Remember that quaint old term 'time and motion study'? It conjures up monochrome photos of earnest young men in white coats carrying clipboards and stopwatches. They used to set about analysing processes - manufacturing processes, clerical processes - to find better, more efficient, ways of doing things. By chance, they also discovered something which today sounds obvious. The working environment itself plays an absolutely vital role in the way people interact, the effectiveness of their work and their general feeling of wellbeing - all of which contributes to the quality of work they complete, while slashing absenteeism rates.

More recently, the spotlight has shifted to issues of Health and Safety. Vitally important, but I believe we are in danger of concentrating too much on eliminating the negatives, while forgetting the powerful impact that can be achieved by pursuing the positives.

For that reason, I don't intend to discuss the legislative aspects of the working environment. Look up the Business Link website - it does that perfectly; everything from carrying out risk assessments to health and safety for staff working from home. I am going to discus the positives.

Feeding the senses

Tony Blair famously suggested that "Mention religion and people think you're a nutter". Although it is not a religion, I sometimes think the same is true of Feng Shui, which is a pity because it really does address a lot of the problems of our living and working environment. That is why architects, environmental engineers and planners recently met for a two day workshop "Transforming The Built Environment With Feng Shui" in London. Feng Shui is all about feeding the senses.

Think about the work place. Take a walk around your office, laboratory or factory …how does it make you feel - what can you see, smell, hear, taste and feel ?

Over the years there have been lots of studies on the effect of colour in the working environment to the point where the term 'Colour Ergonomics' has been coined. Colour surrounds us - feeding and nourishing our senses. We see it, feel it and absorb it. Our minds, bodies and spirits are profoundly affected by it, stimulated and energised by some colours, or calmed and relaxed by others. Mentally and emotionally, colour works on a deep level, changing our mood and our sense of well being.

It makes good sense to surround staff with pleasant colours, artwork, furniture, plants and objects that are pleasing to the eye.

The Art Institute of Chicago has been doing some innovative work introducing art to the working environment, but even they have yet to take art to the factory floor. I always find hanging inspirational photos of nature relieves stress in working environments. Try attractive prints of tropical beaches, mountains, rivers, forests, flowers etc - and let the blood pressure decrease.

Do ensure that all your people are working in close proximity to natural daylight. If this is not possible, then use daylight bulbs that provide the full spectrum – not fluorescent tubes.

As to the sense of Sound, the British government quickly recognised the value of music in the workplace, when 'Music While You Work' transformed the morale (and the output figures) of munitions factories. When Muzac began polluting much of our public spaces, the concept took a knock but, fortunately, the use of sensitively selected music can enhance the working environment.

When it comes to the sense of smell, we may not have the sensitivity of a dog's nose, but the olfactory receptors are very much a key to mood. That's why so many supermarkets pipe the smell of warm bread near the 'bakery' section. In an office environment, we can satisfy the sense of smell with fresh flowers - while stimulating the eye. Good ventilation is important to stimulate a healthy working environment. Ensure the zone is not being contaminated with any volatiles and air pollutants.

Air Quality and the general atmosphere in the working environment can be enhanced by incorporating plants in to the workplace. Plants also help to add moisture to the air and emit life-enhancing oxygen. For computer users, I find that small potted plants each side of the computer screen is therapeutic - small Ficus and Yukka are particularly effective.

In the factory, provide fresh lemon slices next to the water fountain. Even the sense of touch can play a role, with different surfaces providing an added element of stimulation

De-clutter

Another tenet of Feng Shui is the value of removing clutter from the environment. If Feng Shui is too mystical for you, then I suggest you consult the DTI's Manufacturing Advisory Service's fact sheet 'Lean Tools and Techniques'. Does it work? I introduced the concepts to my own organisation in 2003 and since then we have doubled turnover to £40 million and significantly increased profit margins. It works!

Editor's note: As a member of the Government's Manufacturing Forum, Dawn works to bring an agenda for positive change and promotion in industry. Dawn is now an Ambassador for the Government's Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) and International Ambassador for the Feng Shui Society

Think about the work place. Take a walk around your office, laboratory or factory …how does it make you feel - what can you see, smell, hear, taste and feel ?