The Aestheticians Dilemma: Working in an Unethical Environment

Telling a Friend about a Spa is a Powerful Thing... whether the information pass along is good or bad!

An aesthetician is a professional, with high professional standards to adhere to. Much like a nurse, a physician, an attorney, an educator or any other professional, the aesthetician must adhere to a high standard, with a loyalty to both the profession and the public that would transcend any loyalty to an individual employer.

Yes, the Aesthetician Owes Loyalty To the Business, But…

When working in a spa or private aesthetics clinic, it is true that the aesthetician, as an employee does owe the business owner an honest day’s work for a day’s wage, and owes the employer loyalty.  But what should an aesthetician do when the business he or she works for appears to be less than ethical in its conduct?  What should the aesthetician do when it appears that the business may be putting the health of clients in danger through improper hygiene, faulty sterilization, unclean environments,  even asking clinicians to perform procedures that they are not qualified to perform?

The Choice Is Clear: Ethical Conduct Wins

One hopes to never be in such a situation, but if it arises, the choice is clear.  The aesthetician must come down on the side of ethical conduct.  The professional duty of the aesthetician is to bring the unsanitary or unclean conditions to the attention of a superior or to the attention of the owner.  Give the higher ups an opportunity to correct the situation.  Pay attention to their reactions and determine if you believe they are expressing real concern about the situation and don’t be afraid to ask them how they intend to rectify the situation and solve the problem.  It is your business reputation as well. The ethics of the business (spa or otherwise) reflect on you as they reflect on every other professional working there.

What To Do If Your Pleas Are Ignored

What should you do if your pleas are ignored?  This is a difficult situation which requires a difficult, but obvious solution.  Where ethics are concerned, and where cleanliness standards are concerned, there is no compromise.  You must take action.  Becoming a whistle blower is not a pleasant experience and not one that anyone wants to have to do, but if you are in that situation you must demonstrate your courage.  Report the situation to the local or state governing authority, or the ethics committee of your professional association.  If that doesn’t  exist, then call the health department of the jurisdiction you live and work in.  You have nothing to be ashamed of if put into this situation, and the good of your clients and of your profession depend on your actions today.