INCONSISTENT RULE ENFORCEMENT:
These stores are notorious for having a lack of consistent management and fairness in rule enforcement. Certain policies are applied selectively, leading to a sense of favoritism and a lack of clear expectations.
POOR COMMUNICATION:
Communication between management and staff is often lacking, leading to confusion regarding schedules, absences, and other important work information.
TOXIC WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The workplace culture can be very challenging at times, characterized by passive aggressive behavior and a cliquish atmosphere. Gossip amongst staff and even sometimes gossip between staff and managers creates a very unprofessional work environment.
LACK OF SUPPORT AND UNDERSTANDING:
There is a noticeable lack of support and understanding for employees’ personal situations, including (but not limited to) doctors’ appointments scheduled weeks in advance (already having given weeks’ notice.)
PROFESSIONALISM AND SANITATION:
Clear inconsistencies in professionalism and adherence to sanitation protocols. Multiple instances observed where managers and employees reuse dirty capes and even towels on new customers.
RETALIATORY BEHAVIOR:
An experience of a constant threat of retaliatory behavior from not only salon managers, but especially from higher level managers because of raising concerns about unethical (and sometimes illegal) practices conducted within the company. For example, requiring employees to work in a state where they don’t have a valid license to do so.
QUANTITY OVER QUALITY:
The emphasis on rapid haircut times takes precedent over delivering quality haircuts at the expense of the client, even when the salon is not busy. However, if a client comes back to the salon and complains about receiving a rushed haircut, they get a free redo, and the original stylist is penalized and/or written up.