How Happy are you in your Office? by Feng Shui NY consultant
When observing your office space, you need to really take a step back and think to yourself...do I enjoy working here? And do the people I work with feel happy? It is amazing how people can react to an environment that does not have the most up lifting atmosphere compared to an office filled with colors and items that promote happiness, balance and great communication.
New York City office floor waiting area
The image above is of an office waiting room in NYC that is filled with great local New York artists paintings. These artists are not shy to display their love for color, which is fantastic! Why? It helps to enliven and create a warm and welcoming space as soon as you exit the elevator. This sets the tone for the rest of the office space, which was positive and energetic feeling.
Office in New York City addressed with Artwork to help warm up the space
When designing your office using the Feng Shui Principles, you really do not have to add a lot. The New York City company placed three decent sized canvases by the front entrance with the intent to simply make visitors and employees more comfortable in the space. His employees were surrounded by nothing but fun and playful artwork :) I know it put a smile on my face the whole time.
As the boss you need to make sure that you employees are happy. Why? Having happy employees equals better communication, which means they will be more productive and motivated to work with you. Having employees being more productive means you gain the desired income to help run your business. It truly is a win win situation. Respect your employees and treat them the way you wish to be treated.
Some Feng Shui Tips to enhance your Office:
- Bring living plants into your location. Remember, "let the outside in". Especially in Manhattan based offices, you need nature in your space to help balance the industrial scenery. Plants can help bring life and growth to your business.
- Adding Artwork to help warm up your office. This is a great idea if you can not paint the walls. Your choice in artwork depends on they type of atmosphere you are looking to create. It can be calm, fun, motivating, a more natural approach...you can use photography or sculpture.
- Allow your employees to decorate their space. It could be a cubical or office. By them wanting to decorate speaks highly of you, because that means they are truly happy where they work :)
- Many times offices need to have a waiting area. Be sure to make it comfortable and inviting. Sometimes a bowl of candy is presented :)
Take the time to see if your office needs a little "re-energizing" with Feng Shui. If so you can implement some of these simple changes :)
*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since graduating from the Country's very first School for Feng Shui Studies that was licensed and accredited in 1997. Carole provides on site Feng Consultations Long Island NY, Queens New York and New York City -Hamptons NY.
New York City Feng Shui Manhattan
New York Feng Shui Manhattan New York City Manhattan NYC Consultant Laura Cerrano is a Second Generation Certified Feng Shui Consultant who has trained with Feng Shui Long Island and Masters from across the Country including Shamans to incorporate Native American beliefs and Space Clearings into her Feng Shui Consulting Firm, Feng Shui Manhattan New York City NY. After co-consulting on site for many years Laura began her own business in 2000 and has a strong client base in New York City, New York, Long Island NY, Queens, Brooklyn, New Jersey and the rest of the New York Tri-State area.
I'm a real believer in Feng Shui. However, being the cheap skate that I am, I had everyone's desk turned so that they are all facing East. (Without any expert assistance)
I think I need help. The desk thing didn't work to my satisfaction.
Hey Larry, there is a lot that goes into Feng Shui. It is important to understand the history and the variety of methods before moving forward.... especially when making the changes. May I ask why you chose to change the desks facing east? For example, was it to help open up the space?
We spend a lot of time in our offices so it is important to make sure that they are designed to make folks happy. You are so correct that the the art or color on the wall sets the tone for the rest of the office space, which was positive and energetic feeling.
Hey Joan, I recently visited a friends office in Lower Manhattan and was saddened by what I saw. there was absolutely no color in the space or liveliness with the other employees. People would walk around with their heads down, not really seeming to want to communicate with others and just keeping to themselves until it was time to pass on messages. It is so important that people do make their work environment feel like a little piece of home because half your time is spent there too.
Laura, you just gave me the inspiration for my next post. When our company moved into a new office in a new building a few years ago I staged my office. It was important to me to have a space that reflected who I was and made people comfortable to be there.
Laura - I am convinced that if your office doesn't feel right, you won't be content working there. A number of years ago, I worked in a wonderful real estate office which I enjoyed working at. BUT, we needed more conference rooms. After construction was complete, it dramatically changed the feel and flow of the building. It felt more like a rat maze to me. I wasn't really happy working in the office any longer. In fact it was the catalyst for my setting up a home office, and working primarily from here.
Laura, Color is so appealing and sensual. Great points and post. Congrats on the feature...
Should we really have a featued post about this silliness? Do people actually charge clients money for advice about this superstition?
Geri, more and more individuals who own a business are becoming aware of these principles. They can feel the type of energy in their space and recognize that there employees can too. I have scene first hand the extreme differences from offices that take care of their space and those that do not. We are interconnected no matter how you look at it. What surrounds you affects you, what you deal with inside (ex: emotions) will affect you. I am glad to hear you took it upon your self to make the office feel great for them and you :)
Myrl, it is amazing when you allow yourself to be open to energy, how you can feel and sense it...everyone is capable, even if they do not realize it. Yes if you put to many "dividers" with in your space it can break of the flow of energy and also other areas according to the Bagua. I hope you are more comfortable at home :) Plus it is nice working from that location :)
Michael, Thanks!! What a great way to wake up, I have been working very hard to get a featured post on my own. For years I have collaborated with my mom, I feel like its a right of passing on the ActiveRain community :) I hope these points help others who may be moving into a new space or redesigning:)
Carole:
Where we work every day has a great deal to do with our mood, in general. I work mostly in my home office and I face the trees and a lot of nature. I find that relaxing.
David J, Thank you for stopping by and sharing your opinion.
Feng Shui is not a superstition, tho if unfamiliar with the concepts and principles I can see how many may feel it is. This way of living, looking at life with a positive perspective, open eyes and mind has been around for an estimated 3-5,000 years, maybe even longer. America was introduced to the principles of Feng Shui in 1996. Eastern philosophy recognized that we are all looking for ways to better the world, ourselves and those we interact with. Feng Shui is a collaboration of multiple beliefs when really analyzed.
To answer your question about "Do people actually charge clients money for advice about this superstition?" The first rule to making anything work is that you have to believe. Clients who call, believe that by enhancing their space it will help them in all areas of their life. I would also like to share that clients do their research before calling any Feng Shui consultant, they choose to educate them selves before approaching one of us. They are fully aware of what they are looking to achieve when having a Feng Shui consultation for their home, office or even new construction.
David, when people call you for advice they believe in your services, that you will help them sell a home, if they did not, they would not call you.
I would not be surprised in the months or years to come that you are contacted by a client looking to work with a real estate agent or borker who knows about Feng Shui. Even if you do not believe in this concept, it is a great idea to be somewhat familiar because of Marketing reasons :)
I wish you the best of luck and many blessings :)
Laura, what an inspiring post and I'm so happy to see that your mother taught you well. . . very refreshing post!
OK...so I am guessing that you are advocating the removal of the lava lamp. Fine.
Laura.....what a great post....thank you for attempting to educate those who are obviously in desperate need of some direction with this topic!!!!!!!!!!! working in the right environment is a significant factor that contributes to a quality and productive day....my desk is cleared at all times....very organized and a soft color on my walls.....there are obviously many so called "professionals" who are not aware of the value of Feng Shui !!! you're a patient and very tolerant person.
Laura for me it was always about windows and being able to look outdoors, I hated offices where this was lacking. The office I liked the best was the one where I could personalize my space with my own paintings and plants.
I would say my office is very well organized and aesthetically pleasing. It works for me.
I should be ashamed to admit it, Laura, but I'm hoping any one of my office mates with a desk by a window leaves. Other than that, I'm content!
I'm with Irene on that! I'm waiting for a window office after almost 3 years. In our company however, in 5 more years I will still be the new guy. Nobody leaves.
Laura,
Loved it! I know nothing Feng Shui, but I now want to learn. Plants, artwork and a bright cheerful environment will make your day better. AMEN!
-Brent
Laura, Atmosphere really does play a strong force in how a person works. I can only seem to write in a certain space in my house.
Hi Carole, Our new office provides a private cubicle for each agent. I've noticed that I have to periodically stand up, stretch my legs and move into a more open area where I can see out a window, etc.
We just got a new team leader at KW in Ann Arbor. She has totally changed the office, with paint, art, the right shelving. It feels so much warmer and inviting.
Laura, I'm glad to see that of all the comments, only one person is unaware of Feng Shui and the effect that color, balance, different objects, shapes and elements and their placement have on our emotional well-being. Congratulations on the feature!
Laura, I appreciate your post. As a 'dual profession' person (Professional Realtor and Professional Artist) I recognize the important of a well designed space conducive to 'happy working'. It amazes me when I walk into someone's office and they have 'blank walls.
Thanks again and I like your work.
Hi Laura~ I used to work at an office that was very depressing from the minute you walked in. There was no energy whatsoever and you felt like you were working in a place where depressed people worked! I moved on!
I just moved into new offices and my husband came to visit. He called it "stark".
I have no art up yet -- have to get to that this week.
Laura, I LOVE the hallway that you posted. Now THOSE are happy colors to me. I opened my own company almost a year ago and I need to get on this. Now you have me thinking!
What colors do you think are best for a Real Estate Company? Reception area to be specific.
LOL @J Phillip!
Laura, Your mom got me to move things around in my bedroom. Now, you've motivated me to move things around in my office. At least get that pile of papers gone!
Hi Laura. My office in Palm Harbor is designed with feng shui in mind with lots of wood and gold colors. I love it.
Claudette, I find myself working in rooms with colors that accent nature and help me feel more grounded. Also rooms that have a great amount of natural light :)
We are currently in the process of moving offices, this post has me crossing my fingers for a few bright pieces of artwork=)
Our office is located on the east coast. We have very pleasing colors and soothing decor. All is nicely done with a beach theme. I receive comments from my clients on how beautiful it is. It is a great place to go to everyday. My home away from home.
My dentist's office has a bunch of saltwater aquariums. After interviewing several dentists, I think that's why I chose him. It's just so relaxing in the waiting room and in every dental chair.
Congrats on the feature!!