A Sydney hairdresser has ignited a debate over workplace punctuality after asking staff to arrive ready for appointments on time. Jessica Mina, co-owner of Sheshwarz salon in Roselands, addressed employees in a staff meeting, urging them to be prepared before their shifts begin.
What the salon owner said
In a TikTok video of the meeting, Ms Mina expressed frustration with employees arriving exactly at their start time. 'If you start at 9.30, be here ready to work at 9.30,' she said. 'I'm not asking you to come 20 minutes early, but have your bag put down, your coffee put down so you're ready to start your 9.30 appointment.' She described it as a 'burn job' when clients are waiting while staff chat at the front.
Legal concerns raised
Viewers quickly flagged that requiring unpaid early arrival may be illegal. 'If you are asking them to arrive 5 to 10 minutes early, you have to pay them,' one comment read. Another added, 'Unpaid time is illegal, it must be paid whether it's 5 or 10 minutes.' Ms Mina clarified that staff are paid from the moment they sign on, stating, 'They are paid to be early and still don't come early.'
Divided opinions
Some criticised the public airing of the meeting, calling it 'very unprofessional.' Ms Mina defended the post, saying it's a common workplace issue. Others supported her stance, arguing that being ready to work at shift start is reasonable. 'You're paying them to work so they should be there and ready from that minute,' one person commented.
Industry perspective
Fiona Beamish, CEO of the Australian Hairdressing Council, weighed in, stating that being prepared for a rostered shift is reasonable but employees must be paid for all time worked. 'In a service-based industry like hairdressing, clients often book appointments weeks in advance and expect their service to begin on time,' she said. She noted that phone use during appointments can lead to clients taking their business elsewhere, as they expect full attention.
