Navigating Sick Leave in Your Salon: Why It’s About More Than Just Time Off
Running a salon means juggling busy schedules, loyal clients, and the unexpected, like sick leave. In this Salon Rising: The Podcast Mini Moment, Samara and Jen open up about their real-life experiences with sick leave, from navigating surgery recovery to managing team absences.
What starts as a chat about Sam’s recent breast reduction turns into an honest conversation about how sick leave impacts culture, finances, and client relationships inside a beauty business. For salon owners, this is about more than covering shifts, it’s about creating an environment of trust, empathy, and sustainability.
Why Sick Leave Matters More Than You Think
Sick leave is more than a logistical headache. It’s a direct reflection of your team culture. Samara shares how, during one period, she paid out over $12,000 in sick leave in six months, not because her team was faking it, but because they were mentally and emotionally exhausted.
When culture shifted, so did sick leave patterns. The key takeaway? If your staff are constantly calling in sick, it may be time to look deeper at the culture and systems within your business.
Setting Boundaries That Support Everyone
Clear expectations around sick leave can prevent chaos for both clients and your team.
💡 Practical tips from this episode:
Encourage early contact. If a team member feels unwell at 2am, a quick text means you can plan ahead, rather than scrambling mid morning.
Avoid the “prove you’re sick” trap. Trust your staff. Forcing proof only breaks trust and disrupts your salon more.
Check in early for next day planning. Have staff update you by mid afternoon if they need another day, so you can reschedule smoothly.
Prioritise financial readiness. If sick leave feels financially crippling, it’s a sign your business model needs strengthening.
Don’t overload the team. Overfilling everyone else’s books when someone’s off often leads to more burnout and sickness.
Keeping Clients Onside
Clients will always be disappointed by changes, but how you handle communication makes all the difference. Samara’s go to strategy is simple:
Be apologetic but confident. Acknowledge the inconvenience, offer clear options, and don’t leave space for blame
Offer alternatives, not excuses. Present two solutions, reschedule with the same stylist or see another team member.
Know when to say no. If moving clients will overwhelm your team, it’s okay to push appointments out.
When You Lead with Care, Loyalty Follows
The most powerful part of handling sick leave well is how your team responds. When staff know they’ll be supported, they return faster, they’re grateful, and they rally behind each other. Sick leave doesn’t become a burden, it becomes a reflection of a healthy, resilient salon culture.
Final Reflection
As salon owners, it’s easy to see sick leave as an obstacle. But when handled with empathy, foresight, and smart systems, it can actually strengthen your business. A trusted team, loyal clients, and a leader who sets healthy boundaries, this is the foundation of a salon that thrives, even when life throws curveballs.
🎧 Listen to the full Mini Moment: Mini Moment #5 - Sick Leave & Salon Culture
