Western business buys in to Eastern promise
Western business buys in to Eastern promise
Keywords Health, Human resource management,Sick building syndrome, Work
Feng Shui the ancient Chinese art of placement is set to become a key part of human resource strategy for companies in the 2000s, according to a leading secretarial recruitment consultancy.
"During the 1980s, people talked about the effect of the working environment on employees' productivity and morale, for example, sick building syndrome, stress levels, absenteeism and the like", said Lindsay Petrie, Office Angels' regional director.
"Today progressive companies are adopting a more holistic approach to health at work and are beginning to address the cause of a lot of these problems, hence the increasing interest in techniques such as Feng Shui."
In response to this trend amongst UK businesses, Office Angels has introduced a series of business seminars on the subject for HR professionals. The seminars are designed and delivered by Sarah Shurety, a well-known consultant and writer on Feng Shui and founder of the Feng Shui Company, who says "When the Feng Shui Company started out four years ago, most of our consultations were for people's private homes,with only 15 per cent being for businesses. Now business consultations account for about 40 per cent of our work. People are taking Feng Shui seriously and are starting to apply it in all areas of their lives."
Lindsay Petrie adds "With the current shortage of high calibre, skilled staff, retaining and motivating existing employees is a crucial HR issue. Companies are trying new and 'softer'techniques to keep their staff happy. Until recently, techniques like Feng Shui were relatively unknown and cloaked in mystery. Today, however, they are being widely embraced throughout all levels of society, and those businesses which have tried them are definitely reaping the rewards.
"The principle of Feng Shui is all about freeing channels of energy, within your office or home, to maximize your health, wealth and happiness and enhance your business relationships. Much of the Feng Shui advice is basic common sense and, if followed, makes for a more balanced and pleasant environment."
For further information on the business seminars contact Sarah El-Doori, Tel: 0181 741 4000. The Feng Shui Company can be contacted on Tel: 07000 781 901.
