Solutions

Feng Shui is one of the five greatest arts of Taoism and means "wind and water". These terms are meant to illustrate the flow of energy. Feng Shui is based on the idea that this energy or "Ch’i" flows everywhere and is inside everything, but can be encouraged - or limited - by the deliberate selection and design of a room.

Giving energy room

If you can be part of the decision about which room your workstation will be in, you can take a few major aspects of Feng Shui into consideration here.

Avoid roof slopes. Thick, dark beams have a negative effect – also referred to as an "oppressive feeling". The same goes for bookshelves that are mounted over your head. When working, you shouldn't feel as if you need to duck all the time!

If doors and windows are directly opposite one another in your rooms, Feng Shui states that this can lead to both cold and energy flowing straight through. Your ideas and motivation will flow out with it and that will make work hard for you. On the other hand, offices with lots of bends and corners will limit the energy flow and not allow it to reach you properly.

The right place for your desk

In a shared office, desks should not be directly opposite one another, otherwise the employees' energies will collide with one another. If this seating arrangement cannot be avoided: At least try and place your computer to the side, so that you are not longer sitting opposite one another frontways on - and where possible "clash with one another".

You should be able to see the doors of your office from your workstation. The best place is the corner opposite the door. In this way, you can prepare for visitors and keep your options open. As sharp corners indoors lead the energy outside, you should place a green plant or a small corner shelf in this corner.

Never place your desk directly in front of a wall or pillar. In Feng Shui, pillars symbolise obstacles in everyday life; walls are a massive barrier and make you into an actual "blockhead". Furthermore, the field of vision that you have from your workstation symbolises a glance into your future - and who wants to see their future filled with obstacles and blockades?

Maintain a balance

Few people decided to decorate their office in only one colour. But what if you only use angular objects? Ensure that you have a balanced mixture, known as "Yin und Yang" in Feng Shui. Balance out a brightly lit desk with a darker corner and horizontal, angular desktops with high-growing plants with round leaves. (Indoor plants also function as air purifiers and improve the room environment). You should also not equip your entire office with metal or wooden furniture. Instead, use a variety of materials - variety is the spice of life!

It is also important to divide your workstation into active working and passive storage areas and to organise your chaos – as high piles of paper also restrict the flow of energy (and waste a lot of time)!

The effect of round and angular shapes

You can also influence conferences by choosing the right room and fittings. Round shapes are believed to promote creativity. A small indoor fountain or at least a picture of water will also have a positive effect - it makes the energy flow.

Use rooms with tables arranged in an oval or U-shape for brainstorming or personal discussions. However, for contract negotiations, you need fast, factual solutions rather than creativity - in this case, choose a room with rectangular tables to drive the discussion forward.

Too much energy can be damaging

You will feel better in a room laid out in accordance with Feng Shui criteria. If you feel better, you will work with more motivation. Nevertheless, you should not design your office to be too "energy-saving". Give the energy a chance to escape too. You've probably experienced situations in which you can no longer concentrate properly due to high energy and vigour. Ensure, for example, that you don't have too many mirrors in the room, as they double the energy. Always ventilate the room well and ensure that there is a breath of fresh air - you can have too much of a good thing.