The new year offers a perfect opportunity to reinvigorate your team with a fun and meaningful staff training day. A great training day can boost morale, improve skillsets, and set a positive tone for the year ahead. Here’s how to make it memorable, engaging, and impactful.

1. Start with Staff Input: Use a Voting Board

Empowering your staff to help shape the day’s agenda will make them more invested. Create a list of training topics your team would benefit from and allow them to curate some of the sessions for the day. Set up a voting board and provide stickers for each team member. Encourage them to vote for the topics they’re most interested in. This not only fosters engagement but ensures the training aligns with their priorities.

2. Reinforce Product Knowledge with a Matching Activity

Confident product recommendations can boost sales and client trust. Create a fun matching activity where staff pair skincare products with their key ingredients. Not only will this activity enhance their product knowledge, but it also makes learning interactive and enjoyable.

3. Spotlight Peer Expertise

Your team members are your greatest resource. Highlighting their unique skills and successes encourages peer learning and builds camaraderie. Examples include:
a) Rebooking Champion: A team member with high rebooking rates can share tips for gently encouraging clients to book their next appointment;
b) Massage Master: A staff member passionate about facial massage can demonstrate new techniques or tricks.

This peer-to-peer approach empowers staff to contribute and fosters mutual respect within the team.

4. Showcase Real World Scenarios

Show photos of skin types experiencing issues such as acne, dehydration, pigmentation, or sensitivity.  Provide background information on the client, such as age, lifestyle, and skincare concerns. Ask each staff member to write down the products, treatments, or modalities they would recommend. Discuss common themes and identify areas where knowledge may need improvement. For example, if several team members overlook a crucial product or equipment choice, you’ve pinpointed a gap to address. This activity builds confidence and refines treatment planning skills.

5. Reward Engagement

Cap the day with a small awards ceremony to recognise standout contributions during training. Whether it’s for enthusiasm, product knowledge, or something fun like who had the most caffeine during the day; these tokens of appreciation can further motivate staff for the year ahead.

By including your team in planning, creating interactive activities, and leveraging their expertise, your staff training day can become an annual highlight. Not only will your team leave feeling equipped and valued, but your salon will also reap the rewards of their enthusiasm and improved skills. Make 2025 the year of growth and teamwork!

Words: Lacie Green, TAFE Queensland educator.

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