The ‘Workplace Wellness’ Trend: What Agents Should Know
by Anne Dimon /The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) recently announced that it will launch a major global research project on the subject of “workplace wellness.”
The Institute, launched in 2014, is an international think-tank with the mission of empowering worldwide wellness and educating the public on the subject.
Travel Market Report spoke with Susie Ellis, chairman and CEO, Global Wellness Institute, and Mia Kyricos, chief brand officer of Spafinder Wellness, about the growing concept of “workplace wellness” and what travel agents need to know about it.
Why conduct research into workplace wellness, and why now?
Susie Ellis: GWI is conducting research into workplace wellness not only because it’s one of the fastest growing global wellness sectors, but also it is also critical to the everyday health of people around the globe and can lead to better bottom lines for businesses.
The GWI’s upcoming research will dig deep into what specifically makes a ‘well’ company and what contributes to the successes (and failures) of current workplace wellness initiatives. It is designed to look to the future and beyond the narrow idea of the “program,” to identify what the most successful, meaningful things that forward-thinking companies are doing to create honest, top-to-bottom healthy culture change – and what the future of workplace wellness will –and should – look like.
How does ‘workplace wellness’ fit into the entire wellness area?
Mia Kyricos: Spafinder Wellness 365 [one of Spafinder Wellness’ two divisions) believes in the holistic philosophy of care for the body, mind and soul – both at home and in the workplace. Today there is much less distinction between work and play, home and business. The workplace has become the front line for helping workers adopt healthier lifestyles.
For example, we launched our very own workplace wellness division – Corporate Wellness 365 – with the goal to help employees live well and work well, all year round. The reality is, we’re all consumers and employees, and we need tools and resources to be well in all aspects of our lives.
Do you think workplace wellness is becoming a more important part of the wellness industry? And if yes, why?
Mia Kyricos: In our 2015 Spafinder Wellness 365 Trends Report, we forecasted that over the next five years there will be a boom in worksite wellness programs. Fueled by various factors including a global obesity epidemic, rising health care costs, increased support from governments, and the recognition that stress plays a significant role in physical and mental health –along with a new generation of workers that expect these programs – the line between worksite wellness and wellness at home will blur.
We understand that the term “wellness” means different things to different people—and, ideally, worksite wellness programs will help employers and employees find their own path to wellness with resources, inspiration and ideas that make keeping well easier and more accessible – whether at home or work.
How does workplace wellness relate to travel?
Mia Kyricos: For one, more companies are realizing that workers must have time off to be healthy and productive, and to recover from increasing burn out resulting from longer, more stressful work hours. A vacation – especially a wellness vacation - is a form of preventive medicine, and more companies are mandating that workers take their paid time off.
More businesses are also realizing the unique value of healthy destinations/vacations for employees (vs. excessive, “party model” ones), and this will increasingly transform everything from how meetings are conducted to the kinds of properties corporations choose for their road-warrior business travelers.
Has this concept been applied to segments of the travel industry?
Mia Kyricos: We have seen the mega-trend of the “healthy hotel” evolve, with more traditional hotel brands globally offering everything from great gyms and fitness classes to healthy food and juice bars to healthy sleep programs.
More businesses will choose these brands for their business travelers, as well as use healthy vacations as a reward for employees. And more businesses will send managers to comprehensive wellness destinations such as a Canyon Ranch or Miraval. Meetings are, of course, getting a healthy makeover, incorporating everything from healthy, local food, to meditation, to group fitness and spa experiences.