Employee Wellness: A Growing Priority in Business Travel

Business travel has a notorious reputation for causing stress and promoting unhealthy habits. In the old days, wellness-minded travelers would be ecstatic to find a local salad joint or a hotel with a decent gym. But come on, that's just basic survival.

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically shifted the priorities of business travel coordinators and companies towards employee wellness. 

According to Josh Gunn, head of product marketing for Corporate Travel Management (CTM), the pandemic completely flipped the wellness concept in business travel. Instead of enhancing the travel experience, the focus shifted to preventing illness and addressing the risk of burnout.

Personalized Approaches for Employee Well-being

CTM has responded by adopting a more personalized approach, setting up a score system to measure the impact of travel on individuals, taking into account factors like early starts, red-eye flights, and long-haul itineraries. 

They aim to better track and manage potential health impacts, offering alternative suggestions for trips, such as adding a hotel stay before an early meeting.

Francesca Mendola, Vice President of Global Travel Collection (GTC), highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to encourage healthy habits among business travelers. 

GTC has arranged for yoga mats and Peloton bikes to be delivered to clients' rooms and has explored partnerships with local gyms to allow travelers to join classes while away. 

They have also incorporated elements of leisure travel into business trips, providing a sense of calm and a home away from home for travelers.

The Role of Companies in Promoting Wellness

While the focus on wellness is welcomed by many, Clive Wratten, Chief Executive of the Business Travel Association, emphasized the need for the industry to do more to understand the impact of extensive business travel on individuals. 

He suggested that companies need to introduce more personalized programs to keep people healthy, as the needs of a 25-year-old traveler may differ significantly from those of someone in their 60s.

CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa

At AllFly, we've witnessed a noticeable shift towards wellness in business travel. Recently, one of our partners chose CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa in Carefree, Arizona, for their offsite. 

Nestled in the Sonoran Desert just outside Scottsdale, CIVANA is dedicated to four key pillars: Movement, Spa, Nourishment, and Discovery.

Under the Movement pillar, guests can join complimentary movement and fitness classes daily, including activities like morning hikes, aerial yoga, and TRX training. For those seeking relaxation, CIVANA offers three pools on the property.

CIVANA's spa boasts 22 treatment rooms, offering therapeutic and rejuvenating treatments focused on healing through water. The Aqua Vitality circuit, Watsu therapy pool, and other amenities leave guests feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

In terms of Nourishment, CIVANA's culinary philosophy revolves around the belief that true health stems from nature. The menu is plant-rich and seasonal, offering a wide range of options suitable for everyone.

Under Discovery, CIVANA is committed to providing avenues for change, growth, and discovery, whether through new experiences, relationships, or a deeper understanding of oneself.

 Guests can partake in activities like meditation on the yoga lawn or share a glass of wine with a friend, leaving them feeling changed, even if just a little, when they depart.

Prioritizing Employee Wellness in Business Travel

As business travel continues to evolve, prioritizing employee wellness is becoming increasingly crucial. 

By embracing a holistic approach and providing personalized solutions, companies can ensure that their employees remain healthy, engaged, and productive while on the road. 

The shift towards wellness in business travel is not just a trend but a necessary step towards a healthier and more sustainable future for corporate travel.