What is Feng Shui?

Feng Shui means “wind” and “water” in Chinese. It is a traditional art of living based on a philosophy strongly rooted in spirituality and Chinese history and ancient cultures. A more simple and modern definition of Feng Shui, is the idea and practice of living in harmony with the natural world and five Feng Shui Elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Even though this practice is quite ancient, dating back to 4000 BC, it is widely used today and can be quite helpful when setting up your office architecture, design and arrangements.

Does Feng Shui Work?

Feng Shui claims to be able to increase productivity, sales, and communication among employees all while reducing stress. It is definitely worth a try since it certainly can’t hurt and, at the very least; it organizes your office and makes it look nice. But if it truly can have a positive effect on the environment, staff, employees, guests, customers, sales, and productivity, then there is that added benefit for your company. It only takes a small change to try out Feng Shui in the office and can bring a great benefit, so check out these DOs and DON’Ts.

Feng Shui DOs:

·         DO have a good balance of yin and yang when decorating your workspace. Balance light and dark colours, soft and hard surfaces, and smooth and rough textures in your choice of window treatments, furniture, and flooring.

·         DO sit in the corner farthest from the entrance to the room, facing the entrance to have a “command” position. Whenever possible have your back to a corner or a tall building behind you to symbolize the support of a “mountain” holding up your back.

·         DO put your computer in the North or West area of your office to enhance your creativity. Place the computer in the Southeast if you use it to generate income.

·         DO use plants and water to reduce stress in the environment, as long as they don’t create more clutter. Combine elements such as a fish tank with plants, or metal elements for a blended Feng Shui technique.

·         DO treat the files in your office with respect. They represent your past, present, and future business.

·         DO keep the cords to your office equipment well hidden. This eliminates clutter and allows for the free flow of chi.

·         DO use natural light and fresh air whenever possible. To reduce excessive exposure and “fish-bowl-effect”, use window treatments.


Feng Shui DON’Ts:

·         DON’T sit in line with the door, as you will be in the path of negative energy.

·         DON’T face away from the door.  Business symbolically comes through your door, so don’t turn your back on it.

·         DON’T arrange your workspace so that you look straight out into a corridor or see the stairs, storage rooms, closets, elevators, escalators, or toilets.

·         DON’T keep mirrors in your office, as they can reflect negative energy from clients to other people in the room. You should always maintain control over the energy in your office.

·         DON’T allow clutter to accumulate. Clutter adds to stress and disrupts the harmony of all other Feng Shui efforts.

·         DON’T use glaring florescent lights, or at least keep them to a minimum.

 

Optimizing Your Office Space for Feng Shui:

  • Your desk and computer in the “career” area
  • Reference books in the “knowledge” and “self-cultivation” areas
  • A crystal bowl in “wealth and prosperity”
  • You can have reception, phone systems/communication system in area marked for helpful people.
  • You can have a picture of your father or other relatives in the family area if you have an inherited business.