Pulse October 2022 | Page 38

challenge for the industry will be reinforcing the attractiveness of the work to potential candidates , with many spa leaders saying that recruitment of massage therapists is made more difficult by work schedule requirements ( 32 percent ) and perceptions of compensation ( 26 percent ). An additional 39 percent stated that it ’ s a challenge simply to attract candidates to apply . also making moves to become more visible to potential employees by partnering with local schools ( 51 percent ), participating in job fairs ( 48 percent ) and targeting retirees and retirement communities ( 12 percent ). Through increasing awareness of the

“ Almost twothirds of spas responding to the Industry Study ( 64 percent ) say they offer flexible work schedules , a hot topic for many industries that has been driven by shifts in post-pandemic work-life desires .”

Actions Taken The industry has taken steps to attempt to counteract the shortage of talent . Among other financial actions , 76 percent of spas have used higher salaries to address recruitment difficulties , while 41 percent have used sign-on bonuses . But more will likely be needed to address recruitment shortages : financial incentives may not be sufficient on their own . Almost two thirds of spas responding to the Industry Study ( 64 percent ) say they offer flexible work schedules , a hot topic for many industries that has been driven by shifts in postpandemic work-life desires . Spas are
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