Westin Hotels & Resorts on Tuesday launched a global Associate Enrichment Program that will introduce the brand’s “Elements of Well Being Platform,” to its associates 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 property’s back-of-the-house and overseen by a “Well Ambassador.” Expanding on Westin’s recent partnership with New Balance, housekeepers at select properties will also receive New Balance athletic shoes 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.
Starwood developed and funded the collateral for the program, including healthy menus and informative signage, and also provided housekeepers with New Balance athletic shoes, according to a Starwood spokeswoman.
Each individual property is responsible for implementing its own program, and the spokeswoman said responses so far have been enthusiastic. For example, Westin resorts in Mexico have partnered with the president of the Mexico Yoga Institute to create a special yoga program for associates, while the Westin Times Square is offering smoking cessation and weight loss programs, and has also partnered with a local yoga studio to create programs for associates.
Among program details:
* 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.
* Well Ambassadors, in conjunction with departmental heads, will assign associates to lead day-to-day stretching routines before and after shifts.
* 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 chose to strategically place detoxifying plants, such as Dwarf Date Palm and Peace Lilies, near copiers and printers to off-set 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’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 everyday – 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.”
