Saving Money-Improving Morale
“Every government office should invest in the Feng Shui success strategies that were implemented in our department during this study, to improve efficiency and gain insight for setting up work spaces that improve morale and create positive flow of energy.”
~Karen Catarino, Risk Manager/State of Nevada Department of Administration Risk Management Division
The State of Nevada’s Risk Management Division is not responsible for generating income, but rather for saving the state money by managing risks associated with Workers’ Comp and property/casualty insurance. Department Manager Karen Catarino decided to invest in implementing the Feng Shui business coaching program in her department after learning about its success in the small business community. During the department’s participation period, they were able to save the state of Nevada $11 million dollars.
As with many government entities, the state of Nevada had been hit hard by budget shortfalls in the last several years. State employees lived in constant fear of losing their jobs, and many had already been forced to accept furlough days, cuts in pay and other mandates reducing salaries and benefits. This situation obviously increased stress for state employees, while decreasing morale, productivity, teamwork and the accomplishment of objectives. All of these issues impacted Karen Catarino’s department on a daily basis.
Karen decided to participate in the Feng Shui program, “to add positive energy to the work environment and create more harmony in a government setting.” The biggest challenge facing her department before the program began was securing state legislature approval of their budget for the upcoming year.
Karen’s Exit Survey indicated that benefits received from participation in the Feng Shui study exceeded her expectations:
- The department was able to save the state $11 million dollars
- The division received two awards
- Their proposed budget met preliminary approval by the state legislature
- The staff became a cohesive team with a proven track record
- Karen Catarino won an international management award of excellence
On her Exit Survey Karen commented “The staff was skeptical, but they eventually embraced the changes and are genuinely pleased with the final outcome.”