What is Feng Shui, and where did it come from?

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy of balancing the environment around you. In some ways, feng shui is similar to the practice of astrology. Each person is born under a different sign, which has certain implications on how they will live their lives. Similarly, each building is born under a certain sign that determines how it will be affected by the environments around it. Once you understand how your building is affected by its environment, you can use that information to improve your building's "luck". Because feng shui is an art more than a science, there are no simple rules that can be applied to every building. Sometimes it can take weeks to analyse a building's environment and determine the best way to improve it.

Feng shui is a Chinese term that translates roughly to "wind and water." The ancient practice involves looking at where you live, where you work, and even how you think about yourself. So, how can you adapt Feng shui to your office to make it a healthy and productive place to work? There are several ways to bring Feng shui into your workspace, and this month, RBF gives you some top tips on how to begin.

How to feng shui different office setups

Before we take a look at how to bring feng shui into a particular office space, it's important to understand some generic feng shui design tips that are sure to help anyone - whether you are at home or at work.

Declutter your space - clutter is not good for a healthy workspace so get rid of your rubbish and anything that doesn't immediately help you with your job. This is so your 'chi' or life force energy can move freely.

Face your door - Many of us know that desk placement is important in Feng shui. When we don't face our doors, many of us may consciously or subconsciously feel as though we are being watched. Facing your door allows you to escape any and all surprises!

Keep your windows open - Good air quality means elevated productivity, so it's important to keep those windows open to let the air flow through. This will also help your chi to flow, and you will get bonus points if you have a wind chime!

Bring in pleasing smells - There is nothing worse than a bad smell in the office. Using a diffuser for some pleasant background smells will give you a sense of calm throughout the day. Try to pick a scent that works for everyone, though.

Now that we have looked at some feng shui basics, let's take a look at some different office setups to understand the best way to bring some feng shui into the building.

Home office

For many of us, working from home is now a permanent thing, so it's important we get the right set-up to be able to be at our most productive. Removing clutter and items that are not solely focused on your job will help you to focus on the task at hand. Try to keep your work life and home life separate. Place your desk with a solid wall behind you to give yourself a commanding position, and add in some plants to help your chi flow. Lastly, be sure to bring in plenty of energy and light so you can focus throughout the day and not drift into the living room!

Cubicle or private office

If you have the benefit of your own private space, you may have more freedom in what you can do. We recommend following the tips above and adapting the space to suit your own personal needs. Bring in some artwork that is inspiring, include a plant on your desk and be sure to have a good flow of air throughout your space. Lastly, using scents to balance the smell of your space may be a little tricky, so be sure to check with close-sitting colleagues to make sure they are happy with your chosen scent.

Open plan office

It can be difficult in an open plan office to truly adopt feng shui into your space; however, if you as an employer are looking to do this, there are some simple steps you can follow, including the generic tips above. Firstly, colours are important in Feng shui and in your office, so choose them wisely. White or pastel colours help stimulate creativity, so they would be great for a creative position, whilst a stressful role would benefit more from earth-coloured tones. Desks should be facing the main door where all the comings and goings happen to reduce fear and anxiety. Lastly, include plants and thought-provoking art in your office to increase productivity and motivation.

What are the benefits of feng shui for your office?

Feng shui is a Chinese art form that involves arranging objects in a room in ways that harmonise with the natural elements of space. In the same way that plants help purify the air, furniture helps cleanse energy. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that people working in offices where the environment had been arranged according to feng shui principles experienced less stress and anxiety. Another study showed that employees who worked in environments designed following feng shui principles reported feeling happier, healthier, and more productive.

The benefits of office Feng shui are similar to those found in homes, such as improved sleep quality and greater creativity. Office feng shui includes arranging furniture, decorating walls, and placing artwork in a manner that promotes harmony among people, nature, and technology. This type of arrangement can include items like mirrors, bamboo, and even potted plants.

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Get started on your feng shui with our office furniture

If you are keen to get started on bringing feng shui into your office, you might want to consider the furniture you have to begin with. Part of successful feng shui is the comfort of your workspace, and this includes having a supportive office chair and a desk that is positioned perfectly for you. If you are struggling with your office furniture, why not pay a visit to RBF and see what secondhand furniture pieces we have available in our vast showroom? We can guarantee there is something for everyone and you won't go away disappointed!