Some Basic Feng Shui Principles for Business Owners

Consider the immediate landscape

A business that is situated near the base of a hill with elevated land on either side and facing open land is considered to bring good fortune. Partway down a slope would be better than at the very base but placed at the foot of and facing a big hill would not be a wise idea. There will be many obstacles ahead for the business. It is best to avoid having a business whose location is directly in line with the elements, such as on top of a hill, or a property facing the beach. The ideal scenario would be to face a small to medium sized lake.

Reception areas should be open and well lit

Both of these elements encourage the flow of Chi. However, the reception area should not be so wide open that it allows traffic to pass by too easily. If this happens the solution is to place a divider or some sort of screen or rectangular planter box in the area to slow the flow of Chi so it doesn’t become erratic.

Provide direct views to an entrance

Don’t allow an employee’s back to face the entrance of a cubicle or office. Symbolically this leaves a person open to attack. Also never have an employee’s desk positioned in a way that their back is to a window as it lacks support. The best placement is with a person’s back to a wall that is decorated with an earth element such as a picture of a mountain. This helps lend support. Another option that is wise to consider is to angle away from the doorway or have the desk facing a wall featuring a water element such as a fish, a lake or even art work containing wavy lines.

Avoid placing an employee in the direct line of a door

Doing this sets the employee directly in the rush of Chi, which can have negative effects on health and productivity levels. Also it takes away the sense of privacy that most employees need to feel comfortable in their workplaces. It creates a feeling of always being watched by management, which does not bode well for staff.

Use warm lighting (as opposed to harsh, fluorescent lighting) whenever possible

An atmosphere of a room can be changed completely by lighting. Try to keep a balance. Lighting that is too bright can result in an irritated staff that suffers from frequent headaches. On the other hand, lighting that is too low can create a lull and a sense of sluggishness that makes work output slow.

Desks need objects that promote good luck

Desks can be energized with objects that symbolize the Five Elements. They should be strategically placed which helps to attract good luck to the workplace. Here are some examples of objects that could be used:

North: A cup of coffee or tea

Northeast: A crystal paperweight

Northwest: Computer terminal

East: Fresh flowers

South: A desk lamp or something red

Southeast: A small green plant

Maintain a pleasing environment to all the senses

Color matters, smell matters, how a place makes you feel matters. How clients or customers feel when entering a business is as important as how the employees and management feel when they are at work.