Lemon Tree Hotels recently launched twin properties in Sector 60 in Gurugram as part of its dream project. Going beyond its usual HR strategy of hiring 12-15 per cent employees with disability, over 70 per cent of the workforce at these hotels are Opportunity Deprived Individuals (ODI) – either differently-abled or from economically and socially marginalised segments of society.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Lemon Tree Hotels has launched twin properties with over 70 per cent staff from the Opportunity Derived Individual (ODI) segment. Additionally, the twin hotels, Lemon Tree and Red Fox have been designed on the principles of universal design, offering specially designed rooms and suites for people of all abilities. Inclusion, which has been part of the unique initiative by The Lemon Tree company reached a new benchmark with this dream project opening its doors to people this year.
A total of 70 per cent of the hotel staff in Lemon Tree Hotel, Sector 60 is either from the economically and socially marginalised segments of the society (EcoSoc) or differently-abled (employees with disability). Aradhana Lal, vice president – sustainability initiatives, Lemon Tree Hotels, explains, “We truly believe in mainstreaming and including people with disabilities and those from the marginalised segments in our employee base and provide them the same opportunities as others in order to realise their full potential. This launch is special to us. We are proud to introduce our new hotels in Sector 60, Gurugram run by a truly special team.”
Speaking to Express TravelWorld about the concept, Lal further explains, “We initially thought of operating the hotel with 100 per cent ODI staff but shifted to over 70 per cent so we could get in people with hospitality training. The 30 per cent are now able to train the others and guide them in their work. This overall also helps in maintaining the service standards of the hotel.”
Several details are taken care of in order to make the hotel more disable friendly for the employees. It is made sure that the common areas are wheelchair friendly and there is wider access through the doors. Proper signages and regular training programmes help the employees to easily navigate their work on a day-to-day basis.
The work for them will be spread across the two properties with proper delegation. The properties which have only been functioning for two months have already witnessed business seminars and multiple meetings.
Vikramjit Singh, president, Lemon Tree Hotels, says, “Gurugram is home to 40 Fortune 500 companies and is set to be a hub of business in the coming time. As it continues to attract business and leisure travellers, this launch will add to Lemon Tree’s expansion in the area. We are glad to have a special team working here.”
The 3.2-acre area also houses a 20,000-sq-ft convention centre, with commercial and office space, making it the largest accessible MICE destination in Delhi NCR. The hotels will have a collective inventory of over 250 rooms and also separate meeting rooms within each hotel. Strategically nestled between high-end residential societies, the twin hotels offer easy access to Huda City metro station, Leisure Valley and Sector 29, the entertainment district of the city, besides being 20 minutes away from Signature Towers, IFFCO Chowk and the mall mile on MG Road.
With the opening of these two hotels this year, The Lemon Tree Hotel Company becomes the largest owner of hotel rooms in the millennium city. In line with the fresh, fun and spirited ambience of Lemon Tree, these properties promise to delight its guests with vibrant interiors, scrumptious food, impeccable facilities and the distinctive warm and friendly services that Lemon Tree is known for.