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Ancient Practice of Feng Shui in Modern Workplace

Wind Water: How the ancient practice of Feng Shui can help us create more harmony, balance, and well-being in the modern workplace. 

We recently moved into our new studio in Singapore and celebrated our first Chinese New Year in the new space. During construction, we consulted a Feng Shui master to guide us on furniture arrangement and design layout. This experience made me realize that Feng Shui, deeply rooted in Asian traditions, has broader relevance and application. In our quest to enhance the workplace experience, fostering human connections is crucial. Here are some thoughts on how Feng Shui can help amplify the human connection we all seek.

 

Feng Shui is more than an ancient mystical art; it’s practice that can satisfy a deeply human desire for balance, meaning, and connection in the often impersonal, mechanized world of modern work.

If you Imagine the modern office, with its glass facades reflecting the sky, a symbol of humanity's relentless pursuit of progress. Inside, amidst the sleek lines and high-tech workstations, there can be a palpable dissonance—a sense of disconnection not just from nature, but from ourselves. In this setting, the principles of Feng Shui emerge not as anachronistic relics, but as essential wisdom, guiding us back to a harmony long forgotten in the race towards efficiency and productivity.

 Zurich_Singapore_N10_resizedThe workstations and open space of an international insurance company facing the iconic Marina Bay Sands

Our exploration of Feng Shui as a journey is not just of rearranging furniture but of reorienting our experiences towards a more meaningful interaction with the environment. We imagine the transformation of workspace, where the strategic placement of biophilia or the orientation of workstations becomes a deeply intentional act, a step towards creating a sanctuary amidst the chaos.

Feng Shui principles can reshape the ethos of the modern workplace itself. The impact of communal spaces designed not just for work but for wellbeing, where water features murmur quietly and natural light softens the harshness of artificial illumination.

 

Conoco_Phillips_Unispace_Finbarr_Fallon_03 (1)-2The open space of an international Exploration & production (E&P) company

Balance and Harmony, Wind Water. The true value of Feng Shui lies in its potential to remind us of our inherent need for connection—to each other, to our work, and to the world around us.

Feng Shui can help emphasize the importance of natural light and the strategic use of colors to influence mood and energy levels. Bright, airy spaces with ample natural light can boost morale and productivity, while the use of specific colors can stimulate energy (red), promote creativity (yellow), or create a sense of calm (blue and green).

Tripadvisor 06 low resTripAdvisor in Singapore

Clutter is considered a major blocker of positive Chi flow. A tidy, well-organized workspace free of unnecessary clutter can significantly improve focus, efficiency, and mental clarity. This aspect of Feng Shui underscores the importance of regular decluttering and organizational systems to maintain a harmonious work environment.

The ultimate goal of applying Feng Shui in the workplace is to enhance the overall wellbeing of employees. By creating a balanced, harmonious environment, employees are likely to experience reduced stress levels, improved mental health, and a greater sense of satisfaction and engagement in their work. Furthermore, Feng Shui principles can foster a positive company culture, encouraging collaboration, respect, and mutual support among team members.

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Although rooted in ancient practices, Feng Shui offers timeless wisdom that is highly relevant and beneficial to modern workplaces. By applying its principles to office design and organization, we can create environments that not only enhance productivity and efficiency but also promote the wellbeing and harmony for employees.

Shot-9-Games Room_resizedNielsen in India

As more organizations recognize the importance of holistic approaches to workplace experience design (WXD), the practice of Feng Shui can play a significant role in shaping the future of work environments. By embracing the art and science of Feng Shui, companies can create spaces that not only meet the functional needs of their employees but also nurture their physical, mental, and emotional health, paving the way for a more balanced, productive, and harmonious work life.

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