This article first appeared on HNN.

A Buzzword Around Industry for a While Has Just Hit Full Stride

The National Institute of Wellness considers wellness to be “an active process through which people become aware of, and make toward a more successful existence.”

Millions of us serve the hospitality industry every day. Some are in the trenches, back-of-the-house team members who seldom get the recognition they deserve. Others work in the front of the house, sometimes getting recognition, other times getting blamed for a less-than-perfect stay, room, meal or service. Still others are in corporate roles, sales roles, and other facets of hospitality, but we all have one thing in common — stress. Yes, there is stress in our industry. This is where hotel wellness is needed, for both our employees and our guests.

After all, we are open 24/7/365 — 366 days this year! We work all sorts of hours and frankly, while I believe this is a very noble profession, we work hard and are perhaps underappreciated. Guest expectations are high, owner expectations even higher, management is under fire and today’s team members are frequently underprepared for their job responsibilities. The reason for this lack of preparedness is simple: We promoted all up-and-coming stars as soon as the masses disappeared during the lockdowns of 2020.

We all need to take a breath, clear our minds and become more mindful of our fellow team members, guests, relatives and friends.

Who needs wellness?

There is an expression I have never forgotten: “Stop the world, I want to get off.” My mother told me that when I was around 11 years old; and at that time, I decided to adopt the saying, “Everything in moderation.” Well, I probably don’t do anything in moderation, but I do avoid crazy stuff and believe in living life to the fullest. And many of us do the same thing. Either way, the world never stops for us to get off — we must decide when we can get off and literally “take a break.”

I believe there is no time indicator for a “break.” It can be five seconds of deep breathing, five minutes of meditation, five hours of walking, relaxing or just being with friends and loved ones. It can be five days off from work, five weeks of vacation or whatever you’d like. The most important thing is that we must give ourselves a break from stress.

What Types of Vacations or Breaks are Available?

Today’s hospitality industry has begun to focus on just that. IHG Hotels & Resorts has its fitness brand, Even Hotels. Hyatt, Westin, Dream Hotels and Ritz-Carlton all kicked off various hospitality wellness programming, mostly in the past eight to 10 years.

The focus might be on nutrition, relaxation, fitness, yoga, stretching, mindfulness, meditation or more. Sure, it is easier to create a relaxation identity if you are on a beautiful beach, a fitness identity if you have a huge gym with great amenities, and a mindfulness program if you have Deepak Chopra.

We as hoteliers and leaders in the hospitality industry must do two things to improve wellness: Create some of this for our guests and go do it ourselves!

As I write this, I am planning my next two vacations. One will be part adventure, part unplugging, and includes visiting a country I have never been to. The other is both educational and lots of fun and involves drinking lots of wine and learning more about it to add to my sommelier credentials. These planned trips this coming year allow for mindfulness and relaxation, nutritious foods and interesting and new beverages, nice walks and strenuous exercises, and being alone with my wife.

When we plan this type of thing for our guests, it is best to put ourselves in their shoes and improve hospitality. Here are some new wellness programs you can implement at your property:

• Nutritious menu items
• New yoga mats or exercise equipment
• New educational programming
• Food and beverage events
• Spa or relaxation experiences

When we plan for ourselves, we must do something that puts us in a happy place as that will reduce the stress of our return to work. Some will plan a dry January; others will join a gym. Let’s start 2024 with a healthy body and healthy outlook!