Charlotte’s Web of Wellness – May 2020

Charlotte Prescott, Director of Spa & Fitness,
Fisher Island Club, Miami Beach,
FSA Board of Directors – President

Sanitizer, Masks, Gloves….oh my!

Navigating the new norm when it comes to required, highly recommended or simply suggested PPE for Spas is not easy in this ever-changing situation, not to mention differing guidelines by local mandates. But, we as spa leaders must start somewhere to put together our reopening operating manuals. In our recent FSA Taskforce we were fortunate to have vendor presentations that shed insightful perspectives to consider in this process.

Some important takeaways:

1. Higher sanitation and disinfecting measures to protect our guests and employees is undoubtedly going to increase our cost of service/business. We need to plan for it; it is a nonnegotiable.
2. Buying in bulk is not only going to provide peace of mind that we have needed supplies on site, but costs can be lower. Consider new dispensers (wall mount) that allow for display and distribution of these needed supplies and amenities throughout. Gone are the days of subtlety in displaying hand sanitizer.
3. Not all masks are created equal and we need to ask ourselves which employees need to wear which masks. It’s our job to present to our GM’s and owners what we feel should be provided and to who. A new uniform accessory has just been added to our grooming standards.
4. Does everyone on our team need to wear gloves?   It’s projected that the cost of gloves is going to rise. We need to protect our locker and fitness attendants as their roles require them to pick up and discard exposed/soiled items. Again, if resources or supplies are tight, what is a nonnegotiable?
5. Handwashing for all! Incorporate beautiful hand cleansing rituals and post recommended guidelines in employee and guest facilities to keep everyone safe! With all that handwashing don’t forget to moisturize! All our spa guests should go home with full and travel size hand creams after their visit.
6. UV Sanitizers take center stage! Keep them throughout the facility to sanitize small items (pen, phones, etc.).

Spa friends we are not in Kansas anymore. As scary as this new space feels, I am confident that we can face the challenge. In the words of the great and powerful Wizard of Oz:

“You have plenty of courage. All you need is confidence in yourself. There is no living thing that is not afraid when it faces danger. The true courage is in facing danger when you are afraid, and that kind of courage you have plenty. – The Wizard of Oz

Special thank you to Cheryl Hartsough of the Industry Source and Paul Wright from Readycare for their contributions to the FSA Taskforce and support to our Florida Spa Community.

As you put together your sanitation and disinfecting guidelines please note that your local, State and individual organization’s standard operating procedures supersede best practice recommendations from the Florida Spa Association.