The hospitality landscape today is very different than it was ten years ago. Previously, wellness offerings were seen as a luxury amenity—today, they’re up there with the most mainstream of expectations for guests everywhere. Modern travelers are more concerned with their own health and wellbeing than ever before, and seek out accommodations that support this. Wellness is still viewed as a perk by many hotels, whether it’s through spa menus or fitness centers. These offers are excellent marketing tools and give interested properties a chance to enter the market. They don’t address the full potential for wellness integration.
In order for wellness to have real value, it must go beyond amenities and be integrated holistically in the operation of a hotel. This requires integrating wellness at all stages of the hospitality process, from housekeeping to maintenance procedures, so that wellness is a part of how a property operates. This article will examine some of ways that hotels are operationalizing wellness to enhance guest experience as well as their back-of house outcomes.
Implementing Wellness Upgrades
Modern guests are increasingly conscious of factors that they cannot see, such as air quality, surface cleanliness, and hyperallergenic environments. These guests expect hotels to meet these standards. The promise of wellness technologies and related protocols is only fulfilled when they are integrated holistically with a property’s day-to-day operations.
Advertisements
Air purification systems are not just a luxury that can be “set and forgotten” like they’re often referred to. Regular maintenance should be part of any in-house schedule, whether it is for housekeeping or engineering. This includes everything from filter changes and recalibration to performance checks. Antimicrobial surface treatment should also be scheduled at regular intervals, or when necessary. These protocols can be incorporated into regular maintenance to maintain consistency and avoid overburdening the staff.
We’ve also seen an increase in the number of room turnover processes that include wellness resets—these might include incorporating tasks like air filtration checks, hypoallergenic bedding inspections, or restocking wellness amenities as part of the standard post-occupancy housekeeping procedures. The integration of these practices into regular housekeeping procedures can make a big difference in guest satisfaction.
Staff Wellness Training
Staff training is essential to ensure that procedures are properly maintained and executed. Front-line employees are responsible for keeping any hotel’s promises of wellness. In spite of this, front-line workers receive very little training in this field. In order to truly operationalize wellness it is important that the teams who interact with guests have the knowledge, the tools, and the confidence necessary to maintain the wellness standards.
If your first instinct is to make a list, then effective training goes beyond that. It should include teaching staff how to use the checklist. Why not? Behind each protocol. Explaining how air purification can affect the needs of guests and the antimicrobial treatment.
To help staff internalize best practices, it’s crucial to use hands-on demos, provide clear documentation and schedule regular refreshers. You should also provide guidance on troubleshooting, so that every team member can deal with any questions or problems that may arise. This multi-layered method not only leads to better outcomes, but also creates a sense ownership and pride in the staff that is working to maintain the standards.
Connecting Sustainability & Wellness
Many people still see sustainability and wellness as two separate issues. Our view is that they should work together. Eco-friendly wellness can help properties improve their environment while reducing their environmental impact.
Air purification technology is designed with energy-efficiency in mind. Constant air quality monitoring reduces unnecessary power consumption. Today’s advanced antimicrobial products and cleaning products, unlike many in the past, are more effective, less toxic and reduce chemical waste without compromising sustainability.
Properties that combine wellness initiatives and greener practices can also position themselves as changemakers within the hospitality industry. This dual focus is likely to resonate with today’s travelers, as they are more socially aware than ever. Sustainable wellness can lead to greater cost-efficiency, making these efforts beneficial for your business as well as the environment.
Wellness & Revenue Generation
Implementing wellness initiatives can also have a major impact on revenue. Operators are constantly striving to improve operational efficiency and ensure guest satisfaction. When properly trained and educated staff are able to communicate the details of your property, they can drive significant revenue.
Imagine a front desk team that is well-informed and has received training on all the property’s wellness options, including hypoallergenic rooms and wellness-focused suites. A well-informed member of staff can make a big difference to a curious guest during check-in or booking. This could lead to upsells and create a sense of security. Staff members can improve the guest experience by being well informed about things like air conditioning systems and eco-friendly practices.
It is evident that properly-equipped team members are more confident, which can lead to tangible outcomes such as higher bookings for premium rooms, greater guest loyalty, or a positive brand image. In many hospitality markets, differentiation is essential to long-term success. This means that the ability to promote and offer special wellness features to guests can be an important factor in their decision.
Make Wellness a Competitive Advantage
The hospitality industry will continue to invest in wellness, but not just with the addition of special amenities. Companies that are going to be successful over the long run will integrate wellness into every aspect of their business, integrating back-of house protocols, staff education, and sustainable initiatives with their wellness goals. The result will be healthier environments which resonate with guests and drive meaningful business results.
If approached carefully, operationalizing wellbeing can have a huge impact on not only the guest experience but also employee engagement and revenue. For leaders in our industry, embracing an integrated approach like this goes beyond a mere trend—it’s a strategic must-have to ensure long-term success.
