Protecting your team = protecting your business
Managing a swim school is just like any other business – staff, customers and cost control are critical. But one factor often overlooked in keeping costs down is staff health, particularly the impact of prolonged water exposure on their skin. Unchecked, this can lead to missed shifts, lost customer and valuable employees leaving the industry altogether.
The hidden cost of staff leaving
Swim teachers spend hours in the water, leading to skin irritation, dryness and in severe cases, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). This doesn’t just affect their wellbeing, it hits your business bottom line.
When teachers need time off due to skin issues or hesitate to take on extra shifts, your business suffers. The cost of replacing staff through recruitment, training and onboarding can disrupt operations and impact team dynamics. According to the Work Institute’s 2020 Retention Report, replacing an employee costs on average 33% of their annual salary – a significant expense that can quickly add up.
Why skin issues lead to absenteeism
While it might seem like a minor issue, skin irritation can escalate quickly. Dermatological studies show that extended exposure to water, particularly chlorinated or salty water, breaks down the skin’s natural barrier, leaving it vulnerable to inflammation, infection and even long-term damage. Once the skin becomes compromised, your water-based people often need time off to recover before they can return to work.
This cycle of absenteeism creates a financial burden that is hard to manage over time, particularly for smaller businesses where every missed shift impacts revenue and customer satisfaction.
The financial benefits of prevention
So, how do you break this cycle? The answer lies in prevention. By investing in preventative health measures, specifically skincare products like My Swim Cream, you can help protect staff from water-induced damage and greatly reduce absenteeism. Research has shown that workplaces that prioritise employee health see 25% less absenteeism and 40% lower turnover – clear financial benefits for any swim school.
Protecting your team protects your business
Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe work environment and this includes addressing health risks from water exposure. Delaying action on your team’s skin health can lead to absenteeism, turnover and operational disruptions but also compromises your safe and happy work environment. By investing in protective skincare like My Swim Cream, you’ll safeguard the health of your staff and ensure the stability and productivity of your business. After all, prevention is always cheaper than the cure.Â