The role of employee wellness programme in the hospitality industry: a review of concepts, research, and practice

Abstract

In the hospitality industry, employees are critical to firm success, through their intimate interactions with customers to create memorable experiences and relationships. A nascent strategy adopted by many hospitality firms seeks to increase employee engagement and commitment through employee wellness programmes. Despite growing recognition of the concept of wellness in the workplace, limited studies discuss the topic systematically. This nascent research stream requires a better understanding of the role of wellness programmes and their influences on employees, customers, firms, and society. Therefore, this study offers a detailed review and synthesis of key concepts and existing knowledge in the industry, which produces a framework for further research, as well as managerial implications.

Keywords:

• corporate wellness
• corporate social responsibility (CSR)
• employee engagement
• customer engagement
• profitability
• health promotion