The ‘‘zones’’ within the O-Zone
The O-Zone is a place where our people can feel at home (Benjama Olarnsakul, Human
Resources Director of the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok).
A young woman kneads dough made from crushed almonds. She pulls her hands up to her
nose to inhale the sweet aroma. It was always her dream to be able to learn this French
recipe for ‘‘macarons’’. She had previously practiced at home at the weekend to delight her
friends, but unfortunately could not get the ingredients ‘‘just right.’’ This time she was
working with a master pastry chef from France who could teach her the ‘‘tricks of the trade.’’
Whilst she created the icing which would fill the middle layer of the round biscuits,
her colleague, who had just arrived from Chiang Mai, asked her what flavour she was using.
The young woman spontaneously answered, ‘‘chocolate – because it is my favourite.’’
Her colleague smiled back to her as the sous-chef came by to correct her posture whilst
beating eggs. The young women chose to work in the pastry department to follow her heart:
she hopes to use her experience to advance and run a food and beverage department
at the hotel one day. Working at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok brought her more than
just professional experience – it gave her a sense of belonging. Nevertheless, she wanted
more from her future. She dreamt about being able to have an interesting job and at the same
time allow time for a family. It would be a challenge to find a situation which allows this.