Why a Good Work Environment Really Matters!

By Simon Doyle

When I first got into barbering, I was mainly focused on learning how to do nice haircuts and fades, building a client base, and just getting better every day. But as time went on, I started realising there’s something else that makes a huge difference in this industry that no one really talks about enough: THE WORK ENVIRONMENT.

It’s easy to overlook when you’re focused on the technical stuff or going somewhere “cool” to get your name out there but where you work and who you work with can have a serious impact on how you feel and how long you’ll actually want to keep doing it.

There’s a cool quote that I love & I’ll drop it here. “Sometimes winning means knowing when to quit”

It’s More Than Just a Job

For most of us, the barbershop isn’t just where we clock in and out. We spend hours there, day after day. We’re talking to people constantly, standing on our feet, trying to stay focused while juggling clients and conversations. That takes energy.

When the shop has a solid, positive energy, it’s easier to enjoy that daily grind. You don’t feel like you’re just surviving the shift, you’re part of something. You’ve got people around you who want to see you grow. You can have a laugh, ask questions without feeling stupid, and actually look forward to coming in. Work doesn’t feel like work. That kind of environment makes the hard days manageable, and the good days even better.

The Wrong Environment Drains You

On the other hand, being in a shop where the energy is off, even if the haircuts are great and the place looks cool. It can burn you out fast. If there’s no leadership, poor management or just no communication, it gets stressful.

It makes it harder to focus, to grow, and to enjoy what you’re doing. Over time, you might start doubting yourself, keeping your head down, and losing that excitement you had when you first started. I’ve been in that kind of space, and trust me it wears you down, even if you love the craft. It’s even made me question “is this industry for me?”.

What Makes a Good Environment?

It’s not about everything being perfect and looking “cool” or “aesthetic. Trust me, making somewhere look good for content will not fix deep rooted leadership issues.

A good work environment is about respect, support, and open communication. It’s about being around people who help each other, want to grow, and celebrate each other’s wins.

It’s also about feeling like you belong. Whether you’re the newest apprentice or a senior barber, you should feel like your presence matters. When people are kind, check in with each other, and actually care it makes a massive difference.

Why It’s Worth Caring About

If you’re early in your career, you might think you just have to “put up with it” if the energy is off. But you don’t. You deserve to work in a place that supports your growth, not one that holds you back. A good environment can help you improve faster, stay motivated, and enjoy the journey a whole lot more.

At the end of the day, barbering is about connection and that starts with the environment you work in. So, if you find a shop with a good vibe, appreciate it. If you haven’t yet, don’t settle. Where you work matters just as much as what you do.

@Simondoylehair