The Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA) has launched HOSPO Health, and exciting new health and well-being program available to all hospitality business owners and staff across Tasmania.
THA Chief Executive Steve Old said the people in the industry are a critical factor for success and the association felt it was important to provide something to really look after them, particularly after the last couple of years.
“We care about our staff, we care about the industry, even before the pandemic dieting and health issues were prevalent in hospitality,” Old said.
“We have businesses operating 24/7, with staff in busy and demanding environments. Combine that with shift and weekend work, and it can be difficult for many hospitality workers to fit in time to look after their own health and wellbeing.
“As the peak body for industry we have taken the lead by creating an Australian first in this space to encourage all business owners, operators and staff to invest in healthy lifestyles.
“We’ve previously been involved with The Mind Games, so it was a logical decision to contact Sherri Ring and ask her to assist with implementing a solution. Although HOSPO Health is being launched as a pilot program, we intend for it to be ingrained into our sector as a long-term initiative.”
The program is funded and presented by the THA through the State Government’s $8m 2021 election commitment for hospitality initiatives, in recognition of the significant challenges the industry has faced from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sherri Ring is Director of Energy Health, as well as Founder and Director of The Mind Games. In addition to her many years’ experience working in the health industry, Ring has established a reputation for delivering tailored solutions with a focus on positive, healthy and productive workplaces.
“Health and wellbeing is at the core of my business. So, it’s fantastic to have the opportunity to create a full program from scratch, for an industry that has some very unique traits,” she said.
“We wanted to ensure that HOSPO Health was accessible to everyone. The nature of the businesses meant we had to create something with a lot of flexibility, as well as appealing to a broad range of people.
“I pulled together a team of local Tasmanian experts to work with me on HOSPO Health and the outcome is that we have a comprehensive program rolling out over the coming year, covering everything from mindfulness to injury prevention and psychosocial health to team building.”