WELLNESS In a post-pandemic world, workers in every industry are increasingly expecting wellness programs to be part of their benefit packages. As the tourism and hospitality industry continue to recover, that expectation is echoed by the front-line workers who remain in short supply. Owners are responding. “Hospitality employers are now focused on providing more wellness resources for colleagues, with an emphasis on mental health,” said Anne Inouye, Hyatt Regency Sacramento Director of Human Resources. Both mental and physical health are among top priorities for individuals, influencing their choice of employer, noted Amy Salvago, Director of Human Resources at Cameo Beverly Hills-Remington Hospitality. Such benefits are also key to all-important staff retention: a Work in America survey found that 57% of workers who were unhappy with their current benefits plan to look for another job within the next year. Building A Culture of Care Adding wellness benefits comes with the challenge of destigmatizing conversations around mental and physical health in the workplace. Leaders at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento know that “one size does not fit all” when addressing the concerns of its associates. Listening and making space for the individual has helped colleagues feel more comfortable discussing topics, according to Inouye, including mental health and finding support at work. “The key is leading with empathy,” adds Inouye. “The increased emphasis on all spectrums of colleague wellness has helped to build a stronger sense of community amongst our colleagues.” At Cameo Beverly Hills, employee wellness manifests through the property’s Wellness Wednesday program. After a Pulse Survey revealed that associate wellness was one of their biggest detractors, leadership responded by setting aside time each week to come together through an activity. Often a physical activity such as walking around the block or playing badminton in the ballroom, “it’s a moment each week to catch up with one another on a personal level in an effort to break down silos between departments,” said Salvago. BEYOND 9 TO 5 EMPLOYEE WELLNESS IN THE WORKPLACE “Wellness Wednesday is a really amazing way to reunite with colleagues from different departments to share our ideas about our work and also plans. It’s also very healthy to get fresh air in between work hours to get more energy and return to work with a fresh mind. I really appreciate having that moment every week. I think every hotel should have this.” — Saida Khamilova, Cameo Beverly Hills, Accounting Coordinator “ 10 CALIFORNIA LODGING NEWS www.calodging.com
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