Mar
2020 has become a key milestone in history for the business traveller. We witnessed a halt to business travel in most countries, both from abroad and internally. Businesses and the business traveller had to adapt quickly. Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meets, all became the new way of conducting meetings, kitchen tables and bedrooms became makeshift desks as many no longer visited the office due to government guidance!
During this time, the business traveller had time to breathe, reflect and question their priorities and lifestyle choices.
What are the needs of business travellers in 2021?
The workplace environment has changed forever. Do employees now want to work from kitchen tops or a desk in their children’s bedroom forever?…NO! However, flexibility is the buzzword and driver for the 2021 employee and business traveller. The traditional ‘9 to 5’ office worker was made extinct years ago… once work emails became accessed as standard on business or personal mobiles, and the expectancy to check and respond ‘out of hours’ became normalised, a shift occurred. As a result, the modern employee and business traveller requests flexibility as a fair exchange for these additional hours in evenings and weekends.
Appointments, family commitments, longer lunches and daytime chores are some of the benefits of flexibility in working arrangements. It is, of course, far better to hang out the washing in the middle of the day, capturing the sunshine as opposed to waiting until the evening…however, the most significant shift has been the business traveller’s realisation of the importance of wellness and mindfulness…
Wellness for business travellers
The importance of wellness has become of paramount importance to business travellers. Mental health has been hugely impacted due to COVID-19. Lockdowns, uncertainty and fear throughout the world has resulted in increased loneliness, anxiety and depression amongst so many. Physical and mental wellness have become at the forefront of business travellers’ minds as a result and has become a huge factor in their decision making when selecting business accommodation.
How House of Fisher is supporting wellness amongst our guests
House of Fisher has always prided itself on being a ‘real’ company, made up of a collective of employees known as the #HOFfamily. This allows our team to provide personal care and attention to our guests. As a serviced apartments provider, our guests enjoy so many more benefits compared to the limitations of a hotel room. Fully furnished apartments with separate living rooms compared to a hotel’s dark bedroom with a small desk tucked in the corner. This works wonders for mental health. Here are some of the added wellness benefits provided by House of Fisher:
- Gyms – Our aparthotels and serviced apartments are often located in close proximity to gyms. Aparthotels 100 Kings Road, Reading and Beneficial House, Bracknell are connected to the inspirational Buzz Gym and The Gym, providing 24/7 gym access.
- Nature – Whilst House of Fisher operates within town centre locations, providing guests with excellent transportation links via train, bus and car, we are never far away from nature. Guests have an array of walks and National Trust locations on their doorstep and many of our properties are in close proximity to the river Thames. Being located close to water increases blood flow to the brain and heart to induce relaxation and helps to ward off depression and anxiety.
- Rooftop Terrace – At our flagship 100 Kings Road aparthotel, we have a rooftop terrace offering stunning views of Reading. This ‘sun trap’ is also a perfect location for growing herbs and vegetables. When in season and possible, we try to provide our guests with our homegrown fresh ingredients, read more here.
Stay with House of Fisher
If you are a business traveller that is looking for accommodation in the Reading, Newbury, Maidenhead, Bracknell, Basingstoke, Farnborough or Camberley area, please call our friendly reservations team on 01189 514151 to discuss your accommodation requirements further. There are huge benefits from booking directly with House of Fisher and rest assured our team, the #HOFfamily, will ensure your stay provides the best experience in terms of wellness during your business stay.