Would you believe me if I told you that a few changes in your home office could result in more clients, increased productivity, a more enjoyable work experience, and more success?
These changes might be minor or major, depending on your office but they can make a huge difference to your business.
So, by now you’re wondering “What the heck is she talking about.” Well, I’m talking about Feng Shui. Feng Shui is all around us in both its positive form and negative form. If we clear the negative Feng Shui from our lives, we can start to enjoy the benefits of positive or good Feng Shui.
Negative Feng Shui is introduced by clutter, improper arrangement of furniture, lack of lighting or a number of other things that you might not even notice.
Some signs of negative Feng Shui are:
- Dreading going into your office
- Lack of clients
- Money issues
- Lack of motivation
- Decreased productivity
- Spinning your wheels on projects
- Lack of creativity
Whether you are setting up a new office or working in an established office, you want to be sure you have a positive energy flow. One of the best ways to create this positive energy flow, known as Chi, is to be organized and clutter free. Some people think they can hide clutter in closets, desk drawers or a file cabinet but even clutter in unseen places can block Chi so keep them all organized. When operating a business from home, be sure to keep work and home separated as much as possible.
If at all doable, have a dedicated room for your office preferably in the front of your home and away from your master bedroom. If you must use a corner of your bedroom or other room, use a screen, curtain or an area rug to designate your office area. A lot of people must use their kitchen or dining room table for their office. If this is what you do, clear away all signs of work before meals and remove all food and dishes before resuming work.
Your chair shouldn’t be placed with its back to the door however if there is no other choice, place a mirror on your desk so you can see behind you. Nothing is more distracting than having to constantly turn around to see who is in the hallway or behind you while you’re trying to work. Preferably, your desk should be placed so you have a wall behind you and the door to the left or right so you can see out.
Ideally, your office will have plenty of natural light but if it’s windowless or lacks natural light, be sure to have lots of lamps or overhead light fixtures. I use a combination of both directional lamps and overhead lighting to be sure my office and work area is always well lit.
Whether you are setting up your first office or rearranging an existing office always consider the flow of energy. Make sure you can navigate the room without tripping and can readily reach the items you use most. Be sure clutter is kept to a minimum on floors, tables, desks and in closets and don’t be inclined to store boxes, papers, etc. under your desk.
Keep in mind, your office is a reflection of you, your work and your productivity. If your office is cluttered, disorganized, or inefficient, your work might reflect those qualities. If your office is neatly organized with little or no clutter and arranged in an efficient manner, chances are your work with reflect those qualities. An office with positive energy flow is one that is a pleasure to walk into, a pleasure to work in and most of all, productive, successful, and harmonious with you and your personality.
If you aren’t happy in your office and aren’t sure why, consider contacting a Feng Shui practitioner for a consultation, it might be the best investment you make for your business success.
Namaste,
Jenny McKinney
Certified Feng Shui Practitioner
Try Feng Shui
http://www.tryfengshui.com
Very good article. I do have my desk in my bedroom, off by itself and I agree things should be organized to do a good job. Thanks, Janet
I just feel that whenever my office is organized I feel better about myself. When I feel better about myself, I take more pride in my work and I’m more productive to my clients.
Thank you for the great advice on setting up a home office! I’m planning to start my VA business later this year (2014). These are some of the things that will be discussed in a week or so in a college course I am taking.
Angela
Good to hear Angela, let us know how your startup goes 🙂
I agree that your office is a reflection of you, your work and productivity. If you’re an organized person, everything will be in order,it would reflect your personalities too. Especially if your work entails organization, it would help you a lot to think and work faster when you know where to find it.
Well said Maria 😉
I prefer having an organized and clean office. It feels better and i’m more productive. It’s easier to keep track of your own various projects, client projects and everything else when you know exactly where it’s all stored. Whether it’s on your computer or on your desk. Great article. Thanks for sharing.
I am moving in a month and am starting to think about my home office. I will be starting from scratch with a new desk along with all that I will need for a successful business.
Thank you for these tips as I consider the placement of my desk.
I am also researching with colors will be best. Any suggestions?
I think colours are a personal choice but I do know colours can set off emotions too. For example, blue being a cooler, calmer, relaxing colour and red being a hot, spicier colour which might make one feel more stressed sitting in a room this colour.
I’m sure you can Google colours and the emotions they make us feel. Personally what I would do is sit in different room colours and find out what works for you. Blue may put you to sleep which won’t work well for your office whereas for you red may keep you alert and wide awake if you are a sleepy person. To each their own depending upon your personality.
Let us know what you decide on 🙂