When queried about the relevance of Feng Shui in government office buildings, it is undoubtedly significant, especially in larger bureaucratic institutions where meticulous attention to Feng Shui principles prevails.
However, it bears reiterating the old adage that destiny forms the foundation, while Feng Shui serves as a supplementary force.
While delving deeply into the subject of office buildings might not be feasible at the moment, one can observe that older office structures often exude a sense of “security.”
Hence, discerning individuals are often hesitant to relocate from their established office premises.
Today, our focus primarily revolves around the Feng Shui of office spaces, albeit not exhaustively.
The initial step in arranging an office involves scrutinizing the activities on the floors above or below one’s workspace. This aspect holds paramount importance as the functions or types of companies occupying the floors directly influence the office Feng Shui.
The positioning of your office space in relation to the floors above or below can significantly impact you, provided it’s orchestrated by someone with ulterior motives.
Furthermore, it’s advisable for those in positions of authority to avoid occupying the top floor. However, if the office spans only one or two floors, this criterion can be disregarded.
Many individuals fixate on selecting the ideal position, adhering to the belief of choosing the east over the west. However, this notion is flawed! Regardless of one’s hierarchical position, be it top management or middle-level executives, the choice of position primarily hinges on the layout of the office compound, the location of the office entrance, and the courtyard.
Whether it’s a new office space or not, the initial step is to “sweep the room.” This doesn’t merely entail literal cleaning but rather entails completely emptying the office space. Understandably, this step is crucial.
Remember, an office differs from a residential space; it has one primary requirement—to cater to one’s convenience without inconveniencing others.
Most office spaces are adorned with tiled flooring or wooden floorboards, which inherently negate the subtleties of Feng Shui. Consequently, efforts are made to artificially weaken the magnetic field from the moment individuals step into the office.
The centerpiece of an office is undoubtedly the desk, and its placement is of utmost importance. It should not merely be centrally located but positioned in such a way that everything within the space is visible at a glance.
Aside from serving as a workspace, an office also functions as a reception area. Ponder over this: have you ever sat on exceptionally comfortable sofas or chairs in the offices of government officials?
Feng Shui emphasizes capitalizing on situational advantages; upon entering such spaces, strategies are deployed to subtly assert dominance.
Let’s continue with our notes!
In Feng Shui, there’s a distinction between substance and emptiness. The occupant of the office should occupy a substantial position, regardless of whether it’s a large or small office. Even if the space behind the desk consists of a glass curtain wall, efforts must be made to solidify it.
Conversely, the seating for guests should evoke a sense of emptiness. This notion transcends mere discomfort from sofas being slightly too plush or coffee tables being too low; it’s more about creating an ambiance that doesn’t make guests feel entirely at ease.
Therefore, if I were to design an office, rest assured, visitors would unwittingly feel a sense of being subordinate.
Offices should avoid direct exposure to water. While this might confound some, particularly those in business who might be inclined to keep fish tanks in their offices, it’s generally discouraged. It’s not that having water in the office is inherently negative, but if the water’s positioning is problematic, it could significantly deteriorate the office’s Feng Shui.
Now, do you understand why “sweeping the room” was my initial recommendation? Because offices need to seal off any leaks. Yes! This entails literal sealing of any crevices in the walls. This isn’t merely to prevent pests but also to stabilize the magnetic field.
Let’s continue with our notes!
Offices don’t necessarily require external circulation; internal circulation suffices. However, this doesn’t mean ventilation should be neglected. If windows need to be opened, they should be. Otherwise, stifling conditions might prevail, which isn’t conducive to productivity.
What do offices fear the most? Remember this!
They fear “corridor winds”!
By “corridor winds,” I don’t mean the simplistic scenario of two office doors facing each other, or the act of leaving doors and windows open for ventilation during the summer.
I’m referring to external structures positioned between certain buildings, which, when combined with opposing doors within the office, create unfavorable Feng Shui. While such occurrences are rare, they’re not unheard of.
Sometimes, offices are more suitable for housing plants than residences are. However, the type and arrangement of plants are crucial, as is their placement.
If the office is spacious enough, adjusting the brightness of the room can stabilize the Feng Shui and benefit oneself. This is pure Feng Shui wisdom that most self-proclaimed Feng Shui experts fail to grasp, as brightness is also a part of Feng Shui.
Furthermore, the layout of window sills holds significance. Some are conducive to hosting plants, while others are not.
Many individuals enjoy decorating their offices, hanging landscape paintings or calligraphic artworks. While this isn’t discouraged, it’s imperative to know how to hang them, what to hang, and where. Properly done, they can be effective, but if not, problems may arise!
