In another sign of the changing times, Jannah Hotels and Resorts in Abu Dhabi has employed office cats to help their staff unwind and de-stress while also increasing work productivity.
The CEO and founder of Jannah Hotels and Resorts, Nehme Imad Darwiche initiated the ‘office cat’ policy.
“Studies reflect that nurturing pets in an office environment increases office communication and lowers the stress of its professionals significantly. We identify as a team that harbours a deep love of felines and consider our pets as a vital part of the Jannah family,” says Darwiche.
The hotel has eight furry friends that help keep employees happy, and even hotel guests in on the act by petting and playing with them during their stay.
“In an industry like tourism and hospitality where long hours are common, having pets around helps everyone maintain a positive and motivated attitude. Whether our cats are dozing on our laps, lounging on a desk, or peeking at us from around our computers, their presence is accompanied with a healing effect,” adds Darwiche.
In recent years, the UAE has shown a shift in attitude towards how animals are being treated with more areas becoming dog friendly and offices, such as the Pomegranate Language Institute in Al Barsha 1, also adopting a corporate feline friend or two.
• Go to www.jannah.ae
elau@thenational.ae
