Intelligent Spas has collaborated with hospitality and wellness strategy consultant Reena Sheth of Gaiia to produce a manual for implementing workplace wellness programmes, based on the latest research in the field.

The new publication, called Spa Workplace Wellness Report and Manual, combines a number of different resources, including an industry report that defines workplace wellness and outlines the history of this field of management, authored by Reena Sheth and edited by Intelligent Spas’ managing director, Julie Garrow. 

Defining workplace wellness

Based on their research, the authors see workplace wellness as more than a collection of health benefits or fitness programmes. Their definition encompasses the holistic support of employees across mental, physical, social, financial and occupational dimensions in their work environment. 

Their definition of workplace wellness, shared exclusively with Spa Business, is: “A strategic, integrated approach to fostering employee health, resilience and flourishing through organisational policies, culture, leadership practices and environmental design, which recognises the interdependence of individual wellbeing and organisational success.”

The new publication provides insights into the thought leaders who championed the topic, plus statistics provided by top global companies on the performance of their programmes and recommendations for the future of this area of management.

Sheth said: “Workplace wellness has been an important topic for companies since the Industrial Revolution. In more modern times, Dr Kenneth Cooper, Johnson and Johnson, Google and Microsoft have been known as thought leaders in best practices associated with workplace wellness. The spa industry can easily understand and apply similar programnes customised to their own situations, which will encourage happy and healthy employees.”

Research and manuals

Key findings from a global spa industry workplace wellness survey, conducted by Intelligent Spas, will provide additional context, highlighting common initiative features and benefits spas are already implementing and those that still require attention.

Other resources within the publication include a management manual that guides spa owners and management on what should feature in an existing workplace wellness initiative and how to update it. It also includes an employee handbook template to help spas fast-track the experience for their employees.

Four key pillars of workplace wellness

The publication includes a multi-dimensional framework to create an ongoing supportive environment, anchored by four key pillars of workplace wellness:

Physical wellness: The authors advocate going beyond health screenings to include ergonomic workspace design, nutrition support, fitness opportunities, sleep health education and preventive care programmes.

Mental and emotional wellness: This pillar addresses stress management, burnout prevention, access to mental health resources, resilience training, emotional intelligence development and cultivating a sense of contribution and significance.

Social wellness: Workplace wellness can foster a sense of belonging and facilitate meaningful connections with inclusive cultures, community building and healthy team dynamics.

Financial wellness: The authors say reducing financial stress is a form of workplace wellness, where companies offer financial literacy programmes, retirement planning support, student loan assistance and economic security resources.

Garrow said: “Workplace wellness is an important strategy spas and other businesses may use to keep their employees content and reduce the cost of staff turnover. The Workplace Wellness Manual and Employee Handbook are affordable and ideal tools for owners and managers to use to quickly update or implement their workplace wellness programme.”

Purchase the publication from Intelligent Spas here.