InterContinental Dubai gives new meaning to hands-on management

InterContinental Dubai has just announced a new initiative that will take the feel-good-at-work factor to new heights. Throughout the month of March, the hotel has teamed up with reflexology and massage specialists Feet First based in Dubai, to offer a foot, head, neck and shoulder massage service to all its staff.

This trail run is designed to see what impact this hands-on service will have on the overall well-being of the hotel's workforce. Trials in Europe using reflexology and massage techniques on employees have seen drastic reductions in the number of sick days taken - in some cases, as much as a 13% drop in absenteeism has been witnessed, saving companies huge sums of money.

"Modern life is stressful enough for our people. When you add to that the pressures of working in the hospitality industry, it is no surprise that employers like us are trying to find ways to help their staff cope," said InterContinental Dubai's General Manager, Jorgen Jorgensen.

"If there is anything we can do to make our people happier in their work, we owe it to them to do it."

The theory behind this initiative is simple. Massage and reflexology really do work. And have done for centuries. By using techniques such as reflexology, deep tissue massage, de-stress massage and slimming massage, the team at Feet First aim to deliver a happier, more productive workforce. Part of the Planet Nutrition Group, Feet First's expertise is provided by the London-based Formosa Centre, a leading specialist in the areas of reflexology, and acupressure.

Every single employee of the hotel will be involved in this trial and detailed questionnaires will form part of a comprehensive performance monitoring program designed to measure the effectiveness of the service. "This is not a PR exercise," said HR Manager Anita Russell, "If we can see results, this will become an integral part of our human resource management practices."

The key benefits of massage therapy go far deeper than relaxation and stress relief. Under the right conditions, massage can ease tension, reduce stiffness, relieve pain, improve breathing and enhance blood circulation throughout the entire body. Problems such as eyestrain, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, stress and more, all of which contribute to absenteeism and under-performance can be significantly reduced. The net result to the recipient is a greater sense of well-being on all levels, from the physical and mental, to the spiritual.

And the net result to the hotel is a more productive, more energetic workforce ready to cope with the many pressures that come with helping to run Dubai's most established five star hotel.

InterContinental Dubai sees this trial service as a whole new approach to creating a healthier environment for its 650 employees. "Traditionally, employers have offered staff rewards to perform better. In this case, it is the other way round. We are making the first move. I think we will see excellent results" said Russell.