Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice of harmonizing individuals with the environment to optimize the flow of chi — the vital force that sustains everything. Although this concept originates in East Asia, its principles resonate with universal ideas governing space design and psychology. Many business leaders from the world’s largest companies have adopted it to promote creativity, boost productivity, and achieve prosperity in their work environments. Follow these tips to attain a Feng Shui office layout.
Put Desks in the Power Position
The power or command position is the optimal desk placement in Feng Shui. It involves putting the desk where you can see the door without being directly in line with it. Facing the wall with a clear view of the doorway lets you know who enters and leaves the room, giving you a sense of authority and control over the space.
In shared office spaces, arrange desks beside each other instead of in line with one another or with the door. Feng Shui practitioners call the latter the death position because such positioning causes people to feel vulnerable.
Align Seats on Solid Walls
Solid walls behind office chairs reinforce the command position. Let the wall support your back to prevent anyone from surprising you and help you feel secure. However, Feng Shui experts would advise you against placing seats in front of windows to avoid being in a vulnerable position.
If you can’t arrange a chair close to a wall, use a piece with an adjustable backrest that reclines at least 15 degrees from vertical. Supportive chairs are ergonomic and promote good posture, which also matters in Feng Shui. Furniture that provides proper lumbar support improves the flow of chi throughout the body, boosting productivity and reducing fatigue.
Apply the same idea to sofas in the lounge area. If the furniture can’t face the doorway due to space constraints, hang a mirror on the opposite wall. It allows you a good view of the room entrance while sitting on the sofa without turning your head.
Observe Clearance Everywhere
Proper space between objects is essential for allowing chi to flow freely throughout the office. Ensure there’s enough clearance around desks, and keep walkways clear.
In smaller spaces, maximize storage units to keep things organized. Clutter represents blocked energy, which reflects a lack of awareness and mental blocks, causes stagnation, and hinders growth. Tidying work areas doesn’t only reduce safety hazards, it also promotes a sense of calm and control, helping employees to reduce stress.
In larger spaces, open bookcases or plants can create semiprivate zones to promote focus without disrupting the flow of chi. Bookcases represent knowledge and wisdom, so they give off positive energy to employees. Vegetation strengthens the Feng Shui element of wood, promoting resilience and creativity.
Situate Workstations by the Window
Windows are an abundant natural light source, infusing positive energy and vitality into the space to uplift mood. They offer a view of the outside world to bring nature in and can ventilate indoor spaces to let in growth energy.
The windows should be on the sides of the desks. This layout lets sunlight flow into more areas and prevents glare, which can worsen your vision and be physically uncomfortable.
Soft artificial lighting can replace the sun at night. Illumination boosts yang energy, evoking activity and creativity.
Decorate the Wealth Corner With Plants
The wealth corner is the far left area of your office when you stand in the main door facing in. This space relates to your company’s financial health and abundance, so its design can reflect your business’s profitability.
Feng Shui experts recommend decorating it with greenery to stimulate healthy financial growth. Adding the colors purple or blue to this area supports this idea. Popular decorative items for the wealth corner are water features or artwork embodying the water element to complement wood and amethyst crystals to epitomize material wealth.
Incorporate Aroma
Another element for office design using Feng Shui is to add pleasing scents. Different scents are helpful for different types of businesses. For example, citrus scents are said to stimulate the mind and energy, so they’re good for office settings. Woody scents are particularly good for serious settings, such as law or accounting offices.
Transform Your Office Design with Feng Shui
Embracing Feng Shui for workplace design is a low-risk, high-reward endeavor for small business owners. This Chinese practice naturally promotes productive and comfortable offices, so you have everything to gain from adopting it.
