How to Make the Best Decisions

By Alex Lopatynsky - Managing Director, Cooper Carry

Employee experience and wellness are hot topics in design circles as employers of all industries face the "Great Resignation" – the phrase that refers to the roughly million of people worldwide who have quit their jobs since Spring 2021.

The hospitality, spa and wellness industry has been particularly hard hit by this trend. According to analytics firm Visier, a record-breaking 1 million workers in wellness and hospitality left the field in November alone, citing reasons including the desire for greater flexibility, opportunities to work from home and feeling undervalued and overworked.

While companies have long prioritized the guest experience, our team is also focused on how to prioritize the staff and therapist experience because we know great design can be a game-changer for talent recruitment and retention.

Here are four ways to elevate the workplace experience for hotel, spa and wellness employees:

From the reception that feature an abundance of plant fauna to the use of natural materials like wood and bamboo to mimic the outdoors, biophilia is increasingly on display in wellness environments. Spaces are being redefined by an influx of natureoriented design.

Even before the pandemic, designers were on the hunt for ways to bring the most compelling aspects of the outdoors to receptions and treatment rooms. Biophilic elements have the effect of boosting the overall wellbeing of users by enhancing feelings of calmness and relaxation. These benefits can extend beyond the immediate wellness experience, by also benefiting from these "green" features to support their own needs at work. In an often hectic, fastpaced environment, a touch of green goes a long way in keeping morale high.

Drawing heavily from the natural landscape, the project has no true delineation between indoor and outdoor spaces. Instead, a harmonious blend between the interior design and exterior design creates a "jewel in the woods" effect that is carried throughout the wellness institute.

Access to natural light, greenery and earthy materials makes a world of a difference. Owners and operators who recognize the value in biophilia for both guests, therapists and all staff can better capture the upper echelon of hospitality talent.

Going hand-in-hand with biophilia is an abundance of fresh air, where outdoor amenities like rooftops lounges and trail networks are ruling the day in wellness environments. The outdoors has become an important part of the experience, as experts are encouraged to step outside and explore the area on foot or soak in views of the water, mountains or city skyline. comfortable lounge seating or shaded areas to enjoy lunch with coworkers. Employee dining rooms are a great place to add these outdoor experiences. And they should look and feel great, too, reflecting the same level of care applied to guest areas. Gone are the days of break areas paved in concrete and lacking inspiration. When employees head outside, the atmosphere should be in line with what they need to feel refreshed and ready to tackle their next task.

Wellness employees are no strangers to stress, but their work environments shouldn't add fuel to the fire. Building in opportunities to exercise mindfulness in work routines helps employees manage the everyday stressors inherent to the business. After all, a well-rested therapist is better able to help clients enjoy a stress-free wellness experience.

First seen prior to the pandemic, the adoption of wellness aids like meditation rooms is accelerating and seeking out ways to minimize daily anxieties. Offering a quiet space for employees to reset during the workday fosters a comfortable atmosphere where employees feel heard and valued.

From a design perspective, these spaces should echo the biophilic, luxury nature of the rest of the facility. Think a variety of live plants, windows that look out onto views, and comfortable seating that invites employees to get centered.

Mental fatigue is another common issue that can impact an therapist’s mindset. One design strategy to counter this is by making sure there is enough variation between spaces that stimulate inspiration. Bold splashes of color, eclectic art pieces and textural and tonal changes activate an upbeat environment that keeps employees engaged and interested in their work.

Feeling well isn't only a matter of mindset, it's also a physical pursuit. As spa manager / owner should consider ways to modernize their buildings, investing in state-of-the-art fitness programming and a palette of health-focused dining options should be at the top of the list when trying to attract the next generation of wellness employees.

Highly-amenitized environments are magnets for guests who appreciate the ability to continue their at-home routines on the road, and for employees who are drawn to workplaces with a vested interest in their health. Think two-level fitness centers lined with bikes and the latest elliptical equipment. Or group programming like Pilates or Barre on an outdoor terrace with views of the glimmering skyline.

And this commitment to wellness also applies to the food, in that wellnes employees want more than just a simple cafe / take away options. Beyond perks like free coffee or snacks, the dining experience for employees should focus on healthful sit-down and grab-and-go concepts that deliver premium feelgood vibes.

To make sure all employees feel valued and respected, it's crucial that back of house employee spaces are equal across the board. Whether the property is a budget hotel in a rural setting or a luxury resort in the tropics, the employee experience should be thoughtfully designed and attentive to their needs.

Facilities that will be most successful in recruiting and retaining top talent are those that see merit in creating comfortable back of house spaces for employees of all levels. For instance, consider a management office with operable windows that allow for fresh air and natural light. Another consideration is employee-only dining rooms or outdoor patios with access to healthy food options. These small details have a big impact on productivity and retention.

While the Great Resignation has presented great challenges for the hospitality, wellness and spa sector, there is an opportunity to shift gears and bring about a better workplace experience for employees. Like clients, employees are now requiring a more tailored approach to design in order to get them in the door and keep them there. We look forward to seeing the new kinds of welness spaces, particularly those that are designed with employees in mind.

About Alex Lopatynsky, AIA, WELL AP (prov) is Principal and Managing Director of design firm Cooper Carry's New York Office. Ms. Lopatynsky leads Cooper Carry's growth in the Northeast, manages the firm's New York presence, and oversees the design of creative and complex projects that span multiple building types and design disciplines. She received her Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt Institute School of Architecture, Brooklyn, NY, and Rome, Italy. Ms. Lopatynsky is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), NEWH - the Hospitality Industry Network, and CREW New York. She is a licensed architect in several states including New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Extended Biography & Contact Information

Article published by coutesty of HotelExecutive.