4 Ways to Cure "Empty Treatment Room Syndrome"

Research carried out by i-sopod, a producer of floatation tanks, revealed that many spa operators have turned to monitoring "therapist utilization" instead, due to the availability of therapists. 

This need has caused a rise to what i-sopod is coining as "empty treatment room syndrome." It is predicted by the company that in some cases, up to a quarter of spas' treatment rooms are not in use. As a result, spas are interested in alternative no-touch facilities and investments to remedy the situation. 

Related: Trend Watch: Flotation Therapy

Tim Strudwick, the founder of i-sopod and operator of Floatworks in London, has provided four key steps to cure "Empty Treatment Room Syndrome."

1. Think outside of the box: In an ever-changing industry, customers often look for exciting or "out there" treatments. You can utilize your empty treatment room as a way of incorporating modern technology into your spa.
2. Look at the space available and identify what’s missing: Consider the space and facilities you have. Are you a large salon or a small spa with little or no water facilities? An empty treatment room provides opportunity to add something unique into your spa, such as flotation therapy. This water experience can provide a different feature to your spa, as well as give your guests a rejuvenating treatment, all while increasing profit and interest to your packages. 
3. Don’t see this as temporary: An empty treatment room can deliver great opportunities to your business and is an innovative way to provide wellness to your guests. Think facility rather than treatment menu, investing in your space can see a profitable return.
4. Look at the science: When planning, the new and exciting treatment can easily be enticing, even though they do not always deliver benefits, so make sure to be careful. Use science-backed treatments to your advantage, positioning it as an addition to a spa experience, to further improve your guest’s wellness journey.