If you operate business in Chinese or Asian countries, Feng Shui is something you must understand, at least on the extent of its influence. 

Feng Shui, literally meaning wind and water, is a kind of Chinese geomancy. The field of practice factors in the flow of energy constituted by astrological, geographical, architectural compositions and works out how human could work harmoniously with these energies for their familial, monetary, social and health benefits. 

You may be surprised to hear that the richest people in Asia are spending millions on Feng Shui advice. Feng Shui had not only shaped the design of Chinese ancient towns, not least the Forbidden City, but it had also shaped modern urban designs and architectural designs. For example, the road network on Macau peninsular forming a numeral symbol “8” is meant to bring in more cash for the betting and gaming industry; the architectural designs of HSBC, BOC and the Cheung Kong Building are primarily a Feng Shui narrative.  

Feng Shui doesn’t have to be only about orientations or bricks and mortar. It can be about almost everything, such as company naming, dates of major events, decorative elements and colour scheme, the compatibility of Bazi (birth time represented in four pillars) of the partners and with their employees. It is an open secret that the cabin crew of a major airline in Hong Kong are wearing red to supplement the lack of fire elements in their company. We have also encountered cases when candidates are rejected simply because their Bazi-s are not compatible with their employers. 

It is common for business owners to consult Feng Shui masters around this time of the year to review their office settings, but you don’t have to be superstitious to operate a business in Hong Kong. There are some general Feng Shui tips that can be easily applied and won’t break your banks to provide you and your employees with peace of mind. 

Clutters block the flow of good energies. Keeping your office and office desks clean and tidy is the rule of thumb for good Feng Shui. With more and more electronic items we own nowadays, snarled cables can symbolically and physically create stress, if not hazards, in office environment. Keep your cables tied up or put them in organisers will help.  

2. Heed what types of indoor plants you have around your office

Study have found that natural elements in office could boost overall wellbeing by 15%, but Feng Shui suggests not all plants are equal. Plants like spiny cactus are not recommended in office setting as it would keep your lucky stars away. 

3. Walls behind your back 

In terms of Feng Shui, having solid walls behind your office chair meaning you have a strong support in your career. If that is not possible, having partitions or cabinets behind where you sit, or putting dark-coloured coats on your office chair could create similar effects. It also gives a sense of security so workers can focus on what is in front of them and not to worry what is behind their back.   

4. Demarcate active and inactive zones on your office desks

Working desk should be arranged according to the Feng Shui principle of “green dragon on your left, white tiger on your right”. “Green dragon” symbolises something active or constantly moving, such as phones, in-and-out trays, or even passages where colleagues walk around. “White tiger” symbolises something quiet or inactive such as your notes and document folders. Zoning your office desk will help getting distractions under control. 

5. Use appropriate ornaments

Excessive ornamentation could clutter up your office but using a few simple ones could elevate positive energy and create a soothing office environment. Widely used office ornaments include Rose Quartz and Rock Salt Lamp. Rose Quartz is believed to be able to boost harmonious relationships or amiability, while Rock Salt Lamp is generally used for cleansing negative energies. 

Regardless of what you believe, some Feng Shui principles are common senses and not esoteric at all. Arranging your office to maximise efficiency, reduce distractions, eliminate possible hazards and create a calm and peaceful environment can benefit your employees’ physical and mental health and ultimately contribute to the success of your business. 

We wish you a prosperous Year of Rabbit!