BUSINESS
Survey
THE WAY WE WORK Dr. Daniel Glaser of UK Therapy Rooms shares the results of their industry survey examining the changes the pandemic has brought to the holistic therapy industry…
E
VER since the COVID outbreak began, the therapy and
The return to work is still slow Given these concerns, and the continued uncertainty regarding regional and national lockdowns, it’s unsurprising that significantly fewer therapists and counsellors (83%) were currently booking rooms compared to before COVID. Similarly, people reported working fewer hours and days than before the pandemic began. 42% of venues and practitioners say that they had reduced their opening times, while only 18% are working or open for longer than before.
wellbeing industry has been among those most significantly affected by social distancing and health measures. Multiple national and local lockdowns, coupled with the government being significantly slower to allow holistic therapists to
resume seeing clients compared to other sectors with similar level of physical contact have taken a toll on clients and practitioners alike. While many therapists and counsellors have adapted their business
model and service portfolio, offering online or remote alternatives to their clients, these are often an unsatisfactory way of building the necessary trust and connections. It also meant a break in the usual supply of new clients at a time when many people are more in need than ever of the right physical and mental health support. Given that many new clients become regular clients, this will have a longer term impact, even after the pandemic has passed.
Concerns about working in the current COVID environment Prior to the second lockdown in England, we surveyed people from across a range of beauty, therapy and counselling specialisms. Their number one concern in reopening for business was to ensure they could maintain the necessary level of turnover and profits to enable them to continue operating. Almost half (46%) cited this as their main worry, closely followed by ensuring the safety of their staff and clients (37%).
It was also notable that 60% of respondents had reduced the number of services that they are able to provide. This is no doubt a combination of working fewer hours, the need to leave extra time between clients to clean and sanitise and also the importance of ensuring adequate social distancing at the venue. Everyone asked had been adhering to the COVID guidance outlined by the government and their respective professional bodies. The vast majority provided sanitising stations for clients (72%) and carrying out enhanced cleaning during the day (66%). In addition, two-thirds (64%) had changed the layout of their room to ensure social distancing. However, only 26% were wearing PPE, primarily because of the difficulties it creates when treating a client.
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HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2021
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