A comfortable and non-cluttered work environment is more important than you may realize. It can have an impactful effect on things like your happiness, mood, and overall productivity at work. So why not do everything in your power to create a workspace that emboldens you?
Feng Shui (pronounced fung shway) is an ancient Chinese practice that involves arranging objects in a way that attracts positive energy. The practice is all based around the simple idea that a person’s surrounding environment affects their inner attitude.
Whether you want to call it “feng shui” or simply being organized, we think it’s vital to make positive changes in your work environment, since that’s where many of us experience negative energy such as stress. In this blog, we will give you a simple step by step guide to “feng shui-ing” your desk, because Launch Workplaces is the perfect starting point in designing an office that leaves you feeling positive and productive!
Step 1: Choose an ideal spot for your desk. It’s suggested that you place your desk at the opposite side of the room from your door, enabling you to have a clear vision of the front entrance. If you don’t have the space or a room layout that works with this suggestion, place some mirrors in front of your desk, allowing yourself to see the entrance.
Step 2: Clear space on your desk for some creativity. We have seen some of your desks, and there is definitely some clutter that is more than likely obstructing your ability to utilize your entire desk surface. Organizing your clutter in a way that suits you is imperative. If that means organizing papers in brightly colored files, then do that! The key is creating more space on your desk’s surface, and eliminating clutter. Doing this simple thing can have an impact on your overall productivity and creativity.
Step 3: Arrange objects in a way that attracts good energy. This is where things get interesting. You may be thinking that all this feng shui stuff is silly, but even if you don’t buy it, it’s worth a try if it means being more organized. Arrange items in a way that is balanced. For example, don’t clutter one side of your desk with all of your items, and leave the other half empty. Live by the rule that at least 50% of your desk should be cleared.
One of the basic tools for people who practice feng shui is the Bagua Map. This nine-part grid basically lays out how objects should be laid out on your desk and how they correspond with different areas of your life. This layout allows for optimal positive energy and organization. The map includes 1. Abundance 2. Fame, 3. Love 4. Family & Community, 5. Mind, Body, & Spirit, 6. Creativity, 7. Knowledge, 8. Career, and 9. Helpful people. Below is an example of how you can arrange your desk to match the Bagua Map.
Step 4: Focus on comfort. Feng shui embraces ergonomics, which is intended to provide optimum comfort and avoid stress or injury in the workplace. Therefore, things like a comfortable computer chair and a quality keyboard that doesn’t invite carpal tunnel is vital. When you spend 8+ hours at a desk every day, then why wouldn’t you want to be comfortable?
Do you think all this whole feng shui talk is silly? We realize that it’s not some magical formula, it’s simply a way to create a positive work environment for yourself. Call it whatever you like, in the end an organized, balanced, and comfortable workspace will alleviate stress and help you be more productive!
Have any feng shui tips of your own? Share with us in the comments section.
