During the months preceding the O-Zone launch on 9 November 2010, employees at the
hotel were kept in suspense. On the opening day of the O-Zone, the first event included a
visit and lunch. Board members’ jaws dropped as they entered the light-filled O-Zone, with
touches of colour throughout. During their ‘‘tour’’ of the O-Zone, they were shown all
employee-centred initiatives within it. Amongst them was the new Cafe´ 48, the number ‘‘48’’
referring to the hotel’s address (the hotel’s address is at 48, Oriental Avenue). They enjoyed
lunch with hotel managers in a relaxed atmosphere. Now it was time for the employees to
discover their new ‘‘home away from home.’’
When I walked in the O-Zone the first day I was blown away. Every aspect of it was an
improvement (Employee from the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok).
With an expression of delight in her eyes, Benjama Olarnsakul distributed t-shirts with the
O-Zone brand to employees from all departments to celebrate the opening day. They had
the previous facilities in their minds, which included changing areas and the canteen, which
many had known for over a decade. As they entered the O-Zone they perceived a dramatic
change. They received a special Thai meal and participated in photo sessions. They
were especially fond of the O-Bear, a large, cuddly stuffed animal at the entrance to become
the O-Zone mascot. They decided to dress the O-Bear and subsequently use it for
future O-Zone events. The excitement of the newly inaugurated O-Zone started to become
contagious.