Intelligent Spas has published the results of an industry survey that invited spa managers from around the world to share how workplace wellness initiatives are implemented in their companies.

The study, Workplace Wellness in Spas, revealed that all destination spas surveyed implemented a workplace wellness programme, compared to 50 per cent of day spas. 

Sixty-seven per cent of spas in a chain business with multiple locations implemented these workplace initiatives, compared to 57 per cent of standalone spas.

Seventy-four per cent of spas located in Asia-Pacific offered these wellness programmes, compared to 47 per cent of European spas.

Eighty-six per cent of respondents stated that a main goal of their workplace wellness offerings was to boost staff retention, whereas 79 per cent aimed to increase productivity. 

Julie Garrow, MD of Intelligent Spas, told Spa Business: “Insights gained will help identify best practice and common challenges, plus opportunities to enhance the wellbeing of owners and employees within the spa industry. 

“It is great to see 63 per cent of survey respondents already implement workplace wellness initiatives, highlighting the value spa business owners place in their employees,” added Garrow. “Plus, 50 per cent of respondents who don’t currently have a workplace wellness programme in place plan to create one. This confirms the culture of spas looking after clients spills over to owners and managers also caring for their employees – and when the industry is currently facing staff shortages, it becomes a real competitive advantage.

“It was comforting to learn team morale is a main goal of workplace wellness programmes, confirmed by 79 per cent and 75 per cent of spas that wish to reduce staff burnout,” said Garrow.

“Initiatives relating to social and team connection were implemented by all respondents who implemented a workplace wellness programme,” she said. “Recognition and appreciation initiatives and an inclusive and respectful workplace culture were the top two areas of focus, with 74 per cent of respondents stating these were their top priorities.”

Other topics covered by the report include:

• Six key goals of workplace wellness programmes
• Participation rates
• Challenges of implementation and maintenance of initiatives
• Level of leadership support
• The impact of wellness programmes
• Evaluation and tracking of wellness-related metrics
• Reasons for not currently implementing programmes

Methodology

The survey was launched last year and was completed by 111 respondents.

Region

• 12 per cent of respondents were from the Americas region
• 52 per cent were from Asia-Pacific
• 28 per cent were from Europe 
• 8 per cent were from the Middle East and Africa 

Type

• 46 per cent of respondents were resort spas
• 25 per cent were hotel spas 
• 8 per cent were destination spas 
• 19 per cent were day spas without accommodation 

The study was sponsored by the Asia Pacific Spa and Wellness Coalition (APSWC).

Andrew Jacka, chair, APSWC, said: "The APSWC is pleased to sponsor Intelligent Spas’ unique Workplace Wellness in Spas global industry survey. This important research will advance knowledge in the topic and help our members and other spa businesses better support their employees' wellbeing, creating happier and safer working environments.

The findings also align nicely with APSWC’s Pledge for Mental Health. Thank you to Julie Garrow for this timely initiative as workplace wellness policies and procedures become increasingly practised within the spa industry."

The full report can be purchased on the Intelligent Spas website, here.