With the ongoing pandemic and its ensuing uncertainty, mental health conditions are rising across the globe. WHO data has shown that 25% of the global population is affected by a mental disorder, while mental, neurological and substance use disorders exact a high toll on ill-health outcomes. There has been an alarming spike in symptoms of anxiety and depression due to the cumulative stress of the pandemic's effect on lives and livelihoods.
'As the first step towards a journey of recovery and building resilience, we have prioritised mental wellbeing and the skills of effective self-care. While this was an initiative we conceived of pre-Covid, the pandemic has only elevated its importance. Anxiety levels are at an all-time high globally. We are in an industry that continues to be severely affected. As leaders, it's our job to help alleviate that for our teams at this time.
Simply, we can only look after our guests when we look after our associates,' said Ms Ho Renyung, Vice President of Brand HQ,
As an inside-out journey, the Group's people-first approach led it to revamp its groupwide training modules to express its service culture of 'I am with you'. Leaning on tenets of empathy, positive psychology and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), the modules build in an experiential learning and facilitative approach. Led by the
In addition, the Group is laying the groundwork to support associates' wellbeing with the launch of Project T, a tele-therapy service which partners with likeminded externally-certified wellbeing practitioners. Strictly confidential and available in English, Chinese and Thai languages, associates benefit from complimentary professional sessions to learn stress management techniques, to apply at work and in their personal life.
During this time, the Group has also pivoted its usual annual associate surveys to focus more on individual wellbeing. After a successful pilot in July, it will roll out an Organisational Wellbeing Index for all its associates globally in the end of the year. The index, with a set of 64 questions on lifestyle practices, is based on Banyan Tree's eight pillars of wellbeing: sleep, dietary awareness, interaction, intimacy?& involvement, physical vitality, cultivating the mind, learning & development, harmony with nature and sustained practices. The pilot survey had shown that associates scored high in relationship and the practice of virtues while sleep and physical fitness are two key areas for improvement. Based on each property's overall results pinpointing employees' wellbeing, headquarters will provide guidelines, training and activities for implementation. Whilst much of the wellness industry mentions new technologies, trends and products people must have to live well, it is the conscious practice of these simple basics, underpinned by helpful technology, that makes the personal journey of wellbeing truly sustainable.
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