PEOPLE
Creating a better world for all starts with establishing an environment where people can grow and lead lives with purpose. Empowered individuals are catalysts for positive change in our society.
Uplift
Communities
Our local communities share their culture, their craft, and their spirit with our guests. So, we give back, through volunteering, charitable giving, education and community programmes that build strong families.
Our ApproacH
We focus on 3 Es – education, engagement and employment – to maximise our impact with local communities and support disadvantaged groups.
EDUCATION
We support schools through programmes and new facilities to enhance teaching and learning. Our Seedlings programme provides education and vocational skills to prepare young people for life and work. The Step-Up International Laguna Kindergarten (SILK), offers immersive early learning and developmental foundations for around 140 children in Thailand.
Our ACHIEVEMENTS
119
young people were supported and 1,313 internships provided through our Seedlings programme.
140
children were nurtured through the SILK programme.
ENGAGEMENT
We invite our guests and associates to participate in activities through our Stay for Good programme, that allow them to care for and learn about the environment, local cultures and the importance of sustainability. Initiatives include coral reef cleaning in the Maldives, releasing sea turtles in Thailand and planting mangroves in Indonesia.
16,000
guests participated in 539 sustainability-focussed activities, including Earth Hour, World Environment Day, Earth Day and conservation activities on land and at sea.
62
We organised 62 resource conservation events, which were attended by over 1,400 guests. Events included recycling workshops, handicraft classes with a focus on using repurposed goods, and challenges to raise awareness on topics like food waste.
51,540
Our associates volunteered for 51,540 hours.
EMPLOYMENT
We are expanding our ecosystem of craft artisans and responsible suppliers across the countries in which we operate, to support heritage traditions and rural production.
406,475
products were commissioned from local artisans for the Banyan Gallery.
240
artisan communities were supported in 2023, 30% more than in 2022.
Our Approach
EDUCATION
We support schools through programmes and new facilities to enhance teaching and learning. Our Seedlings programme provides education and vocational skills to prepare young people for life and work. The Step-Up International Laguna Kindergarten (SILK), offers immersive early learning and developmental foundations for around 140 children in Thailand
ENGAGEMENT
We invite our guests and associates to participate in activities through our Stay for Good programme, that allow them to care for and learn about the environment, local cultures and the importance of sustainability. Initiatives include coral reef cleaning in the Maldives, releasing sea turtles in Thailand and planting mangroves in Indonesia.
EMPLOYMENT
We are expanding our ecosystem of craft artisans and responsible suppliers across the countries in which we operate, to support heritage traditions and rural production.
Our ACHIEVEMENTS
EDUCATION
119
young people were supported and 1,313 internships provided through our Seedlings programme
140
children were nurtured through the SILK programme
ENGAGEMENT
16,000
guests participated in 539 sustainability-focussed activities, including Earth Hour, World Environment Day, Earth Day and conservation activities on land and at sea.
62
We organised 62 resource conservation events, which were attended by over 1,400 guests. Events included recycling workshops, handicraft classes with a focus on using repurposed goods, and challenges to raise awareness on topics like food waste.
51,540
Our associates volunteered for 51,540 hours.
EMPLOYMENT
406,475
products were commissioned from local artisans for the Banyan Gallery.
240
artisan communities were supported in 2023, 30% more than in 2022.
Case Studies
Stay for Good Programme
Travel should be an opportunity to explore new perspectives, seek inspiration, and immerse in the culture and heritage of the places we visit.
Our Stay for Good programme offers just that – an opportunity to connect with local communities and their precious heritage, while giving back. We draw on the concept of regenerative tourism to offer sustainability-related activities to our guests.
Banyan Tree Ringha
Banyan Tree Ringha’s Stay for Good programme invites guests to experience local life firsthand through home visits where they help make traditional treats like butter tea and Zanba, a hand-kneaded barley staple.
Guests can also experience rich cultural immersion through guided nature walks, including a trek to the Shu Du Gang River in China’s Yunnan province. Expert guides share local customs and legends of the land, including the importance of yak farming and high-altitude barley cultivation to local livelihoods, the intricacies of Tibetan scriptures, and how butter lamp ink is produced.
Empowering local communities
We partner with local artisans and work with village organisations and not-for-profits to forge long-lasting connections with the communities we operate in.
In Vietnam, we work with Faslink, a women’s garment manufacturer that produces fabrics upcycled from oyster shells, coffee bean grounds, lotus, coconut and mint leaves. We use these fabrics to make retail apparel for guests, as well as uniforms for our associates.
In Laos, we work with the Disabled Women Development Center, who empower Laotian women with disabilities through handicraft training. We regularly procure their handicrafts for our retail galleries, supporting their mission of fostering independence.
Employment opportunities in Nuoc Ngot
Since 2015, we have supported the Nuoc Ngot Social Protection Center in Vietnam, contributing to the development of local sustainability programmes that generate new income streams for the centre. Managed by a group of nuns, the centre supports approximately 90 individuals, including ethnic minorities and disabled children attending day-boarding classes. In 2023, we supported through:
- Donating 12,500 Melaleuca quinquenervia seeds, so local artisans can grow trees and collect oil, which can be sold to make into products. Banyan Group purchased 80 units of this oil.
- Buying 25,000 bracelets handcrafted by centre children and staff. Bracelets were distributed as gifts to our Angsana guests.
- Procuring 240kg of mushroom products.
- Organising visits to the centre for our guests, who engage with the community and learn about the local culture.
Morocco Earthquake Relief
On September 8, 2023, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake devastated Morocco, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life. Banyan Group raised US$41,724 in funds and provided aid in the form of donations, including tracksuits, blankets, and medicines.
The earthquake disrupted water distribution systems, leaving many without clean drinking water. To support affected communities, the Banyan Global Foundation will sponsor a project to restore access to safe drinking water in the Al Haouz préfecture, near Marrakesh. Beginning in summer 2024, the project will involve installing new water treatment facilities, regular testing for safety, and community engagement efforts to ensure sustainability, including training locals to maintain the new system.
We’ll enhance our Stay for Good programme with new immersive experiences for guests, to raise awareness of the importance of education and sustainability.
We encourage associates to drive positive change by rolling out projects funded by Banyan Group’s Greater Good Grants that address local communities’ challenges.
We’ll expand our artisan network globally, focusing on increasing collaborations with local artisans in Vietnam, China, Dubai, Laos, and the Maldives.
Support
WELLBEING AND
DEVELOPMENT
We empower our people to feel their best and bring their best each day. We also strive to ensure that everyone in our supply chain is treated fairly, and has what they need to live a life of dignity.
Our Approach
When our associates are well cared for, they in turn can care for our guests.
We take measures to ensure that our work environment is nurturing, inclusive and supportive. We regularly assess wellbeing, and organise activities, workshops and programmes to improve our associates’ physical and mental health.
We prioritise hiring associates from local communities and often hold training sessions to equip them with skills to advance their careers. For example, our Banyan Spa & Wellbeing Academy equips women with massage and facial therapy skills that allow them to carve out a career in the global spa industry.
Our ACHIEVEMENTS
WELLBEING
Our overall score in our 2023 Associate Wellbeing Index was 72%, an improvement of 5 points compared with the previous year, and an improvement of 14 points compared with 2020 when the assessment was first introduced.
The survey is based on our eight pillars of wellbeing: rest, nourishment, connection, movement, mindfulness, growth, groundedness, and practice.
Scores increased across all pillars, with the increases in scores for movement, rest, and nourishment most pronounced. Many associates showed increased understanding of wellbeing and expressed interest in more activities.
DEVELOPMENT
We have always been committed to providing training and development opportunities that enhance the ability of our associates to contribute to the company’s growth and elevate their job prospects with Banyan group and beyond.
In 2023, associate training grew substantially in tandem with the increase in the number of associates. We supported our associates’ career growth through internal promotions and transfers.
Case Studies
Wellness And Mindfulness For
Our Chinese Associates
In 2023, 3,804 of our associates in China participated in wellbeing activities across our eight pillars: rest, nourishment, movement, mindfulness, connection, growth, groundedness, and practice.
Activities included meditation sessions with singing bowls and aromatherapy for rest, painting and breathwork classes for mindfulness, and access to mindfulness and yoga apps for stress relief.
Highlights of our wellness efforts in China included a 5.6 km race at Banyan Tree Chongqing Beibei, a week-long family wellness challenge to strengthen family bonds, and a 5 km hike to promote team spirit in nature.
Enhancing Financial Wellbeing In Thailand
To support associates’ financial wellness, Laguna Phuket collaborated with banks, provident fund companies, and the local cybercrime police unit. They held a workshop to educate participants about ways to manage and protect their finances.
Banyan Spa And Wellbeing Academy
Since its launch in May 2001, the Banyan Spa & Wellbeing Academy in Phuket, Thailand has trained nearly 3,000 therapists in theoretical and practical topics like human anatomy and health sciences.
In 2023, the academy provided online training to 21 Banyan Group Senior Therapists and onsite training to therapists from South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and external students. Academy instructors also trained 37 students at Phang-Nga Science-Based Technology College, who will undergo internships at our properties in 2024.
We will expand the sustainability learning paths of our associates via our learning management system.
We will inspire more associates to act sustainably by highlighting best practices across our properties in internal newsletters
The Banyan Academy will roll out a new scholarship programme that allows underprivileged and at-risk women to join Banyan Group or other top spas, luxury resorts and wellness destinations around the world. The Banyan Spa & Wellbeing Academy’s newly launched facility in Phuket, Nature House, will deliver holistic courses to guests and industry professionals. Nature house will offer globally-recognised certifications from Thailand’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health in Asian massage techniques and herbal science.
Promote
DIVERSITY, EQUITY
AND INCLUSION
Everyone belongs at Banyan Group, no matter what. We are truly inclusive and encourage both our people and guests to be their full, authentic selves. By actively creating opportunities, we enable every individual to discover their full potential.
Our Approach
We ensure our hiring processes are inclusive and equitable, to achieve greater gender balance and include underrepresented groups.
We train and promote associates without discrimination.
We conduct regular training through the Banyan Academy to ensure associates are equipped with the skills to foster culture of inclusion and champion the importance of diversity.
Case Study
The impact of associate empowerment
In the competitive food and beverage sector, it is common for chefs to switch restaurants every few years. But outliers do exist. Chef Renu Homsombut has dedicated the past 20 years of her life to honing her skills at Banyan Tree Bangkok.
Joining the group in 2004 as an event chef, Renu’s desire to learn and improve has led to her rise to her current role of Chef De Cuisine. Known as a Thai culinary master, she has overseen the opening of the Group’s Saffron restaurants.
Despite being sought after by other top kitchens, Renu remains loyal to Banyan Group, citing its ample opportunities for growth and learning. Now, she looks forward to passing on her expertise by training the next generation of chefs.
Renu’s journey exemplifies how an organisation’s focus on nurturing and empowering its associates can fuel its growth and success in the industry.
Our ACHIEVEMENTS
In 2023, the adjusted gender pay gap at our owned and managed hotels was 3.2% after adjusting for gender, local/expatriate, age, job level and education. This was close to our target of <3%.
In terms of representation:
We will enhance our efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion by aligning ourselves with the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles, which provide guidance on empowering women in the workplace and communities.
The seven principles include:
Principle 1: Establish high-level corporate leadership for gender equality
Principle 2: Treat all women and men fairly at work – respect and support human rights and non-discrimination
Principle 3: Ensure the health, safety and well-being of all women and men workers
Principle 4: Promote education, training and professional development for women
Principle 5: Implement enterprise development, supply chain and marketing practices that empower women
Principle 6: Promote equality through community initiatives and advocacy
Principle 7: Measure and publicly report on progress to achieve gender equality