How to Retain Massage Therapists
Retention of massage therapists, as opposed to other spa technicians, is a common concern. It’s important to understand that massage therapists aren’t the same as estheticians, just as estheticians aren't the same as cosmetologists. The skill sets that they bring to the table are different, and the types of services that they provide are different.

Take, for example, a routine working day of a massage therapist versus an esthetician. Because of the overwhelming popularity of basic Swedish massage, a massage therapist working in a spa could literally find herself booked solid, doing nothing but the same type of one-hour massage for the duration of her shift. An esthetician, on the other hand, has a wider range of popular services that she will be booked for during a shift. While European-style facials are probably among the most popular esthetic services, estheticians also frequently do lash tints, makeup application, waxing and other types of face and body treatments.

Furthermore, consider the type of physical work required of each technician. A massage therapist must commit the whole of her body, oftentimes engaging multiple muscle groups. In deep-tissue massage, in particular, a great deal of strength, endurance and ongoing physical activity is required of the therapist. Moreover, the same areas of the hands, wrists and arms are used repetitively. Another reality of massage work, where clients typically want to relax in silence, is that the therapist has little opportunity for communication throughout a typical eight-hour shift. At some point, for many therapists that sort of routine becomes like working on an assembly line. Also, estheticians do mostly above-the-waist work, requiring a lighter touch. The movements are more varied, which decreases repetitive overuse injuries. Because the esthetician’s services require more communication and product education, each scenario is different, and the mundane effects of repeating similar services are avoided.

The good news is that there is much a spa director can do to make her massage therapists happy. First of all, recognize that full time for massage therapists can be just 25 hours a week, as opposed to the esthetician’s 40-hour week, because of the physical demands of doing massage. Furthermore, cross-train massage therapists in body treatments, hydrotherapy and machine-based services. For massage therapists who are interested, guest-service positions at the front desk or within the spa facility during some hours of their shift can help to break up the monotony, allow the massage therapist to spend quality time with spa guests and lighten the load on their physical-exertion level.

Lastly, understand that massage therapists throw their souls into their work. Sometimes in the rush to generate revenue, spa directors forget this important factor. Showing appreciation for a job well done, allowing an individual to have some outlet for expression while at work, and treating each massage therapist's needs as a top priority will help you retain massage employees, while at the same time enhancing their experience at your spa.