You know a guy sets the bar high for himself when he uses “owner/daymaker” as his title. David Wagner, chief executive of Minneapolis-based Juut Salonspa, did make his employees’ day this summer, by announcing a big change in their benefits package. Instead of covering one-third of their health insurance costs, Juut would cover two-thirds.
But how did customers feel about the news they got from Juut? Effective August 1, prices would go up roughly $1 to $6, depending on the service. Signs in the company’s eight salons explained that the full amount would go to more comprehensive health benefits for Juut’s approximately 330 employees.
“Transparency was really key,” says Wagner. “If our customers understood that we want to have secure livelihoods for our staff, we thought they would appreciate that.” Juut says customer response to the program has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We can’t be without health benefits,” says Diane Henderson, a customer at Juut’s downtown Minneapolis store. “For a company to recognize that and help out is exemplary.”
