The physical design of the workplace and types of facilities provided can go a long way towards reducing stress. If a non-creative environment is one that constantly bombards us and overloads our switchboard with noise, agitation and visual stimuli, an environment which allows workers to detach themselves from these distractions will enable employees to become more creative. Walsh describes some of the more unusual facilities offered by firms. They include a Zen zone and lawn with swings. Some companies have gone so far as to use feng shui to improve the office environment, arguing that such a technique can improve productivity, creativity and staff morale.
Athletes have much to teach businesses about the secrets of achieving top performance.
Baker highlights the importance of performance management as a means of ensuring that business strategy is translated into action at the operational level. The article describes the balanced scorecard as an approach that takes into account different types of measurement such as financial performance, customer service, sales forecasting, innovation and learning. The author argues that excellent results with respect to performance, customers, people and society are achieved through leadership driving policy and strategy, people, partnerships and resources, and processes. Toller Lane Bradford England BD8 9BY tel.