I read with interest your article on alternative approaches to law (see [2004] Gazette, 19 February, 30).

Any attempt to bring holistic values into relationships with clients and/or dispute resolution should be actively encouraged.

One important aspect of this 'holistic' approach, not dealt with in the article, is to do with the care of those who work within the organisation itself.

Everyone, whether they are employees or not, wants to be happy, to be valued and to be free from stress.

In an age when the success of an organisation is driven by 'bottom lines' and material values, it is easy to forget that the workforce is made up of human beings, all with different aspirations.

Life and work, after all, are not separate or incompatible.

There are sound commercial reasons why every employer should consider what this holistic view is trying to tell us.

The difficulties that law firms are now experiencing in recruiting and retaining suitably qualified staff are likely to remain for the future as the birth rate declines.

In this climate, the quality of the working environment and job satisfaction assume a far greater importance for the employer.

All of us, whether partners, managers or employees, need to live our lives in this fast-moving business community and preserve our humanity in the process.

At this firm, we are trying to address this issue by looking beyond the material needs of those we employ.

We make a range of alternative therapies available to staff, during working hours.

This facility is part financed by the firm and is proving popular.

We are also planning other initiatives, including the provision of facilities for yoga, meditation and groups discussing practical philosophy.

One suspects that before too long, all forward-thinking employers will wish to address this issue.

After all, any business can only flourish with a well- motivated and contented staff.

Andrew Bell, Beresfords, Doncaster