Corporate Feng Shui

Designing an office that encourages positive energy and efficiency

by Helen Arabanos

Feng shui, (pronounced fung shway) the ancient Chinese art of placement, is quickly gaining popularity in the West and becoming as American as McDonald’s. In fact, several McDonald’s locations, including one in Los Angeles, have recently been remodeled using feng shui principles.
Feng Shui is said to literally translate to “wind water”, which implies balance; native speakers of the Chinese Language translate feng shui as “positive vibes.” The practice is more in-depth than most people realize and many are surprised to learn that it has a psychological basis. A word often used in feng shui discussions is chi. This refers to the positive energy that is created when a room is in balance.

Developed several thousands of years ago in China, feng shui was originally used to determine locations for villages or structures. It is now translated to recreate the balance and harmony of nature into interior design. This is done in part by using the 5-Element Theory: the balance of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water energies. When placed intentionally and in specific combination with each other, it creates a soothing, peaceful environment that is felt but not always seen. Feng shui is about how a space feels when you are in it — safety and comfort first, then beauty.
Feng shui principles can be applied to any environment: a home, an office, a garden, a room, even a desktop. The following are examples of how to incorporate feng shui when designing and managing the office experience.

The lobby or reception area in an office is believed to be one of the most important areas. Ideally, the door should open easily and freely, no sticking or creaking, with a ‘greeter’ placed inside to welcome visitors. This greeter can be a person with a warm, friendly smile sitting at the front desk, a friendly statue on a table or a beautiful painting on the wall. It is important to keep the greeter far enough away from the door to draw the visitor in but close enough to immediately catch their eye when they open the door, giving them a sense of being welcomed into the room.

Conference rooms are another important area in an office. This is where ideas are generated and teamwork is built. Fishbowl-type conference rooms, although they have many positive aspects, are not without pitfalls. They are a great way to share a beautiful view with everyone when there isn’t a conference in session. However, when people feel like they are being observed, some tend to keep their thoughts to themselves and sit silently while others will make extra effort to prove themselves by overtaking the conversations. Avoid this by installing blinds or curtains that can be drawn for privacy during a meeting. It will eliminate distractions and keep the meeting focused. Be sure the person leading the meeting is seated in a power position. This means they have a clear view of the door in front of them and their back is protected by a solid wall behind them. If people with opposing views are being brought together, do not have them sit facing each other across the table as this can spark the rivalry. If possible, try to seat them on the same side of the table with a neutral person between them. When a small group is meeting in a large conference room, gather them at one end of the table. If they spread out it will be difficult for them to feel like a cohesive group and, thus, the project they are working on could be compromised.

The cubicles that are common in many modern offices wreak havoc on employee moral. The employees have no privacy and are seated vulnerably with their back unprotected as people constantly pass behind them or even stop and look over their shoulder without being noticed. To remedy this, consider upgrading to cubicles that have sliding doors for privacy or add a small rear view mirror in each cubicle, placed specifically so the employee can see movement behind them without watching themselves in it.

Remember if you can move freely and easily through a space, then chi energy can too, bringing harmony, flow and prosperity to the space. So keep halls and doorways clear. Corners are referred to as “poison arrows” giving a person the sense of being attacked. Camouflage them by placing a plant, a lamp or a soft fabric draped in front of them. It is especially important not to seat someone with a corner pointed toward them. Be sure to bring nature indoors by adding plants, water features or pictures of nature. And finally, listen to employees. If they don’t like the furniture or art work, consider changing it. If they feel good in their environment they will be happier, more productive and will likely stick around longer. It takes energy to avoid unpleasing items — energy that could be used for projects.

To encourage thought flow, keep all areas clear of clutter. Avoid having a lot of files and other storage in or near where employees are working; these files usually create stagnant energy and can cause lethargy and distraction for employees trying to concentrate.

Many offices have lots of wood and metal energy which can be overwhelming and off-putting. Be sure to balance this with soft items such as throw pillows in the lobby, warm colors and pictures that are soothing and relaxing. Keep in mind that blue is a color that aids knowledge and self-awareness but too much can give a space a feeling being cold and aloof.