In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving work environment, it's clear that the traditional nine to five workplace is gone, and professionals now more than ever must stay attuned to emerging workplace trends. As the Director of Human Resources at Radiance Holdings, I oversee human capital initiatives for a dynamic portfolio of beauty, wellness, and self-care brands, and can attest to the transformative power and influence social media can have on workplace culture. For beauty professionals, it's all about how you approach these trends and their application to benefit the workforce and organization as a whole. Social Media offers employers unprecedented insight into the needs and motivators of their employees.
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In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving work environment, it's clear that the traditional nine to five workplace is gone, and professionals now more than ever must stay attuned to emerging workplace trends. As the Director of Human Resources at Radiance Holdings, I oversee human capital initiatives for a dynamic portfolio of beauty, wellness, and self-care brands, and can attest to the transformative power and influence social media can have on workplace culture. For beauty professionals, it's all about how you approach these trends and their application to benefit the workforce and organization as a whole. Social Media offers employers unprecedented insight into the needs and motivators of their employees.
As Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z navigate today’s work environment, here are just a handful of trends dominating the work force, what they mean to attract (and retain) top talent, and how to navigate them without losing productivity or sight of your company’s mission and goals.
#QuietQuitting: The Fine Line of Boundary Setting vs. Disengagement
As one of the more well known social media trends pertaining to the workplace, #QuietQuitting reflects a situation where employees, dissatisfied with various aspects of their jobs, begin to slowly, but steadily disengage. They shift from going the extra mile to adopting a mindset of "doing just enough." Specific to the beauty industry, #QuietQuitting is particularly relevant as more and more beauty professionals seek autonomy coupled with work-life balance, and the traditional pathways to beauty career success are less rigid and finite. Those in traditional beauty professional industries may turn to companies like Sola Salons for their salon studios format, as it empowers beauty professionals to truly become their own boss and take control of their careers, set their own schedules, and curate unique salon experiences to their liking for clients.
Counteracting #QuietQuitting Trends
Creating a workplace culture that encourages open communication up and down the career ladder is essential to prevent trends like #QuietQuitting. Leaders must demonstrate authenticity and humility, and foster trust and psychological safety within teams. Beauty industry leaders should recognize the changing landscape and implement strategies that empower their workforce. This not only acknowledges the value that wellness and beauty professionals bring to the table, but also fosters a sense of motivation, dedication and commitment.
Leaders and organizations can address these trends by crafting a workplace culture aligned with their values, implementing transparent compensation reviews, and integrating values into every facet of the business. Radiance's core values of integrity, teamwork, achievement, and joy guide our decisions and shape our culture.
Related: 8 Tips For Writing A Social Media Post That Converts
Encouraging Dynamic Dialogue Around Fair Compensation and #ActYourWage
#ActYourWage underscores the importance of fair and equitable compensation, and similar to #QuietQuitting, #ActYourWagerefers to doing the minimum required of your job, even if you love it. In the beauty industry, mentorship and guidance are crucial to help professionals set fair prices for their services and make informed financial decisions. Embracing the #ActYourWage trend is not just about ensuring fair pay; it's also a step towards building stronger, more collaborative relationships between beauty professionals and employers. It fosters trust and transparency, essential elements for a thriving workplace culture. As beauty professionals continue to advocate for fair compensation, industry leaders must listen, adapt, and implement strategies that empower their workforce not only now, but for the future.
Balancing Expectations Alongside #BareMinimumMondays
The #BareMinimumMondays hashtag reflects a gradual start to the workweek. While this principle and workweek mindset may not be entirely new, it's crucial for leaders to structure the workweek intentionally and set clear expectations. It's worth examining whether a mandatory team meeting every Monday at 8 AM is the most productive use of meeting attendees' time. Could Mondays be better spent catching up on emails and planning for the week? Perhaps moving the meeting to Tuesday mornings might lead to more effective problem-solving and innovation, as opposed to simply discussing plans for the week ahead. There is something to be said for formalizing a ‘No Meeting Monday’ and creating agreements around what the Monday expectations are of employees by their managers. It gives the employee “permission” to ease into their week and get organized which will add to their ability to relax and focus while infusing transparency and trust throughout the organization.
#RageApplying: Coping Mechanism or a Cry for Change?
#RageApplying is a phenomenon where employees, frustrated with their current jobs, turn to job boards as a form of escape or control. While occasionally looking to other career paths may be harmless, if it becomes routine, it's a sign that deeper issues may be at play. It is crucial to recognize that #RageApplying is merely a symptom of underlying workplace issues, rather than a sustainable solution. Consistently seeking an escape through job applications can lead to a cycle of frustration and disengagement, ultimately negatively impacting both the professional's well-being and their ability to deliver exceptional work. In our industry, the pressures of demanding clients and unrealistic beauty standards can sometimes trigger rage applying. It's key to provide a strong support system for beauty professionals and offer coaching and mentorship to help them navigate these challenges effectively. For employees, I would encourage them to be open, candid and kind about how they approach their needs with their employer. Keep the conversation constructive and both parties must maintain an open mind. When asking for something new, you’re likely asking a manager to do something differently than what they’ve known in their 10+ years in the workforce and it might take them a little bit of time to see your point of view.
Embracing these social media-driven changes, fostering open communication, and adapting to the evolving needs of employees are all important components to drive both individual career growth and company innovation. Ultimately, it's a win-win scenario that benefits both employees and the organization, creating a resilient and empowered workforce that will propel the organization forward toward its goals.
