Cross-Training: typography
'Your Salon’s Secret Weapon for Building a' typography with illustrations of people using shapes to build
'Dream Team' typography with a small orange dog watching two people build something with shapes
by Kim Kier

In the fast-paced world of dog grooming, salon owners and groomers alike know the importance of having a cohesive, well-rounded team. It’s often said, “You are only as strong as your weakest link,” and this holds true in any grooming salon.

Each team member brings their own strengths to the table—whether it’s excellent customer service, precise grooming skills or exceptional organizational abilities. But imagine the benefits if every team member could step outside their comfort zone and learn new skills. This is where cross-training can make all the difference.

Cross-training refers to teaching employees to perform multiple roles within the salon, such as receptionist duties, bathing, customer service, or even basic grooming tasks. It’s not just about filling in for absent team members—it’s about creating a more flexible, empathetic and engaged team.

Here are five key benefits to cross-training your staff:

1. Improves Team Morale

When employees are trained to understand the full scope of the salon’s operations, they gain a deeper appreciation for their colleagues’ work. Whether it’s answering calls, bathing dogs or performing a detailed groom, cross-training helps everyone see how their role contributes to the overall success of the business. This sense of connection fosters a supportive, team-oriented environment.

2. Prevents Burnout and Enhances Job Satisfaction

Dog grooming can be physically and emotionally taxing, leading to burnout when employees are stuck doing the same tasks every day. By rotating responsibilities, you allow employees to take a break from repetitive tasks, which can help prevent fatigue and burnout. The variety keeps work interesting and can even reignite passion for the job.

A 2022 survey by LinkedIn found that 44% of employees in service-based industries felt more engaged when they had the opportunity to learn new skills,1 making cross-training an effective tool for maintaining long-term employee satisfaction.

By having everyone try different roles, staff can develop empathy for their teammates.

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3. Increases Flexibility and Reduces Stress During Absences

No salon is immune to the unexpected; sick days, family emergencies and vacation time all have the potential to disrupt your schedule. But if your entire team is trained to step into different roles, your salon can run smoothly, even when someone is absent. This means you won’t have to scramble to fill in the gaps, and clients won’t be left without the services they need. Cross-trained employees can jump in where needed, ensuring that operations continue without a hitch. This flexibility can be especially critical in high-volume salons where customer demand is consistent.
4. Promotes Empathy Across the Team

Cross-training fosters a greater understanding of each other’s responsibilities. Groomers, for instance, might not always realize the physical and emotional effort required for bathing dogs, while a bather may not understand the precision needed for detailed grooming. By having everyone try different roles, staff can develop empathy for their teammates. This helps reduce tension and encourages mutual respect within the salon, creating a more harmonious workplace.

5. Encourages Continuous Education and Skill Growth
In an industry that requires constant learning and adapting, offering cross-training helps your team grow professionally. Employees who are given the chance to learn new roles are more likely to stay engaged and feel valued, knowing that their development is important to the salon.

According to a report by LinkedIn, 94% of employees said they would stay longer at a company that invests in their learning.2 Whether through online courses, seminars or in-house training, investing in cross-training benefits both your team and your salon’s success in the long run.

While every salon has its own unique needs, here’s a basic list of roles that every team member should be familiar with:

  • Receptionist Duties: Answering phones, booking appointments and handling customer check-ins.
  • Bather: Bathing, brushing and preparing dogs for grooming.
  • Basic Grooming: Tasks like nail trimming, sanitary grooming and paw pad care.
  • Cleaning Chores: Maintaining a clean and organized work environment.
  • Customer Service: Greeting clients, handling concerns and providing excellent service.
  • Cashier: Checking out clients, processing payments and handling financial transactions.

Cross-training isn’t an overnight project, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial time and resource investment. By starting small—perhaps with one role at a time—you can gradually build a team that’s more versatile, engaged and empathetic.

As the saying goes, “Teamwork makes the dream work.” When everyone is trained to perform multiple roles, you build a stronger, more resilient team that can handle whatever challenges come its way.

So, the next time an unexpected situation arises, you’ll be grateful for the time you spent cross-training your team. Not only will it improve your salon’s efficiency, but it will also create a happier, more productive environment for everyone involved.

References:
  1. LinkedIn 2022 Workplace Learning Report. https://learning.linkedin.com/resources/workplace-learning-report-2022
  2. LinkedIn 2018 Workplace Learning Report. https://learning.linkedin.com/resources/workplace-learning-report-2018

Kim Kier is the owner/groomer of Little Barks Grooming & Boutique, an award-winning luxury salon in Columbia, South Carolina. She is also a Master Pet Aesthetician, Professional Grooming Credential (World Pet Association), Master Groomer Behavior Specialist, Fear Free Professional, Low Stress Handling Level Silver Certified, and Certified Puppy Consultant.

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