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Feng shui is about the placement of objects to balance the flow of energy so that individuals can be their most productive and prosperous selves. Here’s what owners and entrepreneurs need to know about using feng shui in their businesses.
Most people would love their business to be more prosperous. And of course they’d like a more harmonious work environment that both invigorates and supports themselves and the people they work with. Everyone wants to think more clearly and be more productive.
But achieving these goals can feel tricky (if not impossible). That’s where feng shui can come in. “Feng shui” refers to the ancient Chinese art of placement. It’s possible to join the multitude of U.S. business owners who have embraced feng shui principles and reaped the benefits — benefits that can help create a peaceful, successful, and profitable workplace.
So, come take a journey into the fascinating world of “wind and water.”
Understanding feng shui
Feng shui (pronounced “fung shway”) is a Chinese art; it’s the ancient practice of placing objects that will bring either favorable or unfavorable effects. The placement of the objects is based on the flow of energy in the universe (called chi, which is pronounced as “chee”). The patterns of yin and yang also affect placement (complementary yet opposing forces, such as dark and light or warmth and cold).
The literal translations of the Chinese words “feng” and “shui” are “wind” and “water.” It is through wind and water that chi flows through nature and the universe. Chi should not be impeded but balanced. That balance allows any negative forms (sha chi, or “poisoned arrows”) to be offset with positive adjustments.
Yin and Yang
Together, yin and yang are both a symbol and a belief of natural opposing yet complementary forces that allow a harmonious universe to exist. Nothing can be totally yin or yang; there will always be at least a minuscule amount of one in the other. Yin, the black side, is characterized as weak, passive, dark, cold, winter, and female; Yang, the white side, is characterized as strong, active, bright, warm, summer, and male. Feng shui is based upon the yin and yang philosophy.
The Bagua
This is one of the most powerful tools in feng shui to create positive energy. The bagua is an octagonal chart that depicts the eight points of a compass. Each direction on the compass focuses on a different facet of life. For example, the southeast point influences wealth and fortune and can be characterized by the color purple and the number four. Using this knowledge can help to achieve goals in all aspects of life.
Business Applications
So how does feng shui apply to a business? Here are some valuable insights business owners can follow to improve their office space based on feng shui principles.
Create a clutter-free workspace
According to feng shui, work performance and business wealth can be increased by decluttering and establishing order on the simple desk. Positive chi cannot flow if all that “stuff” on a desk is blocking its movement and cluttering up the worker’s mind.
Business owners who want to follow feng shui can start by taking everything off their desk and cleaning up the space around it. Then, they should put back only those desk items that they use every day. It’s also best to limit papers to those for a single project. Other items (and papers) should be placed elsewhere, such as in file cabinets, desk drawers, and storage cabinets.
Now it’s possible to use the bagua principle to add things that are lovely, positive, and career-enhancing to that uncluttered desk. For example, to generate more wealth for their business, a feng shui-following business owner might place a red or purple artifact on the southeast corner of their desk. Meanwhile, the eastern side of their desk is their health, growth, and family area, represented by wood and the color green. A plant or a family picture in a wood frame could be a nice addition to that space.
Related: 5 Ways to Make a Desk Neater
Position the desk correctly in the office space
In the practice of feng shui, the happiness, success, and prosperity a person has in their business are greatly influenced by the position of their desk. The optimal position is where the desk is set back to view as much of the room as possible, with the person’s back to a wall when they sit down. Ideally, the desk’s owner should have a view of both a window and the door, but never in direct line with the door. Diagonal desk-to-door alignment is best. The doorway or window should never be directly behind the owner’s back; to do so would invite negative sha chi.
Integrate flowers and plants
Live plants and flowers bring many positive elements into a workplace. Aside from their natural beauty, they improve air quality and unite people with the natural world outside. Their green color also encourages personal and business growth.
That said, it’s best to avoid any cactus or plants with sharp-looking leaves as these may cause sha chi. Maybe a lucky bamboo plant or a peace lily could be a great addition.
To bring their positive influences, plants and flowers must be healthy and flourishing. If a plant dies, it’s important to remove it and replace it with another.
Can’t deal with live plants? It’s better to have a silk plant than none at all. Just be sure to keep it dusted and vibrant-looking for a boost of good energy.
Consider adding a water feature
Water is the most powerful symbol of money in feng shui. Its sparkling chi energy is beneficial for a person’s health and prosperity, but it’s essential to keep that water fresh and clean.
Fountains are wonderful, but it’s important to ensure that the water can flow freely; that flow can’t be blocked or stagnant. It also can’t be too rapid. Scaled-down fountains that are designed for a desk or small table are a good choice if space is limited.
Another great choice is either a fish tank or an aquarium. Fish tanks can support good energy and well-being, and they add visual interest to a space. Some business owners might consider including goldfish in their tank; gold is a Chinese symbol for money and is thought to attract it.
Another great way to incorporate water into a business is the use of any artifact that depicts water.
Bringing Feng Shui to Home Offices
Feng shui promotes the importance of keeping business and personal life separate, even when a business owner has a home office. It’s optimal to have an outside, separate entrance to that home office. But if that’s not possible (as it isn’t for many), a room near the front or back door of the house or apartment is best. When a home office is part of a larger room, be sure to partition it with a screen or a large plant. An area rug on the floor can also be used to mark off the office.
What type of ceiling does the home office have? Flat ceilings are best because they promote the flow of chi. If someone has a cathedral or sloped ceiling, they can hang wind chimes to offset sha chi.
Business owners can enhance their own personal chi and professional appeal by dressing well and taking care of their overall health, hygiene, and appearance. Prudent professionals resist the urge to work at home without showering or still wearing their pajamas.
The true challenge is to keep thoughts of work and home from commingling. Some business owners choose to take a short walk before and after their “work” day; not only does that practice reduce stress (thanks to fresh air and sunshine), but it also helps separate business life and personal life by creating a mental and physical transition between the two.
Note: Obtaining a full and deep education and understanding of feng shui can take year. Business owners who want to follow the practice can visit a local bookstore or library to learn more about it. Whether someone is a master or a novice, there are plenty of applications that can encourage good feng shui and foster a positive work environment that promotes health, wealth, and wellness for both the business owner and their employees.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. For specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.
