Hygiene Helps (for LSAs)

We are humans dealing with humans, and it's WORK. Sometimes sweaty work.

Occasionally, as LSA you may have a member pull you aside, or receive discreet feedback some other way, that there is a hygiene issue related to a practitioner. It's rare, but it does occasionally happen.

Of course we want to be sensitive and professional to all involved.

Talking with the member

First, reassure the person that had courage to speak up that they have done the right thing. Some helpful language could look like "Thank you so much for providing this valuable feedback. We don't know there is something to work on unless people let us know, so we appreciate you taking a moment. Please know that we have things we can do to address the situation and make changes without hurting any feelings. Let me recommend a good alternate practitioner for you based on your goals right now..."

The exchange should be logged in the Internal Notes document that is available for LSA Only use (NOT inside Club Ready) under that employee's tab. When the issue gets addressed for the first time with the employee, it would constitute a verbal conversation documented.

We certainly want to respect the differing physiology of all our staff. Some people are biologically more prone to sweating than others. There are also varying fitness levels - more conditioned employees will find it requires less effort on the body to perform the stretches. We can reassure new practitioners that as time goes on the stretching gets easier as their body adapts and gains strength for this specific work.

Talking with the employee

A good starting conversation would likely not provoke a defensive response if it comes from a place of curiosity and genuine desire to help the employee (if handled in the proper respectful tone).

Some talking points could be;

• how are you acclimating to stretching? how is your body feeling?

• does it still feel like a lot of work? do you have any concerns? what's the most challenging part for you? [these are all good check-in questions for any employee]

• how many uniform shirts do you have? do you feel like it's enough for the number of shifts you work each week?

• small talk - how is your home situation (own? rent? roommates? easy access to laundry machines?...)

As they open up, watch for opportunities to take the conversation in a direction of cleanliness and the importance of habits and hygiene, including regularly bathing and freshness of the breath. Often, if a member experiences an unpleasant session due to bodily odor, they will simply not return, and most certainly will not rebook with that practitioner again if they do stay with us. It's in the best interest of everyone, especially the practitioner, to be aware and proactive if they are susceptible to having these issues. If they do deal with body odor/ excessive sweat, they may well be aware of it already and possibly self-conscious or worried about it. We are here to find solutions together.

If a subtle conversation corrects the situation, then no need to move further. For example if they need more uniform shirts so they are able to keep up their laundry, let's talk about that as management. Employees are expected to show up for their shift in a clean shirt every time. For employees who sweat more intensely, we can consider providing enough shirts that they can change shirts mid shift to a fresh one.

Additional resources

Typically we do not provide deodorant in studio unless there is a specific need, however, in the event that we do discover it would be helpful, management is happy to supply spray deodorant, hygienic wipes (with the idea to refresh the upper body, armpits, etc), and of course we always have mints in studio to keep breath fresh.

Please always bring this subject up to your regional manager in the interest of communication and supporting our valuable staff to have success, and our members to have excellent experiences. Do not wait until there is a big problem to address it. Management is here to support you as a leader in the delicate handling of sensitive issues like these.

For reference, below is a portion of the Stretch Zone Employee Handbook that each employee signs and agrees to upon hiring;

"6.4 Personal Appearance The purpose of STRETCH ZONE's personal appearance policy is to ensure a safe and sanitary workplace for all employees. STRETCH ZONE strives to maintain a professional working environment that promotes efficiency, positive employee morale and promotes a professional image. During business hours or when representing STRETCH ZONE, employees are expected to use common sense and good judgment in order to meet the goals of this policy.

Generally, employees should wear appropriate clothing, observe high standards of personal hygiene, and dress and groom themselves according to the requirements of their positions. While not intended to be an all-inclusive list, the examples below are considered appropriate workplace attire: Only company approved uniforms.

If management designates "casual days," an employee's casual dress must still be clean, neat and project a professional image. Generally, employees should maintain a clean and neat appearance and should refrain from wearing stained, wrinkled, frayed, or revealing clothing to the workplace. Employees are urged to use their discretion when determining what is appropriate to wear to work. Employees who wear inappropriate attire to work may be sent home to change their clothing.

STRETCH ZONE understands that in certain situations, the Company may need to make exceptions to this policy based on an employee’s religion, disability, or other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law. In accordance with all applicable laws, the Company will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodation as necessary unless doing so would cause an undue hardship on STRETCH ZONE. Questions regarding appropriate workplace attire should be directed to your supervisor."