Adapting to the post-pandemic business travel landscape

We’ve noticed a change in corporate travel since the pandemic. With hybrid working here to stay in many organisations, a deeper focus on health and wellbeing, and an increasing awareness of sustainability issues, serviced apartments are becoming an even more popular accommodation choice. Here we share how we’re continuing to support business travellers in this altered travel landscape.

Personal wellness

Health and wellbeing is a priority for travellers and serviced apartment operators are increasingly seeking to support this. Our property in Hemel Hempstead, for example, includes a residents’ lounge, co-working zone and communal kitchen and dining area which can be used by all Viridian Apartments guests, encouraging socialising and combatting the sense of isolation that can come with frequent business travel. The building also has a gym and wellness suite, perfect for guests looking to exercise, practice yoga or even take some time for meditation.

We’re seeking to increase our partnerships offers, with a focus on gyms and healthy food brands. Guests can also opt for added extras such as additional cleaning and laundry help, which are intended to free up time – particularly helpful for busy corporate travellers. And on each property page, we always try to highlight green spaces and walking routes in the vicinity of our apartments, so our guests can get out for a walk or jog in their downtime.

Remote working

For business travellers, serviced apartments offer more space to ‘work from home’ than traditional accommodation solutions, such as hotels. With high-speed complimentary Wi-Fi offered as standard, connecting with colleagues across the globe is fast and free. We also offer the option to include desks and chairs in our apartments to support remote working. And at our Reading Central and Hemel Hempstead apartments, corporate travellers can take advantage of co-working spaces and enjoy the atmosphere that comes with being around others as they work. The communal kitchen and dining space at Viridian Apartments – Hemel Hempstead can also be booked for client meetings, team days, or business events; another way we are supporting businesses. 

Emphasis on sustainability

We believe that travellers are looking for sustainable stays that blend their own need for wellness with that of the planet. We have devised and implemented a solid CSR strategy and policy with four pillars aligned with the UN's 17 sustainable development goals – environment, workplace, community and charity – and clear goals for 2023 and beyond.

Looking at our buildings, working with Enhabit (the UK’s award-winning provider of energy efficient houses) we built our apartments in Farnborough and Richmond with eco-flow air systems, offering cleaner air and controlled temperatures to our guests. Our Hemel Hempstead building has solar panels feeding energy in to the grid, low-energy LED lighting throughout and electric heating only. Our newly launched Hammersmith - Southerton Mews property is a gas-free development, including Air Source Heat Pumps and underfloor heating to maximise their efficiency, along with a mechanical ventilation system with NOx filtration. The design also incorporates the requirements of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) - this is a natural approach to managing drainage and works by slowing and holding back the water that runs off from a site, allowing natural processes to break down pollutants.

We have a company-wide sustainable procurement policy and, when finding partners to work with, we look at their sustainability credentials to ensure it aligns with our ethos. For example, we use biodegradable cleaning products and recycled paper products wherever possible, and our energy suppliers are green. Our interior design company H&G have strong sustainable credentials such a highly effective 'Re-Use, Recycle, Donate' scheme and also engage in offsetting initiatives. They introduced us to a beautifully comfy mattress which is made from recycled marine plastic - the manufacturer actually pays charities to remove plastic from the ocean and then buys that plastic from them and turns it into mattresses.

We have calculated the carbon footprint of a typical stay and current average room emissions are lower than the accommodation average. We are currently working on our sustainability and energy reduction plan to ensure we are reducing our footprint as much as possible and we are looking into offsetting initiatives. 

Supporting local

The pandemic refocused people’s attention on supporting local. This is a huge focus for us at Viridian Apartments – one that we are genuinely passionate about. For example, we include information about the local area on each property’s webpage, with a particular emphasis on promoting local independent businesses for food and drink, shopping and entertainment options. Many of our website blogs feature links to local businesses in an effort to support.

For business, leisure – and ‘bleisure’ too

According to The Business Travel Magazine’s Serviced Apartments Guide 2023, there’s an increasing trend in corporate travellers taking families on long-term trips, or extending their stays to incorporate annual leave. It’s no surprise that this is becoming more common – business travellers are well-versed in the benefits of serviced apartments for longer stays: namely, comfort, convenience and cost-efficiency. With more space to enjoy, central locations, and all the features, fittings and furnishings that matter most when travelling, serviced apartments are an increasingly popular choice for staycayers and vacationers too. 

Can we help with your corporate accommodation requirements?

If you’d like to enquire about specific dates or locations, get in touch with our reservation experts who will find the perfect apartment solution for you: call +44 (0) 203 743 0331 or email sales@viridianapartments.com.

If you’d like to discuss your company accommodation requirements and preferred corporate rates, please contact our Corporate Sales Manager, Gareth Hughes: gareth.hughes@viridianapartments.com.