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https://theconversation.com/behind-the-wellness-industrys-scented-oils-and-soothing-music-are-often-underpaid-exploited-workers-257455>
"Wellness tourism is booming. Think yoga retreats in Bali, digital detox
weekends in a rainforest, or a break on a luxury island to “find yourself”.
It’s no longer just about taking selfies at the beach or in front of
Instagrammable landmarks. Travellers today want to invest in activities aimed
at improving their mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing. And, they’re
willing to pay for these experiences.
Global spending on wellness tourism is projected to hit US$8.5 trillion by
2027. Rather than being a passing fad, spending in this sector is forecast to
nearly triple by 2035. This is big business.
The Wellness Tourism Association says 90% of travellers report wellness
activities are an essential part of their travel itineraries.
Behind the luxe retreat
But, while holidaymakers pursue their zen, the workforce is largely overlooked.
The massage therapists, spa staff, yoga instructors and retreat hosts – often
women, migrants and workers from the Global South – frequently experience
substandard, undignified working conditions.
Our new report,
In Decent or Dirty Work?, examines an often overlooked part
of the wellness industry. We propose a model to shift the industry from “dirty
to decent” in line with the United Nations’ sustainable development goal eight
supporting “decent work and economic growth”.
The 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) were adopted by all UN member
states in 2015. They support ending poverty and other deprivations as part of
improving health and education, reducing inequality and encouraging economic
growth – while tackling climate change and protecting the environment. These
goals are designed to help businesses and governments develop sustainable and
inclusive economies.
Progress towards decent work in wellness tourism is undermined by workers in
some cases facing low pay, insecure employment and poor working conditions.
Wellness is often viewed as feminised work, rather than skilled or
professional. Workers are expected to be calm, warm and nurturing, as well as
emotionally available while juggling demanding workloads and unpredictable
hours."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
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mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
