Feng Shui is a 5.000 year old Chinese practice that focuses on harmonizing energy in physical spaces to promote success, health and good luck in life.
In this article, I will focus on the benefits of Feng Shui on well-being and productivity. While it may not directly align with modern business practices, we can draw some parallels between Feng Shui principles and strategies to foster better productivity and satisfaction among employees.
For a corporation, the following key points are essential to boost employee's productivity and satisfaction:
Clear Communication: In Feng Shui, clear pathways for energy flow are essential. They are directly linked with our communication and relations with others. Similarly, in the workplace, companies should promote open and clear communication channels to allow the smooth flow of information and ideas. Clear pathways, where the pace of energetic flow is balanced, encourages clear and efficient communication.
Empowerment and Autonomy: Feng Shui emphasizes the importance of balance and harmony. In the workplace, granting employees autonomy and empowering them to make decisions fosters a balanced and harmonious work environment. There are several practical steps that we can use in Feng Shui, to ensure employees feel more empowered and confident. For instance, having our backs supported with a high-back chair is essential, or ideally with a solid wall behind us. Having an open overview of the space where we work, also stimulates empowerment, as well as sitting in a power position, diagonally across the door.
Work-Life Balance: Feng Shui principles are found on the importance of balance. These suggest the need for a balanced lifestyle, for maintaining good health, emotional, mental wellbeing and satisfaction with our life. Companies can support work-life balance by designing office spaces that provide areas for relaxation, incorporating natural elements, and encouraging employees to take regular breaks and find moments of tranquility for example.
Recognition and Rewards: In Feng Shui, the placement of symbols and objects that represent success and recognition is believed to attract positive energy. Similarly, companies can create an environment where recognition and rewards are given prominence, motivating employees to strive for success. In my practice, we use a certain points within the company premises, that have a pulse and are adequate for display of recognition and awards. Sometimes they are made as gallery walls in appropriate position (not next to the toilet for example!), where employees feel encouraged walking by, or gathering around them. These small details make people feel important and as part of the team.
Training and Development: Feng Shui encourages personal growth and self-improvement. Similarly, companies can invest in training and development programs that allow employees to expand their skills and knowledge, contributing to their personal and professional growth. For example, in hybrid work setting, employees can benefit from understanding how they can set their own working & home environment to boost focus, productivity, organisational skills, as well as manage stress and enhance wellbeing. There are all modalities of Feng Shui.
Positive Work Environment: Feng Shui promotes a harmonious and positive environment by incorporating elements such as natural light, plants, water and balanced color schemes. Similarly, companies can invest in creating positive work environment by incorporating Feng Shui principles in their establishments, and fostering a culture of positivity and collaboration.
Employee Well-being: Feng Shui emphasizes the importance of a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Companies can prioritize employee well-being by incorporating Feng Shui principles in their offices with certain layouts for workspace, artwork, ergonomic design principles, providing access to natural light and fresh air, creating spaces that are connected with nature and offering wellness programs that promote physical and mental health.
Feedback and Performance Management: Feng Shui encourages the evaluation and adjustment of the energy flow in a space. Similarly, companies should establish feedback mechanisms and performance management systems to evaluate employee performance and make necessary adjustments to enhance productivity and satisfaction. With a smooth energy flow within a space, a company immediately experiences increased performance of employees.
Employee Engagement: Feng Shui teaches that an engaged and harmonious environment attracts positive energy. When employees feel supported, they naturally become more engaged. With Feng Shui it is relatively simple to create supportive environments, where people like to work, engage and feel part of the team. Similarly, companies can engage employees by involving them in decision-making processes, encouraging collaboration, and creating opportunities for teamwork and innovation.
Continuous Improvement: Feng Shui emphasizes the need for evaluation and adjustment to maintain balance and harmony. Similarly, companies should continuously assess their practices, seek feedback from employees, and make improvements to ensure a harmonious and productive work environment. These improvements can be dome on the physical level of the business, such as working environment and conditions. Everyone loves setups that feel positive, encouraging, nurturing, creative and stimulating.
Research indicates that we now spend at least 90% of our time indoors, which represents the highest proportion in human history. Consequently, it has become increasingly vital to create environments that nurture and support our well-being, incorporating small yet impactful steps towards daily wellness. By embracing this approach, we can forge a sustainable path for our future.
Incorporating Feng Shui principles in the workplace can serve as a reminder to create a balanced, harmonious, and positive environment that supports employee productivity and satisfaction.
My name is Masha Zorn, I’m a feng shui & wellbeing expert, consultant, writer and teacher.
I specialize in collaborating with conscious organizations to cultivate supportive environments that promote optimal performance of employees, without compromising their health.