The Benefits of Implementing a Four-Day Workweek for Spa Staff

Conversations around workplace wellness are ongoing across almost every industry, and the topic is especially important for those of us in spa and wellness. As professionals work to guide clients toward rejuventation and healthier lifestyle habits, it makes sense that they, too, should walk the talk. 

One way that many companies help employees find better work-life balance is by implementing a four-day workweek. But how can this work for spas? I spoke with Kristy Whitford, founder and CEO of The Hotel Club, who shared her experiences successfully incorporating a four-day workweek during her time as director of spa and retail at The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows.  

It all started when Whitford was looking to bring more balance into her own life. She mapped out each day, considering the time she spent at work, sleeping, commuting, cooking and connecting with loved ones. 

"Taking two days off during the week is supposed to be relaxing, but the reality is that one day is spent running errands, catching up from the week and getting ready for the next week, while the other is spent trying to connect with loved ones—and then the two days are gone. Factor in families with children and other circumstances… Where does anyone actually have time for themselves?" she says. "This is a recipe for dis-ease, unhappiness and stress that can take on so many shapes and forms."

Then, the pandemic happened. Not only was it a time of reflection about personal priorities for Whitford and her team, but regulations in Los Angeles meant that schedules were drastically changed.

"Although those were challenging times, it turned out to be the perfect situation to create change, and I could focus on bringing the four-day work week to life. It was the big picture to look toward," she says. "Week after week, as we could add more hours, guests and therapists to the schedule, this became the framework to creating a four-day workweek. It was also an opportunity to continue infusing the importance of taking self-care to another level and encouraging my team to make their well-being a priority."

Benefits of a Shorter Week

Whitford tasked her team with looking at their work-life balance and thinking about what would give them more time for themselves and their loved ones. "It was an incredible experience to watch everyone rethink and redesign their life for themselves," she reflects. "There were people who wanted to take a class they’ve had on the back burner, volunteer, spend time at their kids’ school and so many more good life moments."

By the time spa operations were back in full swing, Whitford already noticed an improvement in morale. "I believe my team walked out of the pandemic and into a life they didn’t think was possible," she says. "The benefits were monumental: seeing their elevated happiness, the empowerment they felt within themselves, and the impact it had on their personal lives and families."

The spa pros were much more engaged and committed to their work, which naturally translated to better customer service and guest experiences. "Gratitude was an energy that was felt all around," says Whitford.

The change was met with almost unanimous support, with most of the staff excited to adapt to the new schedule. Although some workers were happy to continue at five days a week, Whitford didn't get much resistance at all. And, when she was able to share with leadership that it wouldn't impact the spa financially, everyone was officially on board. 

Whitford reports that the whole process not only allowed her to deepen her connection to staff, but it also made her a better leader herself. "There are so many things I learned as a leader when implementing this: My team’s improved personal and mental well-being provided an even more authentic connection in our work relationships," says Whitford. "I approached them with an openness to understand, which in turn made me a better leader in supporting my team's needs. I connected with them on a whole other level.

"Happier and fulfilled people are productive, healthier, focused, committed, and are more invested and engaged in the team and company," continues Whitford. "When you empower someone to be their best and live their best, it changes the way they view their work; they feel valued, acknowledged, supported and safe."

Another benefit to happy, healthy employees? They are more likely to stick around long term. In a time when staff shortages are affecting spas and wellness businesses around the world, retaining your star employees is a top priority. 

Getting Started

Because workplace wellness is especially important for spa businesses, leadership should consider what a four-day workweek can do for everyone. "With only 24 hours in the day and 7 days in a week, as leaders we have an opportunity to provide people with the chance to live a more fulfilling life both at work and at home—and to give this life to ourselves, too," says Whitford.

She recommends getting started the same way she did: Do some reflecting and map out the answers to these questions:

1. What could I do with my time if I had a four-day workweek?
2. How could a four-day work week change my mental health and well-being?
3. What positive impact could it have on my personal life?
4. Why don’t I give this a try and provide my team with a choice to change their lives too?
5. If a shorter workweek allowed the team to be happier, healthier and feel more connected to their families, loved ones and themselves, how could this impact their relationship with their work?

Have this conversation with the team while keeping an open mind. Be sure to really listen to what they say. "Then, connect with your fellow leadership team and lead a discussion about your desire to make changes. See where the conversation goes and navigate concerns with more questions," advises Whitford. "As the world evolves and we see change happening all around us, ask your fellow leaders if they would like to be leading the change or following it."