Research has shown that the lighting, arrangement, scent, and color can influence a person's mood, stress level, and even their productivity. The Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui explains the principles of arranging and decorating a space in order to support the goals and well being of the people who use it. Feng shui is about living in harmony with your surroundings and increasing the kind of energy you want, whether that be powerful, calm, or inspiring. Here are some tips to bring the principles of feng shui, and therefore more harmony, into your office.
Declutter, Clean, and Organize:
Not only can a messy, disorganized, overflowing workspace look unprofessional to clients, it can also get in the way of productivity. Take time to purge unused, unwanted items from your place of business, and encourage your employees to maintain an organized workspace.
Enhance Entrances:
What's the first thing that clients and employees see when they enter your business? In feng shui, entryways are important because they bring energy into the space and set the tone for everyone who crosses their threshold. Make sure your entryway is clear, open, and inviting. Hang some artwork or a company logo to make a strong first impression. Add flowers, a warm light or other decorative elements to project the mood you're going for.
Tips for a better workspace:
- Add some greenery: Plants make people feel calmer and have even been shown to boost productivity. Live plants are ideal, but if you're not up for the maintenance, even fake plants can help to create a calmer vibe.
- Scent: Scent is closely linked with memory and can have a powerful effect on mood and perception. Use fresh flowers, an aromatherapy diffuser, or just open a window to keep the space smelling fresh and clean.
- Use bold color: There is plenty of research that shows how color influences our emotions and behavior. Try painting an accent wall or hanging a piece of art to bring some color into the environment. Use red to project power, green to promote creativity and growth, and blue to create calm and inspire trust.
- Try a fountain: Fountains are visually pleasing and provide a natural soundscape that puts people at ease.
- Upgrade your lighting: Harsh fluorescent light can make people feel tense and reduce productivity. The ideal is to bring in as much natural light as possible. But if that's not an option, invest in some additional light sources, such as lamps or LED lights, to add warmer, more inviting light to your space.
- Harness the power of imagery: Help your team stay motivated by bringing in objects, artwork and other elements that project success and remind them of their goals.
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