The main principle of the Chinese philosophy of feng shui is that harmonising human activity and structures with the surrounding environment brings luck and encourages positive energy. This applies equally in office spaces. Basic office architecture and the arrangement of office furniture can have a significant effect on the way people feel and work, and on how productive they are.
The philosophy of feng shui focuses on integrating natural elements, such as light, water and wood, into work areas, and on positioning structures to maximise the flow of positive energy.
In the Far East, towering multi-block buildings are often designed and constructed to highlight natural features. For example, large windows that allow as much natural light as possible may be positioned so that they offer uninterrupted views of lakes, forest or mountain peaks. Buildings are also carefully positioned to optimise the flow of energy through them.
Balance the yin with the yang
With feng shui, buildings are aligned with specific stars, or points of the compass, to ensure positive flows of qi, or the energy that exists between the polar opposites of yin and yang. The aim is to balance the yin with the yang so as to provide a serene but energised environment that’s conducive to work.
How to build a better work environment
Whether you’re setting up a brand new office or simply managing churn, you can maximise output in a variety of cost effective ways. We’ve compiled easy to implement office feng shui design tips so that you and your business can flourish.
Optimal office seating
Your choice of office chair and the way you position it can have a dramatic impact on your well-being, your relationships with staff and the success of your business.
The advanced lumbar support provided by an ergonomically designed office chair helps prevent stress, tiredness and irritability.
In keeping with feng shui principles, take this a step further and ensure that you sit with your back against a wall, or with a mountain or tall building directly behind you.
Ideally, you should always sit facing the door, in what’s called a “power” or “command” position. This puts you in a position of control over the office and places you to welcome new business. If you must face away from the door, a mirror that reflects the entrance back to you will suffice.
Implement bulk filing solutions
A cluttered or disorganised office creates confusion and unnecessary stress, and obstructs the free flow of energy. Instead documents should be catalogued and filed in neat and accessible bulk storage solutions. Similarly, electrical cords should be hidden so that they don’t add to the clutter and block energy pathways.
It’s important that all furniture and accessories suit the size of the office and don’t block out natural light. Balance can be achieved by offsetting dark colours with pale hues, textured fabrics with silky smooth linens and hard, metallic surfaces with soft, comfortable seating.
Bring in natural elements
By strategically placing pot plants, bamboo, wooden sculptures, and water features or fish tanks around the office, you can integrate the perfection and serenity of nature into the work area.
With feng shui, it’s considered auspicious to incorporate all five natural elements. Known collectively as Wu Xing, these are water, wood, fire, metal and earth. The characteristics of the elements, respectively, are wisdom, benevolence, propriety, righteousness and honesty.
Contact K-Mark for your office needs
K-Mark offers custom-made, ergonomically designed office chairs, furniture installations, churn management systems and bulk filing solutions to meet all your office needs.
