Companies all over the world adopt FENG SHUI in their Offices - is it worth it?

Vaishali Shah interviews Aroon Ajmera 

How can Feng Shui benefit Offices?

The constantly changing invisible energy forces in an office can have a dramatic impact on the physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of its employees and also the health of the business. Offices already use the Interior Designers to enhance the aesthetics of the working environment. A Feng Shui consultation converts it into a supportive and harmonious workspace.

Applying the Feng Shui principles in the layout of an office can positively influence staff morale, creativity and team spirit. This in turn reduces absenteeism and staff turnover. Conflict and internal competition between employees can also be minimised.

When you pay attention to how and where people sit, the colours, materials and the amount of natural light in an environment, their efficiency will soar, making a significant contribution to the success and the profitability of a business.

What does a Feng Shui consultant initially need?

He needs the dates of birth of all the directors to be able to work out their characteristics and their relationship cycle.  He also needs the date the business was established and the primary areas of concern so that he can focus his attention on the issues to be resolved.

What other aspects are examined?

It varies, but the sequence might be:

• The exterior of the building, the location, surrounding properties and the main door
• The Reception
• Office environment to see if it is clutter free, well ventilated, lacking in noise pollution and has a comfortable atmosphere
• Furniture design and configuration on a floor plan
• Placement of computers, telephones and other equipment
• Placement of images, artworks and plants
• Placement of staff by responsibilities
• Placement of objects by elements in offices
• Placement of objects on desks
• Carpets and wall colours

Can you give some Feng Shui tips for Offices?

Yes, of course:

• Make sure your desk is diagonally facing the door to keep you in control of the room.
• Sit with a solid wall behind you to increase your feeling of being supported. 
• Avoid putting pictures and art above your head.
• Check and see what negative and positive messages are being given out by the choice of art around you.  Avoid images showing decline of energy.
• Clutter is the enemy of good Feng Shui. Keep your desk clear.
• Living plants are good to counter the negative effects of having so much machinery around.  Avoid Cacti or spiky plants.
• The lighting must be good.  People are much more motivated and healthier if they sit near windows. Dark corners are lifeless areas.
• Watch out for big piles of “in trays”. The higher the stack, the more you will feel overwhelmed. 
• Don't sit under the beams or near the sharp corners of shelving and cabinets.   
• First impressions are very important - make sure your visitors see something like an exotic plant or a work of art to make them feel relaxed.

Aroon Ajmera is an internationally recognised Feng Shui consultant and teacher. He has also been an executive committee member of the Feng Shui Society of UK for several years and is the author of the best selling book ‘Feng Shui and your Home’ and 'Feng Shui your Office'.