5 reasons you should feng shui your workspace

If you’re in need of an office-based energy boost, here are 5 reasons you should feng shui your workspace – from upping your chance of success to boosting energy and efficiency.

Research from University of Exeter found employees who had control over the design and layout of their workspace were not only happier and healthier, but were 32 per cent more productive. ‘Our environment supports us and when we claim our space, that energy becomes anchored in and helps us to navigate through change more efficiently,’ says Laura Cerrano, CEO and founder of Feng Shui Manhattan.

Follow these steps to maximise your potential. Your boss will thank you for it.

For… greater success: Move your desk

The location of your desk is important when considering feng shui. ‘Your desk should be positioned in a commanding position where you have a good visibility of the whole room as well as the door of the office,’ says feng shui consultant Tram Anh Nguyen. Arranging where and how you sit can influence how much success you will have. ‘This symbolises seeing opportunities as they arise,’ says Cerrano. ‘Having a solid wall to your back is part of creating a commanding position, offering protection and support.’

For…positive energy: Have a clear-out

If your room is drowning in sheets of white paper and Post-it notes, then it’s time to rethink. ‘De-clutter the office often, to let the Qi flow,’ says Nguyen. Instead, decorate with metaphorical signs to improve energy. ‘Any certificates, awards (most recent) could be placed on display,’ says Cerrano. ‘Commonly an image of a mountain (representing supportive energy) is usually behind the desk if possible or a world map that illustrates the “journey” of where a company or business will expand to.’

For…a clear mind: Maximise natural light

Your room should not rival the lighting in a horror movie, so make sure you let in plenty of daylight.’It is always better to be working in an office with lots of windows and therefore I advise my clients to open them every day if possible and let the sunlight in,’ says Nguyen. ‘This is a very good way so that the good Qi/energy can enter and settle the room.’ Artificial light may not help as much. ‘Try to avoid fluorescent lighting (science is providing evidence that these lights have negative impacts on our psychological health),’ says Cerrano. Goodbye, lava lamp.

For…greater effiency: Circulate the air

If you can still smell yesterday’s lunch in the room, then you know you’ve got to get some air in.’Quality of air is key,’ says Nguyen. ‘I always encourage my clients to add a bit of plants to help.’ Avoid lingering smells (and mistakes) by getting a table fan. ‘A simple fan with a grill can be a simple yet effective way to move the air and energy around,” says Cerrano. AND breathe!

For…feeling like the world’s on your side: Decorate your space

Whether you’re a fan of florals or trendy tribals, choosing carefully selected colours and textures can improve the environment and energy of your room. ‘For professional offices some may recommend light greys, others may say neutral, earthy tones,’ says Cerrano. ‘Step by step, you fill in the space to make it as supportive as possible. Try to have a balance of hard to soft texture. Hard textures could be labelled as the desk, floor and walls. Soft could be labelled as artwork, images of loved ones who support you, plants, fabric on chairs, curtains and a rug.’