With businesses reopening across the board I’ve been getting to work with more and more wellness professionals, creatives and beauty industry pros like hair stylist, makeup artists, permanent makeup artists and estheticians. Lucky me!
The considerations for these businesses reopening is different from fitness businesses, so I need to give these professions the love and detail they deserve, in a blog of their own.
I’m putting together all of the common questions I’ve been getting from business owners into one rapid-fire, QnA blog. (Side note - I wish I was more tech-savvy and could’ve done a fun video with this, but alas, here we are, lol).
Let’s dive right in!
DO I NEED A COVID WAIVER?
You need a COVID-19 specific Liability Waiver if you are interacting with clients face-to-face by way of them coming into your physical space/studio/salon. While businesses like grocery stores or Target aren’t requiring waivers, even office buildings are requiring visitors, clients and employees to sign waivers. Essentially, if there is any possibility of humans interacting, there should be a waiver, as well as COVID-specific protocols and policies.
WHAT SHOULD MY COVID WAIVER INCLUDE?
1 - The client, visitor or employee should acknowledge the risk at hand, release the business from liability, and agree to indemnify them in case they contract COVID;
2 - The business’ COVID - specific policies and procedures;
3 - Confirmation that the client, visitor or employee hasn’t been recently exposed to COVID-19 and does not have COVID-19 symptoms.
WHAT IF THERE ISN’T A GOVT GUIDELINE FOR MY INDUSTRY TO REOPEN?
Follow CDC best practices for social distancing, hand washing, disinfecting and ventilation. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.
HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF AND MY CLIENTS?
Create clear expectations of employees, staff and clients; communicate the expectations and policies; enforce them for everyone's health and safety.
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself and your business is implementing a COVID-19 Liability Waiver and creating policies that everyone follows.
From there ensure that your cleaning standards are up to CDC guidelines and your space has adequate ventilation.
SOMEONE ELSE IN MY INDUSTRY IS DOING/REQUIRING ______, SHOULD I?
It really depends on what _____ is. Is someone else requiring stricter guidelines to let clients into their business? That’s probably smart. But if someone is requiring or doing something that is out of your budget or comfort level, or just completely out of left field - take it with a grain of salt. Remember, just because someone else is doing it doesn’t make it right.
WHAT ABOUT FACEMASKS - DO I HAVE TO WEAR ONE? CAN I REQUIRE MY CLIENTS WEAR A MASK?
If you live in a state that requires you to wear one - yes, you really do. The last thing you need is a disgruntled client calling the Dept of Public Health of you because you’re not wearing a facemask.
But if you live in a state that doesn't require one - it gets trickier. You can obviously wear a mask or other PPE to make yourself feel safe. But if your state/city doesn't require a mask, you might not be able to require your clients to do the same. It becomes especially trickier if you’re worried that clients won’t come if you require them to wear masks.
Do your best to protect yourself (mask + PPE) and know that your clients who respect and value you WILL be ok following your rules.
I NEED TO TALK THIS OUT WITH SOMEONE - DO YOU WORK WITH BUSINESS OTHER THAN FITNESS?
One thousand percent, yes I do. I offer consulting sessions at any incredibly affordable and accessible rate to ensure that ALL business owners have access to help and resources. Email me right now and let’s schedule some time for us to talk!
I’D LOVE TO KEEP LEARNING MORE ABOUT BEST BUSINESS PRACTICES. HOW CAN I DO THAT?
The best way to keep leaning about best business practices is to get on my email list so you can receive my weekly newsletter. In the newsletter I share inside tips from myself and other leading industry experts, host giveaways, offer freebies and promotions only available to subscribers, and share information that you won’t find anywhere else. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? Sign up below!