Spa staffing crisis to be addressed at the London World Spa & Wellness Convention
The UK Spa Association is currently carrying out research into the industry-wide staffing crisis, in collaboration with three other international spa associations.
The Spa UK Focus Survey covers issues related to what spas do to attract and retain great staff, including any rewards and incentives offered.
The Spa-A association in France, Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Coalition (APSWC), and International Spa Association (Ispa) in the US are carrying out similar surveys.
The findings from the four associations’ surveys will be presented as part of a panel discussion at the World Spa & Wellness Convention (WSWC) in London this month.
Liz Holmes, vice chair at the UK Spa Association, said: “We’re increasingly hearing about the challenges faced by spa businesses in recruiting and retaining competent and qualified team members.
This has a direct impact on revenue and also challenges the long-term sustainability of spas and salons. We want to understand the extent of the issue and seek out best practices around recruitment and retention – on behalf of our members.”
Jean-Guy de Gabriac, conference coordinator for the WSWC, which initiated the research, commented that “the staffing crisis is one of the burning topics in our industry”.
He added: “The Global Wellness Economy Monitor, carried out by the Global Wellness Institute and published this month, projects that 2.8 million people will be employed by spas by 2018.
“An additional 70,000 spa managers and directors will be needed by the industry by 2020, alongside to 400,000 trained spa therapists. With such a deficit of spa applicants compared to positions, it’s essential to call on the experience of industry leaders for tangible solutions that work.”
The survey findings will be presented during the Lead your Industry session on day two of the WSWC, at 10am on Monday, February 27. The convention will take place in Excel exhibition centre, London, alongside the Professional Beauty London show.
