Novotel Abu Dhabi team swap jobs for a day

The recently-opened Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan has launched a staff programme called 'in your shoes', where employees experience a day’s work in another colleague’s position.

The event was held on June 10, and saw nine heads of departments and the general manager assume rank and file roles within the hotel.

Emma Golubeva, director of sales and marketing, worked as a room attendant and director of operations Hazem Makled temporarily left his job as to assist Golubeva 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 respectively.

Financial director Ranjith Manatunga and Nancy Mendoza, executive housekeeper, opted for the food and beverage department as a waiter and a hostess respectively. Meanwhile, HR director Pierre Basmadjian flexed his muscles for the fitness instructor role.

Explaining the initiative, general manager Dominique Mercier, who worked as a porter for the day, said: “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.”