Why Can’t I Benefit from the Benefits?
I work in the spa and salon industry and most of these wonderful small businesses do not offer health benefits. I would imagine that any small business can’t afford to offer benefits. Many times I am torn between taking a job I would love or the job that has health benefits. I have gone years without them and then don’t use them that much when I have them. Do I really need them?
Of course I do, but I know I won’t be getting them in what I guesstimate to be 70% of the spa industry. The larger corporate spas that do offer health benefits are usually not very busy and tend to pay a lot less. Most of the industry works on 100% commission and so yes, I would have benefits, but I wouldn’t make any commission to pay for them!
It would be great if a number of salons and spas would get under one umbrella together for healthcare. Even spa trade associations don’t really offer true health care. They get you a discount with participating doctors, but this in no way is actual health care. I do not believe that national healthcare is the answer, but there should be a way for small businesses to come together and purchase a group plan if that is the only way that insurance companies can make money. Just think of all the uninsured people they would add to their insurance plan.
Tory Johnson
Absolutely Annie
Balanced Woman
Been There, Done That
Career Changer
Comeback Mom
Fulltime Freelancer
Girl on the Go
Girlphyte
Image Architect
Multitasking Madre
New Girl on the Job
Outside the Box
Planet Mom
Small Business Susan
Vivacious Vicki
Work in Progress
Comments (3)
Folks who work in the spa industry would no doubt be well served by organizing for the purpose of obtaining some sort of umbrella health coverage. These businesses would likewise benefit by retaining emnployees who are covered,and who canestablish long lasting relationships with spa clientele. Sounds like a great formula for business growth. Sounds like a win win for everyone.
— Posted by David Gerber | July 10, 2007 8:09 PM | Comment Permalink
I agree and being involved in small businesses for a long time, I understand the dilemma. Just like anything other kind of insurance you need it most when you don't have it. Striking a balance is the key. I'm not sure if your group plan is something that's plausible but it's a fresh idea that solves the problems of a common collective of folks.
— Posted by Jason | July 9, 2007 9:25 PM | Comment Permalink
Ah yes, the catch of working in the beauty industry. It seems like unless you are a member of a union the beauty industry as a whole is a give and take of corporate vs. small business. In order to get benefits you generally need to work under a large corporation such as Bloomies or Macys or some other federated sister store as a full timer. The catch as the author stated in this instance is you wind up making around $10-$15/hr with the possibility of a .25 raise every quarter if your a model employee. As a member of the smaller personally run spas, you not only rarely get benefits but also run the risk of walking home with less then the corporate /hour rate if business is less then booming. Like anything else you have to weigh and balance on the scale of discontent and see what side is being favored before making your decision. I personally feel like the best way to have your cake and eat it too is to rent out your own room and try to work for yourself in an already established business, and deal with the start up costs. Not exactly having your cake in the beginning, but I can deal with low fat Entenmann's for a few months if it means luscious double chocolate in the end.
— Posted by Nicky Spring | July 9, 2007 8:42 PM | Comment Permalink