Feng Shui for Wellbeing at Work

Feng Shui is an holistic design discipline originating from ancient China that acknowledges the role of environment energies in space and time on our wellbeing, happiness and levels of luck and success. Feng Shui Agency is increasingly in demand to provide practical advice on how to improve office and retail premises for the benefit of both the business 'bottom line' and the employees. Sarah McAllister is the Wellbeing Network's approved Feng Shui consultant for their corporate wellbeing package - here she provides some basic pointers on good Feng Shui in the workplace:

Open and Bright Reception

It is so important to have a strong reception area that is ergonomically arranged, welcoming and light. It is the first impression for both staff and visitors alike and can either be uplifting or depressing. Some of Feng Shui skill is akin to good design sense and can appear very simplistic, but we all know how hard it is sometimes just to be simple!

Compass Directions

Avoid 'No Man's Land' Take a regular orienteering compass and ensure that your desk faces a pure direction, rather than the divide between one direction and another as this can cause indecision and frustrating obstacles to plague you more so than usual! This means that instead of facing the intersection between East and Southeast you would move the desk slightly to face more squarely either East OR Southeast. 5000 years of Feng Shui research, not to mention modern day consultancy experience, reveals that each direction has certain qualities and to benefit from those qualities you need to be properly aligned to them, rather than in 'no mans land' between the directions. Best to take a few readings in several places to make sure no electromagnetism is distorting the compass needle.

The Power Position

Layouts that place staff with their backs protected by a solid surface such as a wall or large filing cabinet are far preferred to having backs exposed to floor to ceiling glass walls (especially if on the higher storeys of an office tower) or having back against the door or aisle. There is primitive part of our brains still very much attuned to the fight or flight reaction, and while we do not expect to be attacked by our colleagues, we still subconsciously prefer to have our backs covered, so that we can see people approaching us. If your open plan office means you have few walls, then invest in a trough of plants to place behind you to create some privacy and protection.

Healing Properties of Water

Water can help protect us from the damaging effects of excessive electricity cabling and office equipment 'electrosmog'. Regularly misting your area with mineral water spray helps to clear the air of static and also counteracts dryness caused by air conditioning units. If you have a lot of equipment or cables by your desk and you cannot move the desk (as is often the case) then keeping a small glass of water next to this area will help protect you against the EMF pollution, because water absorbs the poison energy -just DO NOT DRINK the water afterwards as it will taste vile and make you ill. [Obviously, care needs to be taken in how you position the water, so that it is unlikely to spill and cause damage to your equipment.]

Clutter & Symbology

Clutter clearing is an aspect of authentic Feng Shui - obviously, it is good to have a clear desk to promote clear thinking and good organisation. Similarly, the symbols surrounding you are best kept simple, uplifting and empowering - avoid chaotic art and pictures of stormy seas and opt for calm, tranquil horizons and pictures of achievement and happiness. Bringing Nature into the Workplace Plants - Creating a green oasis of live planting helps to clean the air, as plants provide oxygen during the day. Plants and fresh flowers also bring vitality chi (life force energy) into a workplace - opt for large smooth rounded leaves or elegant soft fronded palms rather than spiky yuccas. Trailing plants are more suited to a rest and relaxation area such as the staff kitchen or dining area.

Good Lighting

Full spectrum lights are far preferable to ordinary yellowish/red lightbulbs, because they mimic natural daylight by up to 97% - very useful in basement offices.

Creating a Wellness Office
Good air filters with safe ionisation not only cleanse the air but release negative ions to imitate fresh forest air full of vitality. Investing in good water filters reduces plastic waste and turns ordinary tap water into energised, clean drinking water, with no ongoing monthly contract fees.

Staff Dynamics & Recruitment
The year of birth of staff members can reveal some interesting energy dynamics between individuals and their managers and colleagues. Feng Shui horoscope information can even be used to choose your final candidate from a shortlist and to make wiser recruitment decisions.

Professional consultancy
Consultations include an assessment of a business logo and the provision of auspicious dates to launch new products, start PR campaigns, start new websites and move into new premises.

The above tips can be carried out safely, but only scratch the surface of the vast body of knowledge that is authentic Feng Shui. For best results it is highly recommended to arrange a Feng Shui consultation with an expert, as this will obviously give you access to more advanced knowledge and tailor-made recommendations than can be covered in a short article.

See www.fengshuiagency.com for further details and sign up for our Free Feng Shui Tips Newsletter or Free audio Seminar. Or call Sarah McAllister on 0800 458 7267 for details of these wellness technologies.