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Below is a summary of a live webinar that Jennifer Maanavi delivered to BFS Members in June 2024.
Like almost every other boutique fitness studio in the post-pandemic era, Physique57 has had to navigate shifts in behavior by both consumers and employees while maintaining Physique57’s elevated brand standards. Specifically with regard to her team, she made a significant shift in her approach to hiring when she transitioned to hiring part-time employees, many of whom work remotely, which yielded tremendous benefits for Physique57, its members, and its employees.
The Foundation of Jennifer's Success with Part-Time Staff:
Jennifer's entrepreneurial journey began when she met her business partner, Tanya Becker, at a fitness studio in New York City. Their mutual passion for the bar method inspired them to establish a new studio together following the closure of their previous one. Since their inception in 2012, the duo has navigated challenges, especially during the pandemic, by embracing a flexible mindset. This adaptability allowed employees to transition roles based on their specific skills and interests, fostering a culture of flexibility within the team.
The key to success for this strategy was creating a business that is based on team cohesion, effective communication, mutual respect, and a shared work ethic. Furthermore, a culture that emphasizes meticulous task completion and accountability has facilitated the seamless integration of pre- and post-pandemic teams bringing numerous benefits to the business.
By prioritizing talent over mere availability, Physique 57 has achieved extraordinary results, building a stronger, more adaptable workforce. This approach not only sets a benchmark for success but also inspires a vision where flexibility and talent drive sustainable growth and innovation.
Here are the essential elements for developing, integrating, and managing part-time employees at your company:
1. Team Cohesion and Company Culture
Part-time employees contribute significantly to team cohesion, communication, and mutual respect, which are crucial for maintaining morale and effectiveness, especially in a remote work environment. A detail-oriented and task-focused company culture thrives with part-time staff who bring diverse skills and perspectives. In Physique 57, the integration of pre-pandemic and post-pandemic teams was successful due to open communication, regular check-ins, and a focus on task-specific roles, demonstrating that part-timers can seamlessly blend into the company culture and drive success.
2. Schedule Flexibility and Staff Commitment
Flexible, part-time roles accommodate diverse schedules and commitments, fostering a more inclusive work environment. Physique57 uses a management approach centered on gratitude, active listening, and acknowledgment to hold its employees accountable for maintaining its brand standards at each of its locations
3. Business Expansion Through a Responsive Leadership Approach
Expanding business strategies and embracing adaptive leadership approaches can effectively leverage the insights and flexibility of part-time employees to explore new markets. By venturing into new communities and conducting master classes to understand local markets, part-time staff provide valuable perspectives and adaptability. This approach not only supports existing business operations but also facilitates growth strategies. The dynamic nature of part-time roles aligns well with the adaptability and empathy required for collaborating with international partners, fostering a more responsive and culturally aware leadership approach.
4. High Service Standards and Improved Problem-Solving Skills
Part-time team members are often commended for their unique ability to understand and navigate human behavior, emphasizing their intuition and empathy. These qualities are essential for maintaining high service standards, akin to running a 24-hour diner that requires constant accommodation and service to others. Challenges faced in leadership, such as losing several instructors to a competitor, highlight gaps in management and company culture. This experience underscores the value of part-time employees in creating a resilient and adaptable team capable of overcoming such challenges.
This blog post showcases the transformative power of hiring part-timers rather than full-timers in boutique business models, drawing inspiration from Physique 57's remarkable journey led by Jennifer Maanavi.
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