According to ISPA, the global spa market will grow at an estimated compound annual growth rate of 5.66% from 2017 to 2021. This is wonderful news, but the flip side is that there is a growing staff shortage with well over 30,000 vacancies and high staff turnover. There are a number of factors that contribute to the difficulty in finding qualified staff: the perception that spa/wellness is not a path to a successful career; lack of training for managers in treatment protocols and methods and conversely lack of business training for therapists; opportunities for internal promotions.
The latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates stable employment in beauty and wellness occupations, and recent projections show that the beauty and wellness communities are a growing part of the U.S. economy. In fact, the Bureau predicts above-average employment growth for hairdressers, barbers and estheticians, with a 10% increase in employment between 2014 and 2024. In good times and bad, Americans continue to routinely seek services from estheticians, hairdressers, cosmetologists, nail technicians and massage therapists, contributing to the growing demand in the industry. Service-related professions are performed by licensed professionals who cannot and will not be replaced by technology or have their jobs moved overseas.
Deirdre Strunk, Vice President – Spa, Fitness and Beauty – Canyon Ranch
Deirdre Strunk, who was named Nevada’s Woman of the Year in both 2014 and 2018, was recently named Vice President – Spa, Fitness and Beauty after serving as Executive Director of Canyon Ranch Spa + Fitness at The Venetian® Resort in Las Vegas for four years. In her new role, Deirdre Strunk will ensure a consistent level of experience, product and service across Canyon Ranch Spa, Fitness, Beauty and Aesthetics operations while maintaining oversight of the Las Vegas location.
Deirdre has worked as a senior massage therapist and instructor for Steiner Spas Nevada, Inc. and as a professional development instructor at the Nevada School of Massage Therapy. Deirdre holds a license in Esthetics, is a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), a 300-hour yoga teacher training and is nationally certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). Deirdre has served on several boards, including the Las Vegas Spa Association Board of Directors, and is currently Vice Chair of the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy.
Interview
How do you deal with the shortage of workers and how do you recruit them?
We work very actively with our local schools to discuss graduate expectations and what we look for when hiring team members. At Canyon Ranch, we evaluate all applicants through an extensive interview process that includes conversations with colleagues. We believe it is very important to involve the team when hiring employees that they will be working with on a daily basis. Do they fit into the team and the culture? Who would know better than the team members at management level. Our colleagues participate in a special training program that teaches them about interviewing, gives them insight into the hiring process and gives them a say in the process. As they have been involved from the start, the interviewers have a personal interest in the new employee’s training and success, which leads to greater cohesion and cooperation within the team.
What characteristics do you look for in talents?
Compassion, empathy, passion, enthusiasm, someone who is looking for a career and a company with a great culture.
What incentives are there once you have hired an employee to retain them and avoid turnover?
We offer many incentives and focus on giving our colleagues the opportunity to enhance their careers with us. This includes additional training, opportunities for personal development, mentorship paths and succession planning.
Favorite spa treatment
It’s hard to choose one! I love a Bombshell blow-out and a really great 80 minute Canyon Ranch massage.
Things to know about you
I ride a Harley.
