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New Job at Spa Questions

Hi Everyone, I just started at a spa, newly licensed to massage and have
a few questions. First, how many hours typically do you other spa
workers work a week? I have schedule myself for 20 hours a week with two
additional Saturdays a month (total of 90 hours a month). I feel like
my coworkers are giving me a little pressure to work more. Whats normal?
Also, is there anything you give away as a little thank you gift after a
massage? Some of the other massage therapist give away salt scrubs, but
I don't want to copy them. (I know that sounds childish :D) Any ideas?
Basically, any advice on spa work would be helpful.
Thank you!!!

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Darcy Neibaur on August 7, 2010 at 8:02pm

Where I work everyone does their own thing and there is no pressure to anyone to work more or less. Some do work full time others parttime, others just weekends. My self I work parttime 5 days a week now for a total of 24 hours. I work 4 and 5 hour shifts with the exception of one day I work 6 hours. Some are students and work around those hours as well.

The only thing we give away at the end of a massage is a chocolate mint.

Permalink Reply by Mary Ann Zumpfe on August 7, 2010 at 9:33pm

Barbara, I have worked a resort spa for about three years now. Each person should have an agreement with their employer as to what is normal. There may be some therapists that want to work a lot, and others that only prefer a few days per week. Do what works best for you. If you feel you need to work more, then work your way up to that slowly. Your body will tell you when you need to rest. But i highly recommend a lot of self care and exchanges with other therapists.
With regards to giving away items, when we are finished with our spa services, we have a relaxation room that clients can enjoy warm tea, ice water and light snacks. Depending on the volume of customers that you see, giving away scrubs, lotions and the sort will become costly over a period of time. But once again, it is up to each individual therapist and be approved by management.
Personally, I work five days a week, as this is my primary money maker. I also volunteer at a local hospice when i can.
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays are the best days for a resort spa. More and more people are taking long weekends instead of full weeks of vacation, and who wouldn't want to get a massage on their weekend away? Good Luck to you.