With the recent developments in hotel services, aromatherapy has become a key to creating a stress-free environment for travelers. But what about the employees? Hospitality work demands a high cognitive load and assumes physical activities, such as prolonged standing and exposure to harmful environments (e.g., cleaning with chemicals). These challenges and other issues, such as long hours, job insecurity, and low pay, reduce job satisfaction.
Luxury hotels recognize the necessity of investing in employees’ well-being by improving their work conditions and performance. Traditional wellness programs focus mainly on physical health. Yet, paying attention to emotional balance and enhancing mental well-being is no less critical. Aromatherapy is often an underestimated yet effective tool for creating a relaxing environment for hotel staff.
Hotel Employees: Rules and Responsibilities
A hotel needs a large team of dedicated, hardworking employees to run smoothly and efficiently. The staff members do everything required to make their guests feel comfortable:
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Take Reservations;
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Clean Guest Rooms;
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Provide Food Services;
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Plan Parties;
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Manage Maintenance Issues.
Many hotel jobs are physically demanding. People should be strong enough to lift heavy furniture or move supply carts. Other positions require employees to have excellent time management, stress resistance, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. Executive chefs, for instance, should have years of experience in a professional kitchen. Still, whatever the job is, each staff member plays an essential role in helping guests have an unforgettable hotel experience.
Operating a hotel requires implementing rules to ensure a return on investment and lure clients. Hotel rules and regulations establish a core for successful operations and help everyone to maintain order. For employees, main rules are usually similar from one hotel to another, and include:
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Arriving to work on time;
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Wearing a neat and clean uniform;
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Behave politely, make eye contact;
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Be honest.
Help Your Staff Feel Better at Work with Aromatherapy
Real leaders in hospitality business prioritize staff motivation, knowing it will positively impact guest experiences. Staff motivation relates to their energy, commitment, and initiative while performing their duties. To maintain high motivation rates, you must create a positive and inspiring work environment. Aromatherapy for break areas creates such an environment, helping employees recharge and return to their duties with renewed focus and energy.
To promote relaxation and mental clarity, use calming scents like:
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Lavender;
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Eucalyptus;
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Bergamot.
Essential oils with antibacterial and antiviral properties will help purify the air and make break spaces healthier and cleaner. Here belong:
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Tea tree (helps eliminate airborne bacteria and mold);
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Eucalyptus and Rosemary (fight airborne germs);
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Citrus scents (can kill bacteria and neutralize nasty odors);
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Thyme (provides respiratory support);
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Clove (helps fight mold);
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Oregano (has strong antiviral and antibacterial effects).
Besides, you may choose essential oils to create a pleasant dining atmosphere. The list of essential oils that enhance the mealtime experience includes:
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Basil or Ginger (perfect for supporting digestion);
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Lemon or Rosemary (stimulate appetite);
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Fennel (often used to ease fullness and discomfort);
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Peppermint (soothes the stomach and prevents bloating after a big meal).
Note: To achieve the best effect - diffuse essential oils before meals.
How to Incorporate Aromatherapy into Break Areas
As you see, aromatherapy has many benefits in creating a relaxing environment. There are also many ways to incorporate it into your daily work routine:
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Start by placing a fragrance oil diffuser in the break area.
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Let your staff members choose what essential oils they prefer at a particular time.
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Prioritize their wishes and provide a nice selection of natural, high-quality oils.
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Keep the scents light so that they don’t overpower the space.
Scented candles can create a peaceful and comforting atmosphere in break rooms. Place a few candles around the room and let your workers enjoy their soft glow and gentle fragrance. Provide high-quality candles made of clean-burning wax and essential oils to ensure a safe environment.
You can also provide personal aromatherapy items. Offer small roll-on oils or aroma sticks that employees can use during short breaks. These are easy to use and give a quick boost in mood or energy.
Human Hearts Behind Every Service
The hospitality industry is usually demanding, with heavy day workloads, weekend and holiday work, and the need for impeccable customer service. These factors can sometimes lead to a high staff turnover rate, which disrupts operations and impacts guest satisfaction. When staff feel cared for and mentally supported, it leads to better service, increased job satisfaction, and a healthier, more motivated team.
For many people, the hotel is a place to escape their usual working environments. For your employees, the hotel is their main working environment. Feel the difference? So, don’t hesitate to make it!
