Executives Lose Suits And Ties As Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan Hosts Job Swap Initiative

The recently opened Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan has just launched an internal staff programme where employees experience a day’s work in another colleague’s position. The ‘in your shoes’ initiative, which took place on Tuesday 10 June, saw nine head of departments and the General Manager assuming new roles within the hotel.

Members of the executive team replaced their blazers and ties with chef’s jackets and porter’s uniforms in order to gain greater experience and understanding of the day-to-day challenges faced by their front-line staff at the popular hotel.

Emma Golubeva, Director of Sales and Marketing, worked as a room attendant, while Hazem Makled temporarily left his job as Director of Operations to assist Emma in her task.

Borja Molina, the hotel’s F&B Manager, Nathan V, Chief Engineer and Executive Chef Akil exchanged roles and became a station chef, pastry chef and steward.

Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan’s Financial Director, Ranjith Manatunga and Nancy Mendoza, Executive Housekeeper opted for the food and beverage department as a waiter and a hostess. Finally Pierre Basmadjian, HR director exercised his muscles as Fitness Instructor.

Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan General Manager Dominique Mercier, who worked as a porter for the day enthused: ‘We believe that there are great benefits to cross-team training, largely because it gives everyone an opportunity to experience the difficult daily tasks performed by our employees. This in turn enables each employee involved to share their knowledge with their leaders”

“The ‘In your shoes’ programme was introduced to bring the team closer, and in the long term will benefit customers and open up new opportunities for employees at the hotel. We are aiming to make the initiative a regular event throughout the year.” He continued.

The four-star, 361-room hotel is brimming with facilities for its guests, with six food and beverage outlets, seven meeting rooms, a ballroom, plus recreation and wellness facilities.

Major business hubs and tourist attractions are at close proximity, making it the ideal spot for both business and leisure travellers. Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Zayed Sport City, Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Abu Dhabi

Emirate:  Abu Dhabi

Date: Jun 12, 2014

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