The Value of Studio Employees

If you own a dance, yoga or fitness studio, then you know your teachers are one of the most valuable assets in your company.

It also takes more than just having great teachers. You, as their employer, need to lead the way for growth and to value what they bring to your business and your clients.

Here are the 5 ways to value your studio employees and grow your business.

1. Create a team atmosphere.  Individuals who dedicate their knowledge and time to your studio need to know they’re not alone. Though many studios are physically small, they can still have dozens of teachers. Sometimes teachers never even meet each other because of different schedules. But it’s important to get together as a group and have everyone take a few moments to introduce themselves in a relaxed, uninterrupted environment. Create a special place just for employees to share their daily thoughts or happenings throughout the month. Use a simple whiteboard in a private area in your studio or make a private Facebook group where everyone can keep in touch instantly if things change.
2. Value their unique abilities. Too often with employees we only focus on things that are not done or that need to be done better. But remember, not everyone is the same. Take time to value and notice the unique abilities each person brings to the table and make it known to them. Do this for everyone! Trust me, everyone has something unique or they would not be working for you. Go the extra mile and send a thank you card or something of appreciation that lets an individual know their value. If you find it hard to keep track of everyone, then do a staff appreciation day. Choose an activity that is something fun that lets everyone shine.
3. Let teachers become students. Employees at all levels need continuous training to better their skills and support the studio’s mission. Sometimes teachers feel they have no direction on what they should be learning and teaching next. Offer both outside and in-house educational opportunities to stimulate their interest in knowledge and growth. Bring in a variety of topics, including business experts, motivational speakers and trade professionals, to keep up with specific licensing requirements.
4. Provide Security & Trust. Most employees are looking for a studio and an owner they can trust and feel secure with. Of course, the longer you have been in business the more trust and security they may feel. But a growing or new business can provide security and trust by keeping things positive with employees. They don't need to know your fears as the owner. Your job is to let them see that you are the leader and that you are there to support them. Be the leader with an open door policy when it comes to employee concerns and address them promptly in a positive manner.
5. Divine Compensation. Usually, in the field of health and wellness, one provides services because of their inner love and a calling to do the trade rather than because of money. But the reality is, compensation is important. Though you can't buy an employee’s career values, you can provide a rich working environment and compensate above the industry standard once an employee has performed to a higher degree. It may seem tough to ‘shell out the dough,’ so to speak, but if you want to thrive with qualified teachers, you need to provide divine compensation.

Over the past 20 years through Alternative Balance, I’ve learned the importance of value when it comes to running a business. The benefits for all parties and the growth that comes from it continue to amaze me. I hope these simple ways to value your employees continue to help thousands more businesses flourish.

How do you value your employees? Share below and let us know what works for you!