WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—Westin Hotels & Resorts announced the launch of a global, brand-wide Associate Enrichment Program that will introduce the brand’s “Elements of Well Being Platform” to its associates around the world through key touch points. Borrowing from the brand’s signature guest experiences, Westin will now make available special programs for associates designed to inspire healthy choices and overall well-being both in and out of the workplace.
The three main components of the enrichment program, SuperFoodsRx, WestinWORKOUT and Breathe Westin, will be extended into each property’s back-of-the-house and a designated “Well Ambassador” at the hotel will be charged with overseeing all aspects of the program. Expanding on Westin’s recent partnership with New Balance, housekeepers at select properties will also receive New Balance cross-trainer sneakers to wear during their shifts. The Associate Enrichment Program will roll out to more than 25,000 associates at 181 Westin properties worldwide throughout 2011.
“Westin’s entire brand positioning stems from our mission of helping our guests better themselves and now we are going to do the same for the people who bring our brand promise to life every day—our family of Westin associates,” said Brian Povinelli, global brand leader, Westin Hotels & Resorts. “We want our associates around the world to experience our philosophies firsthand which will help them better bring the Westin brand promise to life for our guests.”
Cultivating ‘Food Synergy’
Westin was the first hotel brand to offer its guests signature SuperFoodsRx menus to encourage a healthy lifestyle. Associates will now have the opportunity to enjoy nutrient-rich dishes that cultivate “food synergy” while at work. The Well Ambassador at each property will meet with their executive chef to develop healthy menu selections and a rotating schedule of dishes rich in Superfoods. Additionally, properties may choose to implement SuperFoodsRx snack breaks and healthy cooking classes.
As part of WestinWORKOUT, Well Ambassadors, in conjunction with departmental heads, will assign associates to lead day-to-day stretching routines before and after shifts. Expanding on Westin’s recent partnership with New Balance, housekeepers at select properties who stand for the majority of their shifts will also receive New Balance slip resistant cross-trainer sneakers that offer superior cushioning, shock absorption and arch-support. In addition, properties can also elect to establish running/exercise groups and offer educational programming on a variety of topics pertaining to associates’ daily routines, such as lifting items, sitting at a desk and standing for extended periods of time.
Inspired by the brand’s Breathe program and Starwood’s environmental sustainability efforts, each hotel’s Well Ambassadors will introduce a variety of new practices to improve overall air quality by reviewing existing procedures and identifying new areas of opportunity. For example, Westin hotels can choose to strategically place detoxifying plants, such as Dwarf Date Palm and Peace Lilies, near copiers and printers to offset emissions. The hotels will also identify ways to conserve energy and educate associates about the risks of smoking and share information about smoking cessation programs and resources. Westin is the first major hotel brand in the industry to introduce a smoke-free policy.
Research Backs Efforts
When Westin decided to bring its guest programs to its associates around the world, the brand researched statistics about wellness in the workplace and found strong evidence to support its cause. According to a recent study conducted with 10,624 workers in 49 companies, it was determined that lifestyle related factors such as obesity, smoking, lack of physical fitness and insufficient consumptions of fruits and vegetables were related to the presence and duration of sick leave and a degree of loss productivity at work. Studies also show that workplace health promotion programs reduce medical costs, result in fewer missed work days, and enhance productivity.
The new Associate Enrichment Program joins a host of well-being initiatives recently introduced by Westin Hotels & Resorts. In May 2011, Westin unveiled its “For a Better You” ad campaign that uses artistic imagery to depict the Elements of Well Being that help Westin guests leave feeling better than when they arrived. In late 2009, the brand launched a sleep study and sleep hotline with the National Sleep Foundation aimed at helping travelers troubleshoot common sleep problems. Most recently, Westin announced an exclusive partnership with New Balance, helping hotel guests overcome the hurdles of exercising on the road by providing New Balance footwear, apparel and fitness program content to its guests to borrow. In 2012 the brand will also be expanding its in-room SuperFoods menu items for breakfast to also include lunch and dinner options.
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