MEMBER PERSPECTIVES
CONTINUED
example, the choreographer in the story above was a
friend of Smith’s; she gave him spa credits as payment. In
the near future, she’s planning a meeting with a competitive
hoola hooper, and has previously held meetings
which featured activities like yoga and painting.
“Know your team,” Smith says. “If they’re really athletic
and enjoy doing those things, that opens the door to doing
different kinds of things like hiking, yoga or wall climbing. If
your team is more artsy, just be mindful of that.
“At the same time, don’t be too careful. We have an opportunity
to widen peoples’ experiences. They may not
choose to do something, but sometimes it’s what we don’t
choose that brings a whole new dimension to our lives
and brings joy.”
Volunteer Time Off — Trilogy Spa Holdings
Trilogy Spa Holdings encourages each of its spa locations
to organize a charitable endeavor with a local organization.
The employees are provided with volunteer time off
(VTO), which pays for a full day of work when they take off
time to volunteer in the community. The VTO is paid out
on the next paycheck.
Trilogy decided to offer this instead of funding an annual
holiday party. Spas, of course, still have the option to
host their own holiday parties, but it won’t be on the
company’s dime. Trilogy ultimately decided that since
their company is full of wellness professionals, that
money would be better spent serving others. It looks at
VTO as a win-win because it is doing something good for
community and doing something good for its employees.
This goodwill activity helps team members feel as though
they are making a difference, especially during the holiday
season when some aren’t as fortunate.
Spas are encouraged to do two service projects per
year—one in the winter and one in the summer—using
their VTO. Despite the practice not being mandatory,
participation is high due to the simple desire to give back,
plus an element of healthy competition and public kudos:
36 PULSE ■ JUNE 2020