not only act as a form of reassurance but are contagious, meaning a client will likely smile back. This then helps reduce client stress, as a smile releases dopamine, endorphins and serotonin – all feel good chemicals. Smiling also has the benefit of opening the doors to laughter, which is a known method of reducing stress hormones.
Reduce client stress with a strong consultation
A robust consultation will help reduce client stress by helping you understand their expectations. Communication is a big part of this, so make sure you ask clients what they’re after, then repeat back the details to reassure them you understand. You can then outline what you’re going to do, in addition to carrying out these other secrets for the perfect consultation. This reassures them further, particularly if you explain what you’re doing throughout each stage of their treatment. Do you know these secrets for the perfect consultation?
Listen and engage with clients
Some clients are more talkative than others, meaning they will de-stress by talking about their pressures during their visit. It’s always good to lend an ear and listen, especially as listening makes clients feel valued. However, others won’t be so open, which could relate to a client’s mental state following an intense period of stress. No matter what, it’s important to engage with your clients, showing empathy and understanding to boost their self-esteem.
Resolutions for home-related stress
Sometimes listening and showing empathy may not be enough to reduce client stress and anxieties. Stress can manifest in overbearing ways, leading to tears or darker topics during their visit. A natural reaction may be to offer advice on the situation, but instead of this, try simply asking them what they would could do to ease their stress. You can also redirect them to resources that can help, such as their GP, the Mental Health Foundation’s resources or Mind’s contacts for anxiety, stress and mental wellbeing.
How software can help reduce clients’ stress
Salon by Premier Software® and Core by Premier Software® can help reduce client stress with a range of functions. For example, online booking removes stress as clients can secure their appointment around the clock, at a time to suit them. You can also share appointment descriptions in the software, so clients know exactly what’s included in their treatment. Medical consultations and contraindications will ensure the appointment booked is suitable, while automated email and SMS communications will ensure clients can be kept up to date of their booking via a method of their choice. You can even set up silent appointments, or add notes to the client’s record card to ensure all staff are aligned on their preferences, regardless of who welcomes the client.
To find out more how Premier Software’s systems and services can reduce client stress, book a free presentation below.