Feng (wind) shui (water) is a traditional Chinese architecture-based art that involves the establishment of a living space that is harmonious with the natural environment. Practitioners study how the positive energy harnessed in an environment can be used for health and fortune.
In recent years, the esteem that professionals have for this Chinese philosophy has only grown, as its popularity has risen even in Western countries. Perhaps the most alluring aspect of feng shui is that it is believed to bring good health and good fortune if executed properly.
Feng shui was originally only applied to homes, but the concept has slowly developed into one that can be applied to the workplace as well. Entrepreneurs operating in places like Salt Lake City can acquire the help of a professional feng shui consultant to aid in workplace design. This includes the proper arrangement of office furniture, such as cubicles and chairs, in relation to the permanent fixtures in the area, such as windows and doors.
It should be noted that the practice does not end when the consultant leaves and all the furniture has been installed. Members of the company can study some of the basic principles of feng shui and apply it to their daily work routine, too.
Below are among the few feng shui principles that you can follow in your workplace to increase productivity.
Keep it clean
Rosalie Prinzivalli, a former Wall Street member and now a feng shui practitioner, explains that clutter in the workplace affects productivity and represents energy that can’t move forward.
By doing things such as moving forward with old projects, as well as routinely throwing away trash and filing unnecessary documents out of sight, employees can generate a steady flow of positive energy in the office.
Assume a ‘power’ position
A tip that most experts give is not to sit with your back to the door. While most employees do not feat the threat of physical violence in the office, sitting with your back facing the door is known to leave you feeling vulnerable psychologically.
According to Prinzivalli, this position leaves you unrelaxed and hence, your productivity suffers. If a change in seat position is not possible, it is optimal to place a small mirror on the desk or the wall.
Counterbalance the negatives
Adding a few desk decorations that are considered to be lucky can help create a good workplace environment. For example, fresh plant pots (but not cacti since there are considered to be threatening) can brighten up a desk.
You can also encourage money flow by placing Chinese coins tied with red thread on your office door. Other items considered to be beneficial are crystals and dragon figurines, which experts believe are capable of protecting people from harmful influences.
Take a walk
Perhaps the easiest and cheapest thing that everyone in the office can do to improve energy flow is taking a break from work and getting away from the computer. Working continuously for hours on end can damage not only your eyes but also your psyche. So, standing up and leaving your desk to go to the restroom or get a snack is vital in the upkeep of workplace productivity.
Before you dismiss feng shui as some form of pseudoscience, have a glance around your office first. If you see things that do not really make you happy, or if you notice stale or even plummeting productivity among your employees, perhaps it is time to make some changes with these basic principles in mind.