health, fitness & beauty
VOL 16 ISSUE 01 nov/dec 2021
Ella Baché
finds silver lining despite recent challenges
A fitness program for your business 5 Ways to jolt
Lockdown Jet Lag Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand 29
what’snew! ONLINE FITNESS XTENDS BUSINESS OFFERING
BK’s GYMNASTICS OPENS FIRST QLD SITE BK’s Gymnastics is anticipating a big increase in what is already one of Australia’s fastest growing sports as it expands north and opens a centre in outer south-western Brisbane. BK’s Gymnastics has strategic plans to penetrate and dominate the gymnastics market in Queensland, home to the 2032 Olympics, with its first centre in the state opening in Richlands in September this year and another site to open at Springfield in the coming months. Follow the launch of its franchise model in March this year, BK’s Gymnastics is now fielding approximately 20 serious enquiries per week from interested franchisees, primarily existing gymnastics coaches and those already working in the space. Critical to its success is the all-inclusive nature of the program offered, with kids as young as three months old able to take part.
Despite lockdown and the continued effects of COVID-19, Xtend Barre has raised its performance levels in Australia, while maintaining key revenue streams across all states. Owned by Collective Wellness Group, Xtend Barre Australia has introduced online classes, called Xtend @ Home. It’s an online workout program that builds strength and confidence, while delivering results. With studios closed in some states along the Eastern Seaboard, the fitness brand turned its focus to virtual classes, empowering their members to stay active while at home and offering a new dynamic expansion to their business model.
Franchise locations are available in QLD and Australia-wide and footprints range from 400-650m2 with existing indoor sports centres or buildings able to be converted into a BK’s Gymnastics centre. BK’s Gymnastics franchises start from $220k.
Head of Franchise Sales and Development at Collective Wellness Group, Jason Stubbings emphasises that members have enjoyed the change of pace and flexibility, explaining that, “85 per cent of our first timers are coming back for more, with 33 per cent of our virtual members doing over 10 classes per month.” As restrictions start to ease across New South Wales and Victoria, the team are eager to open their doors again. They are also confident that their new online offering, which is included with every Xtend membership, provides more choice for members and additional income streams for franchise partners. One of their member’s survey responses said, “I never thought I’d say this, but I really do think I will continue with the online classes even after the lockdown ends. I’ve found it a brilliant way to start the day and very easy to slot into my schedule”. As more Australians turn their focus on health and wellbeing, there are also significant opportunities to re-evaluate careers and business goals. Owning an Xtend studio provides flexibility, where franchise partners can work their own hours by taking control of their own path.
For more information visit: https://www.bkgymswim.com.au/ franchise-opportunities/
If you’re interested in finding out more about owning an Xtend Barre studio, please visit https://xtendfranchise.com.au/
The new QLD CEO of BK’s Gymnastics, Vicki Flamsteed, said the successful growth of the business was being supported by the allinclusive model. “BK’s Gymnastics is trying to offer something different – something for those who don’t like team sports, something fun and inclusive,” said Vicki. “For our franchisees, the opportunity represents a chance to own their own business, find better work-life balance and tap into this exciting time for the sport for gymnastics in Australia.” BK’s Gymnastics Richlands will be managed by experienced gymnastics coach and Program Manager of BK’s Gymnastics, Laura Sereno.
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MUMS THE WORD FOR SWIM FRANCHISE The latest ownership figures show that JUMP! Swim Schools are heavily owned by women and mothers. In fact, a whopping 76 per cent of franchises are owned by mums – and almost all franchisees in the network are parents.
franchise-opportunities/
Continuing the trend, all new franchisee enquiries received in 2021 have been from parents. “As we secure an average of 2-3 new sites per month, we’re finding that all of these are mums,” says JUMP! Swim Schools CEO Mark Collins. “The format of JUMP! Swim Schools really appeals to mothers and families with kids, because the business hours can be managed around family commitments, leaving that important space for family time in the mornings and evenings. There’s not a lot of franchise options that allow that level of flexibility.” JUMP! Swim Schools is expecting interest from this market to continue due to the impacts of covid as well. According to a recent survey by Gartner HR, one quarter of Australian employees are seeking a new job, with work-life balance being the number one driver. “Many families are considering their options moving forward and seeking out alternatives that give that level of flexibility as they reevaluate their work-life balance and look to move away from careers that may be demanding more of their time or requiring them to start commuting to the city again,” said Mark. “Feedback from our owners also shows that our franchisees get a lot of satisfaction out of the type of work that JUMP! Swim Schools involves – helping children get life-saving swim skills and working with kids and families on a daily basis is very rewarding. People are looking to do meaningful work that they are passionate about and working with kids delivers just that.” For more information visit: https://jumpswimschools.com.au/
RUMBLE SET TO LAUNCH IN AUSTRALIA Rumble, a boutique boxing concept founded in New York City in 2017, has since expanded into Los Angeles, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Palo Alto, San Francisco, Chicago and is now set to land in Australia, with the first 10 studio locations signed across Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland. Rumble has generated strong brand loyalty and widespread appeal partly thanks to. attracting the likes of Justin and Hailey Bieber, Selena Gomez, Kendall Jenner, Jason Derulo, David Beckham, and Kevin Hart to its studios. Boutique Fitness Studios have also teamed up with former F45 franchise owners and well-known entertainment industry duo, the Stafford Brothers, to promote Rumble in Australia and open their own Rumble studios. “Integral to the brand experience is Rumble’s nightclub-like setting, so a partnership with the Stafford Brothers seems very fitting”, Matt Gordin, CEO of Boutique Fitness Studios, explains. “Like our other brands CycleBar and StretchLab, Rumble is all about being in the moment. We are certain that Australians will embrace the resultsoriented workout and immersive customer experience at Rumble studios,” says Gordin. The experience is a 45-minute, 10-round, fullbody cardio and strength workout crafted around specially designed water-filled, teardrop-style boxing bags. Central to the Rumble’s core values and brand experience, first-timers “glove up” next to amateur
fighters and classes are beginner-friendly so members can Rumble at their own pace. “If this is the only 45 minutes a member can give themselves all day, it’s time well-spent,” he said. The first Rumble studio is set to open in Sydney this summer, commencing an Australiawide roll-out of 100 studios over the next five years. To learn more about the Rumble franchise opportunity, please visit www.doyourumble.com.au/franchise
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c ov er sto ry: El l a B a c h é
Ella Baché finds silver lining despite recent challenges It’s no secret the world has undergone a huge shift from the traditional ways of doing business since the Covid pandemic hit in 2020. However, there are always silver linings to celebrate. The pandemic has also demonstrated just how resilient businesses have become by thinking outside the square and using the wonders of technology to deliver their services in a digital platform. We caught up with CEO of Ella Baché, Pippa Hallas, to discover how this successful business has remained at the forefront of their industry despite the challenges the last two years have presented. 32 Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand
With COVID impacting businesses across the world, how has Ella Baché been affected? The year 2021, just like 2020, was a year that I know for certain none of us will forget – it has been a time for growth and acceptance, a time where we have all been pushed outside of our comfort zones. When COVID hit, I knew to not only survive, but thrive, it was time to pivot the brand, we simply had no choice – physically closing the doors to over 120 Ella Baché salons across Australia saw us dive headfirst into a new way of thinking. With re-adaptation at the forefront of our minds we rolled out our all-new digital platform, designed for our therapists to connect with customers, allowing them the
Speaking of silver linings, what positives have you gained during the pandemic?
ability to perform expert skin consultations, whilst providing skincare tips and tricks… all from the comfort of their own homes. With a focus on growth, we also used this time to educate all our therapists and college students, our online platform not only provided them a source of connection but also many members from our HQ. We also celebrated many college students graduating, more so than we have in previous years. Fast forward to now, we are happy that the end is in sight and we are excited to welcome new franchisees and open new salons going forward. We will continue to also offer flexibility with our virtual salons readily available for all consumers. If anything, this pandemic has taught us that it is imperative for brands to pivot and re-adjust - and in my mind, access to great skincare and expert knowledge should be readily accessible, anywhere! In terms of business and growth, how has Ella Baché pivoted? As far as business is concerned, our traditional channels have taken a major hit, but the silver lining is seeing our digital channels taking off – with trade being governed by state restrictions across Australia we have learnt to become very adaptable. When it comes to growth, there is nothing more satisfying than watching our Ella Baché community pivot their small
businesses to handle current times. With the roll out of our virtual salons in 2020, our therapists and business owners jumped on board and were readily available to offer services virtually. Can you please tell us a little bit more about your virtual salons? Our virtual salon came to life when COVID hit in 2020 The idea was born when we noticed gaps in the market emerging – our clientele was still after great skincare and expert advice, it also allowed our Ella Baché community alongside our therapists and franchise owners the ability to connect. With the flexibility and needs of our customers changing we will continue to connect virtually, but it is great to see our salons well and truly bustling with clients that are eager for some well-deserved indulgence in salon! Since going virtual, how has Ella Baché managed their online community? Since going virtual, we looked at the silver linings and took the view that it was a time to give – our way of giving was to educate and connect into our community. So, over the last two years we have invested our time into training and educating our therapists – shifting not only our focus, but theirs, on connecting with their clients on social media and virtual salons. Watching their confidence grow as they navigated the digital
It is so important to try and find the silver linings – something we are incredibly proud of is the time we have spent investing in our digital platforms. Technology comes in so many forms and we have innovated our ways of communication, education, booking services, product purchasing and work. We have also launched some amazing new high performance skin care products and treatments- such as Retinol serum and treatment mask, Botanical hand washes and oils. A- beauty or Australian beauty is really in demand because of the quality and trusted ingredients we have available to us because our R and D and Manufacturing is done here in Sydney. It has been a blessing – In short – the silver lining has been the creativity and innovation on our local shores. Lastly, what beauty treatments do you think will be the most sought after now salons are opening back up? Here at Ella Baché HQ, we are so excited to be able to indulge in a results-driven facial followed by LED or MICRO. Our clientele is after some serious post lockdown radiance, and thankfully we have the perfect individualised products, treatments, and services for them. As far as consumer trends go – I think there will be a demand for everything, from beauty, brows, hair removal, tanning to skin care treatments. Our clients can’t wait to come back in, and we welcome them with open arms. To have their support has been so humbling and wonderful. For more information visit: ellabachefranchise.com.au
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work was amazing – and I know our loyal Ella Baché customers have loved learning new ways to care for their skin. Pandemic or not, self-care and ten minutes of me time each day is key!
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A fitness program for your business Whether you are in the health and fitness industry or another sector, the fitness of your business is critical to success. Is your business a lean, mean fighting machine? Or is it moribund, carrying inherited weight that is the result of years of operational history? Big companies struggle to make the quick strategic changes that will make them more competitive. Because of their size and the number of employees, it’s often like trying to turn the Titanic – it’s slow, ponderous and often not enough change in time to avoid a disaster. But franchises, while they may be big, have a distinct advantage in that if the Head Office team get the strategies and settings right, then it’s easier for their franchisees who are usually small, nimble businesses, to quickly make the required changes.
What are the areas you can address to build a fighting fit business? We asked some franchisors for their thoughts.
Financial fitness When you are talking about balance sheets, measuring your financial fitness is a specialised job and having a partnership with a good accountant is a must. Having said that, it’s also important that, as a business owner, you know how to read a balance sheet so that you have clear visibility of your financial position at any given time, and therefore can make informed decisions. When you are considering the financial fitness of your franchisees, it is more about providing the tools, the software, to allow them to run the most efficient business they can. Scott Enno, CEO of Flooring Extra explains what they provide to their franchisees. “We provide our franchisees with the specific software that manages their jobs and helps
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them be agile and informed in all the areas that impact on their financial success. It’s a system that manages day to day sales in a way that lets them quote accurately. There are a lot of materials and inputs into making a sale – as well as installation. Our software lets them see what’s in store, track stock, keep on top of margins and job-related costs so there is no erosion of their profit. With so many variables in a job, it was our biggest challenge.” Scott explains that the heart of the Flooring Extra offer to franchisees is all about reducing the capital required to successfully operate a specialist flooring store. “We have taken away the requirement for them to carry inventory and we have worked with our suppliers to provide what they need on a Just In Time (JIT) basis. This means that no money is tied up in inventory.” “It’s providing the tools that help our franchisees make informed business decisions that will build their financial success.”
There’s so much involved in having an operationally fit business, e.g. from the experienced people you hire to the equipment you buy, the intelligent processes you implement, the premises you operate from, the software that drives so many critical functions, your operating manuals, your policies and your procedures. Beth Poklington, Head of Retail Operations at Forty Winks, draws a good fitness analogy when it comes to operations. “You don’t go for one run and expect to be fit. You have a routine around your fitness, consistently monitoring and measuring it. The same with business fitness. You need to understand where your business is and where you want it to be. You need to understand all the key components of your business, and work out what are the key levers that are going to build your operational fitness. Just as you would plug in your weight, age and fitness to find the next goal, so you take into account where the business is now. Then you need to set your milestones and review them regularly and that might be daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly or annually.” Beth emphasises how important it is to be frequently checking in with your franchisees to ensure they are operationally fit, that they understand the goals that are being set and how meeting them will build their business. “Have a monthly dashboard with the key drivers sent to every franchisee. Catch up with them regularly, whether that’s in person, over zoom or the phone. Conferences are really important – they are about networking, sharing information and intelligence gathering. Taking stock of where everyone is on their operational fitness journey.” “Your next milestone met is unlikely to be your end goal, but it’s important to celebrate it and then look forward to your next target.”
Innovative Fitness Innovation is what gives businesses a competitive edge. It’s what takes them to the next level, it’s what makes them a leader, not a follower. But in the last 20 months, innovation has often been the key to survival. Not all innovation has to be a blindingly fabulous new concept, discovery or invention. Innovation can be as simple as just re-thinking how you deliver your services. Or looking at the barriers to people becoming your customers, and removing them. Ben Fletcher, CEO of Listen To Your Body (LTYB), a physical fitness franchise, has
“When you are considering the financial fitness of your franchisees, it is more about providing the tools, the software, to allow them to run the most efficient business they can.” Corina Vucic | Director | FC Business Solutions
worked hard to be innovative in a crowded sector. “We’ve tried to create a model that is unbelievably user friendly and one of the most important things we’ve done is break down that barrier to entry – no contracts, no joining fees, no exit fees, and no debit fees makes the decision-making process so much easier. I learned a long time ago that people hold back from starting at a gym because they are scared of the sales pitch. We have a one off six week “kickstarter” program to get people out of a rut, to form a fitness habit. Obviously, we charge for this, but if people don’t get the three sessions in a week, we recredit them the sessions into their account so they haven’t lost their money.” LTYB makes it easy for people to come to a class. Members can book online 24/7 through an app. In fact, clients can book up to one second before the start time of a session – as long as the class isn’t full. There are no contracts, no debit fees, no contracts and “no barriers to entry.” Creating their own training academy for their fitness providers was another initiative. “We partnered with an education institute and this gives our owners and staff 57 courses a year they can access.” A simple thing like not having any mirrors in LTYB was another simple yet innovative touch. “We provide a judgement free environment,” Scott explains. “And another way we differentiate ourselves.”
Brand fitness A strong memorable brand, with a good reputation, is gold when it comes to business fitness. It’s also critical if you are going to attract franchisees. Jodi Murray-Freedman, General Manager, Marketing of Bakers Delight explains. “When people buy into a franchise business, they want a brand they know and trust and have a connection to. Bakers Delight is an Aussie icon brand that has been built over 40+ years of consistency from a store look and feel, logo iconography, product mix and communications tone of voice.” Bakers Delight manage all of the national
marketing communications but at a local bakery level, they have an online resource – a Local Marketing hub – where franchisees can download print and social assets and can customise them with their bakery details or bespoke offer. When asked about how often she thought a brand should be refreshed, Jodi replied “I personally believe it’s more important for a brand to stay relevant than refreshed, and you can’t put a time frame on how often, as every brand is different, in different life stages and customer engagement cycles. Our logo was updated 18 months ago where the decision was made to remove the wheat sheaf and clean up the font, to contemporise the brand without losing our heritage - we didn’t want to change it too much, it had to be still recognisable as the Bakers Delight people know and love.” She added “We are revitalising our brand this year with the launch of our new digital initiatives - our digital loyalty program ‘Dough Getters’ and online ordering, both of which are about engaging with a younger demographic and setting us up for future success.” It’s continually monitoring your business, understanding its challenges, building on its strengths and always being willing to experiment - to innovate - that will keep your business in fighting fit shape. Corina Vucic is the Director of FC Business Solutions. With over 20 years in the franchise industry, and extensive operational and management experience, she works closely with leaders to take their business to the next level. Whatever their goals, Corina coaches, mentors and supports business owners and executives to maximise success and minimise risk for long-term business prosperity and security. To discuss how Corina’s expertise can help take your business to new heights, contact: 03 9533 0028 cv@fcbs.com.au www.fcbs.com.au
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Operational fitness
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5 Ways to Jolt Lockdown Jet Lag The first lockdown in March last year was almost novel. Working from home, not getting dressed for work each day (hello, leisurewear!). However, constant change, uncertainty, and ambiguity have killed any novelty, and the longer COVID continues to disrupt our lives, the more people are feeling flat, fatigued and in many cases, like they have a constant case of jetlag. A participant in one of our 30 Day Boost
programs last week commented, “Most days I feel jetlagged or slightly hungover. But without the Qantas pyjamas and no champagne on the tarmac.” I think she summed up how many people are feeling – jetlagged, but without the travel. The key to understanding why you feel like this is first delving into the science of chronobiology (the body clock) then exploring ways to re-energise you and your routine.
Understanding Your Body Clock The internal clock, or circadian rhythm, has taken thousands of years to develop; yet our modern lifestyle – with stimulants from electric lighting to caffeine, shift work and alarm clocks – is comparatively new to the
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human species. COVID is even ‘newer’ but many of our adaptive behaviours brought on by work from home, home schooling and social distancing – are playing havoc with our internal rhythms. Circadian rhythms determine the sleeping and feeding patterns of all humans. Brain wave activity, hormonal secretion, body temperature, metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, cell regeneration and as other important biological activities are linked to this 24-hour cycle. In a regular 24-hour day there are times when energy and alertness levels are at a peak and times you are most likely to feel tired and low in energy. Most people have two peak alertness times each day, around 12 noon and between 6 and 7pm. Almost everyone’s body clock is programmed to make them feel sleepy in the middle of the afternoon (around 3pm).
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“Aim to spend 30 minutes each day in nature, ideally in sunlight to get maximum immune-boosting and mental wellbeing benefits.”
“Many of our adaptive behaviours brought on by work from home, home schooling and social distancing – are playing havoc with our internal rhythms.” Andrew May | CEO | Strive Stronger
Jolting Lockdown Jetlag The following five strategies help reset the body clock; create explicit borders that demarcate the start and finish of your working day; add rituals to enhance mental wellbeing; and prioritise activities each week that nurture your soul and connect you to what is important. COVID has changed this. We have lost natural rhythm in our days, weeks, even months. Every day feels the same, without the structure guiding us subconsciously to know what day of the week it is.
Lockdown Fatigue and Burnout COVID has exacerbated fatigue and burnout among Australia’s workforce. Anxiety, trauma, and depression are emerging in research studies as big challenges in the fallout of this pandemic. These psychological factors, combined with ongoing questions about how our workplaces will function moving forward, can all play a big part in causing fatigue and increasing the risks associated with burnout. Once you reach that point of exhausting yourself, your health, your productivity, your happiness, your quality of life all plummet, so it’s important to be proactive now.
circadian rhythm thrives on routine and consistency when it comes to our wake and sleep cycles 4. Physical Activity Double Dip. Regularly train/move with others to strengthen relationships. Exercise is a great way to build physiological capacity, get a dose of nature and connect with other people
1. Transition Time. Create rituals at the end of each working day to transition from work to home. This can include activities like an evening walk, ocean swim, bike ride, warm bath, listen to music or call a family member or friend. Create your own activities that help your body and brain disconnect from work and transition to your personal life
5. Laughter, fun and play. Build joy and play into your schedule, especially in weeks of constant back-to-back video conferences and meetings. Watch a comedy, call a friend, go to the park with children, family or friends. Try and focus on the good things in your life and practice gratitude.
2. Daily Sunshine. Vitamin D is essential for mitochondrial function and cell health, so get outdoors more often. Aim to spend 30 minutes each day in nature, ideally in sunlight to get maximum immune-boosting and mental wellbeing benefits. And do as many walking meetings as you can during the day.
Andrew May is the founder and CEO of StriveStronger and is recognised as one of the world’s leading human performance strategists. He’s the creator of the 30 Day Boost, an evidence-based digital program supporting employees to stay productive, boost physical wellbeing, enhance their psychological resilience and improve team cohesion.
3. Go to bed and get up at the same time. Your body doesn’t know Wednesday from Saturday, changing up your sleep routine messes with your biological clock. Our
Protect your team against burnout and sign them up at https://www. strivestronger.com/30dayboost
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5 TIPS EVERY EMPLOYER SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN
IMPLEMENTING A COVID-19 VACCINATION STRATEGY FOR ITS WORKFORCE
As Australia focuses on opening and restrictions ease, employers are looking for advice on how to implement a robust and safe COVID-19 vaccine roll out strategy to ensure the business can operate safely and reduce the risk of COVID-19 for its employees.
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“Whether vaccination is offered at the workplace or in the community, employers should offer flexible, nonpunitive sick leave options, such as paid sick leave, for employees experiencing side effects after vaccination.” Dr Simone Ryan | CEO and Founder | TOTIUM
To ensure employers are establishing supportive policies and practices, Dr Simone Ryan provides 5 tips to consider when developing a vaccine strategy to help more workers get vaccinated and meet any industry or government mandated requirements.
1
Implement supportive initiatives
Whether vaccination is offered at the workplace or in the community, employers should offer flexible, non-punitive sick leave options, such as paid sick leave, for employees experiencing side effects after vaccination. Employers should allow time for vaccine confidence to grow - workers who are hesitant at first may become more confident after seeing co-workers get vaccinated. Employers with an on-site clinic/options should offer more than one opportunity for vaccination. Mobile clinics can return to a worksite multiple times on a rotating schedule. Employers using community locations can provide supportive policies (such as paid leave and transportation support) for an extended period of time.
2
Provide informative education
Offer all-staff education seminars, such as those run by TOTIUM. After a recent APAC seminar held by Dr Ryan, a large union-driven workforce who were vaccineresistant had an uptake of more than 50 percent of new bookings for COVID-19 vaccines. Proactively address and reduce the spread and harm of misinformation by sharing credible and accurate information, such as those from Government websites and TOTIUM’s medical seminars. Share accurate information with staff using multiple communication channels – intranet platforms / seminars / leadership webinars / FAQs / Govt brochures and links.
3
Build confidence in COVID19 vaccines
Encourage leaders in the workplace to be
vaccine champions and talk with others about COVID-19 vaccines. Ask organisations and individuals who are respected in employee communities to help build confidence in COVID-19 vaccines. Host discussions where personnel at different levels can provide input about how to build vaccine confidence.
4
Correctly manage vaccine mandates and proof of vaccination Whether an employer may require, or mandate COVID-19 vaccination is a matter of state or other applicable law. If an employer requires employees to provide proof that they have received a COVID-19 vaccination from a pharmacy or their own healthcare provider, the employer cannot then mandate that the employee provide any medical information as part of the proof. Employers must have employee consent to collect this information. Informed, written consent is needed to request relevant medical / health information about an employee, whether it be from them or from someone else.
5
Safety and compliance within the workforce
Using a workforce management platform, such as Ento, to manage vaccine status of employees that are in contact with customers face to face on a daily basis provides reassurance to employers and customers that staff are safe and compliant. Ento’s Vaxtrack tool helps employers keep on top of vaccine status of new employees and contracted staff, especially those within industries such as aged care, healthcare, childcare where vaccines may be mandatory, and ensures staff are rostered correctly depending on the role and location’s vaccine requirements. Employers can then securely store vaccine status from employees on the Ento workplace management platform. Dr Simone Ryan is founder and CEO of TOTIUM, an organisation that delivers scalable health services and strategies to large Australian businesses to support the health of their employees. For more information, go to: https://totium.net/
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Dr Simone Ryan, CEO and Founder of TOTIUM, an organisation that delivers scalable health services and strategies to large Australian businesses to support the health of their employees says that employers should consider how vaccine strategies are managed and rolled out to build confidence around the vaccine among employees.
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Selfcare is vital
for leaders – here’s how to do it Leadership roles are taxing – mentally and physically – and it’s easy to get locked into unhealthy behaviour patterns. It often takes a crisis – getting fired, being made redundant, a significant illness or a global pandemic – to force you to stop, reflect and challenge how you should do things. So rather than waiting for a crisis to impact you, take the time to identify the traps that
can trip you up and what you can do about them. There are five traps to be alert to: 1. Ambition trap – for leaders who are used to success and always doing well, it can be addictive. They don’t know how to step back from striving for it, and when the pressure at work rises, their solution is to work harder and keep going. If this is you, you worry that you’ll no longer succeed if you take your foot off the accelerator. 2. Expectation trap – for leaders who continually strive to live up to the expectations placed on them by those around them, admitting they are struggling and over-worked seems impossible. They are so focused on doing
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what they should do that they never get around to doing what they could do. When the pressure gets too much, they hide the impact and never share how they are feeling. If this is you, you worry that people will think less of you if you admit you are tired and struggling. 3. Busyness trap – it was Socrates who said, ‘Beware the barrenness of a busy life’. Leaders who are caught up being busy and always ‘on’ struggle to say ‘no’, to slow down or to switch off. When the pressure gets too much, they are likely to explode as they are already close to burnout. Work comes first, and you see being busy as part of who you are. If this is you, you will likely regularly sacrifice time with
Michelle Gibbings | Workplace Expert and Author
5. Self-care trap – many leaders run their lives on adrenalin, not taking enough time to care for their minds, bodies, and spirits. They forget that putting their self-care needs first is a critical act of leadership. If this is you, you are likely to feel rundown, tired and over-worked, and you say to yourself, ‘I’ll get on to this tomorrow’, but tomorrow never comes. One day you’ll wake up and find that exhaustion, adrenal fatigue or some other health issue has stopped you in your tracks.
Recognise the Warning Signs family and loved ones and your health for work. Be aware, this isn’t a sustainable approach, and eventually, your body will force you to stop. 4. Translation trap – many leaders have worked hard to get to their position, yet once they get there, they aren’t as happy as they thought they’d be. They feel lost in translation – they wanted the role, and now they have it, it doesn’t fulfil or inspire them. If this is you, you feel you have lost your way, and your purpose is missing. At the same time, you worry that if you change direction you’ll make the wrong decision, or you fear you don’t know how to change because you think what you currently do is all you can do.
These traps are not single and isolated; indeed, they frequently overlap. Falling into one (or many) can lead to social isolation, poor health, negative impacts on team members, and deteriorating social and family relationships. Over time, it will impact your career and broader life outcomes. You could be heading towards burnout with each of these traps, so watch out for the warning signs. The signs include feeling ineffective and more negative, having reduced energy, motivation, and efficiency, and being more frustrated and irritable. When burnout hits, people often turn to unhealthy crutches such as drinking, eating poorly, and relying on substances and other harmful mechanisms to get them through the day.
Know your Boundaries Switching off takes discipline, so you need to set boundaries with yourself about how you work. If you consistently work long into the evening and answer emails late at night, you create a pattern of behaviour for yourself and those around you. It’s always easy to be ‘on’, so use technology to help you switch ‘off’. Have your phone automatically switch to ‘do not disturb’ and turn off social media push notifications and email alerts at set times. Also, set boundaries with your team. Agree on the protocols about how you will handle calls and emails outside set work hours.
Establish Healthy Routines Find time each day for you and have a mixture of connection and reflection. You need alone time where you can process and reflect on your day. You also need time to connect with family, friends or even a furry friend or nature. We recharge when we spend time with animals and in the outdoors. Most importantly, get enough sleep, exercise, eat well and meditate. All these practices impact your mood and the ability to cope with what’s going on around you. Michelle Gibbings is a workplace expert and the author of three books, including her latest ‘Bad Boss: What to do if you work for one, manage one or are one’. www.michellegibbings.com.
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FE ATUR E : h e a lt h, fi t n ess & b e au t y
“Many of our adaptive behaviours brought on by work from home, home schooling and social distancing – are playing havoc with our internal rhythms.”
FE ATUR E : h e a lt h, fi t n ess & b e au t y
sna ps h ot: N u r s e N ex t D o o r
Unprecedented Growth in Unprecedented Times After only three years of operation in Australia, 2021 has been yet another year of unprecedented growth for in-home care brand Nurse Next Door. Founded in North America in 2001, Nurse Next Door expanded to Australia in 2019 under the leadership of CEOs and Master Franchisors Amber Biesse and Matt Fitton (pictured above).” Whilst living in Vancouver, they noticed the pink Nurse Next Door cars driving around and recognised the opportunity to build a business with heart that’s centred around Making Lives Better.
“Success breeds success, and we are excited for the future of both Nurse Next Door and home care in Australia.”
It wasn’t until the second year of operations that Matt and Amber began franchising Nurse Next Door to other partners across the country, seeking like-minded individuals whose mission is to make a difference in their local communities. The high-calibre partners that Matt and Amber have since attracted are exceptionally diverse, bringing different experience from different industries; from healthcare to aviation to telecommunications. While all of Nurse Next Door’s partners are divergent in backgrounds, they are united in passion. Matt notes “we can tell quite quickly whether a prospective Franchise Partner is the right fit for Nurse Next Door - we’re on the lookout for people who are motivated equally by passion and profit but, at the end of the day, their “why” is to truly make a difference in the lives of others.” What Matt and Amber did not anticipate was the astonishing success of their partners, who each hit the ground running and were quickly overwhelmed with enthusiastic responses from their local communities. “The rate of growth has exceeded our expectations and proven that Nurse Next Door’s world class systems, bold branding
and clear purpose, is resulting in success. We have launched 20 locations throughout Victoria, QLD, ACT and NSW over the last 18 months, and are projecting a similar number in the next year,” says Amber. Nurse Next Door’s unprecedented growth is a mammoth feat of triumph, but it is no accident. Throughout the unpredictable climate of COVID-19, the company operated at full capacity as an essential service, remaining a constant source of support to its growing database of clients. It’s safe to say that the last three years has secured Nurse Next Door a promising springboard into a post-lockdown world, positioning the company as a new front liner in in-home Care with high consumer confidence. “Success breeds success, and we are excited for the future of both Nurse Next Door and home care in Australia.” To find out why Nurse Next Door Home Care Services might be the right franchise opportunity for you, visit: nursenextdoorfranchise.com.au
42 Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand
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