Back in 2002 one firm took an unusual approach to retaining its employees by consulting the Tao Te Ching

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The Tao of success

Could ancient Chinese philosophy be the key to solving the UK鈥檚 labour supply issues? This week our columnist James Wates suggests a range of ways to tackle the skills crisis in response to fears it will worsen after Brexit.

But back in 2002, Farrelly Facilities took an unusual approach to retaining its employees by consulting the Tao Te Ching - meaning the 鈥渃lassic path of virtue鈥�, which includes the idea of letting things take their course, rather than bending them to people鈥檚 will. This doesn鈥檛 sound a particularly construction-friendly sentiment, but when translated into the workplace, it simply meant providing a work-life balance.

Employees were given more control of their work and a more relaxed atmosphere was introduced. Workers were encouraged leave by 5.30pm and not work at weekends, allowed to dress down, given birthdays off and given greater training opportunities. The company decided on change when it realised morale was low. 鈥淏efore going off site, people [鈥 used to say things like 鈥業f I鈥檓 going to war, I鈥檒l be needing some ammunition,鈥欌�� said director of training Jerry Farelly. 鈥淚 realised they were only turning up for work because they had to.鈥� Perhaps government could take a leaf out their book.

To read the full article from 11 May 2002, download the PDF below.

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