Where is your HQ command centre? My HQ is homebased! Of course many folks work on the fly and a device or a laptop make traditional office spaces more ‘mobile’. So what defines an office space at home?

First off when you work from home you’re your own timekeeper - be it employee or employer. When you take up the helm, you may don many hats in your small business - with minuscule financial return at the end of the week. Yet you continue to work late into the night or weekends, when your former corporate counterparts are enjoying leisurely downtime (or an early bedtime) for the reward of being your own boss. But are you working tirelessly in optimum office conditions?

ASSESS YOUR FENG SHUI

As a Feng Shui consultant I’m always amazed by folks who operate a business from home, but neglect to consider the location, appearance and layout of their office space. Just because clients may not frequent your HQ it doesn’t give license to hangout with dirty laundry pile in plain sight. When the command centre of a home based business' lies in bounds of your residence, your work space is of great importance, particularly from a Feng Shui perspective.

Setting the tone is paramount. Even for once a week 'working from home' employees of big businesses - separating work and home life can be challenging. When you work from home, your dwelling’s energetic footprint will affect you more than other occupants of the dwelling. And in turn in certain cases, your homes work space can even affect an employer’s bottomline. In brief, it doesn't matter if your office is a separate room or an area in a multi purpose room - the Feng Shui needs attention, especially if you spend a large portion of the day in that space. So if you’re in the mood and mode to improve your homes command centre, then start off with these suggestions.

TOP TIPS

1. Make yourself feel like the CEO of your company. Think about how you would come across to your clients if you were to hold a meeting in your workspace. The pictured image of an office space is ideal -the carver chair supports the sitter, the desk is placed correctly, there are no jutting shelves, the plant is invigorating and if this person’s favourable element is metal; then it’s ideally decorated.

2. If you’re lucky enough to have a separate study or dedicated office space then make sure your desk is correctly placed. Placing yourself in a command position, i.e with your back against the wall is the very best position. This goes for those that have a mobile set up too. Don’t perch yourself at the kitchen bar stool without a back and no wall behind you. Even sitting in a chair with a back support is better than a backless stool.

3. If most of the day is spent in an office, home or work environment then sit away from the Router/ wifi modem. Hard wires are best for optimum health conditions*. If you can flick off the WIFI (correctly, as they can still emit when only turned off on the device) then do so.

4. I’m a creative person and my desk is often filled with files, books, reference material but they are always on the correct feng shui side of my keyboard . . . yes, clutter is not great but if you do need to be surrounded by reference material, make sure it’s on the correct side . . . it can be motivating when placed correctly. Hint the correct side - is the right hand side!

5. Colours and materials in your workspace/study are equally important. If you know your Chinese astrology chart and know the elements that bring you harmony then unleash a splash of colour. For example if Metal is a favourable element then surround your self with metal colours and materials to encourage a flow of money into the office. One caveat with colour - Be careful of Reds - although the colour is motivating being aware of where to place is probably best done under the guidance of a Feng Shui consultant. And if you’re new to Feng Shui and heard a fountain or aquarium with a specific number of fish is necessary, then save your cash until guided by a Feng shui consultant on the best position.

6. We often hear adding a plant to your environment is recommended. A welcome addition but make sure it’s healthy and try invest in an air purifying plant. Forget spiky Cactus, unless near your computer monitor, instead think big lush leaves with flowering accents which bring an abundant tone to a space. And always make sure your room is well ventilated.

7. If you know your Ming Gua , calculated from your DOB, then you can ascertain your four Best Directions to position yourself in any space. Everyone has four auspicious directions (and four inauspicious) that assist in various aspects of life. Your best direction is your Sheng Qi direction ideal for desk position. But be mindful of the annual direction of the Tui Sui (Grand Duke of Jupiter) and avoid facing that direction for that year.

8. And last but by no means least, when you delve deeper via a consult with a Feng Shui Consultant, you’ll know the energetic ‘Flying Stars’ chart of your home. By placing your office desk in the most prosperous wealth star or a star associated with your industry, is a real game changer in setting up your work space.

SPECIAL 2020 NOTE :

Given the global challenges we’re all collectively facing with enforced working from home mandates means our dwellings are in the spotlight in more ways than one. The more time we are forced to spend in our homes, the more Feng Shui’s influence can be felt by an occupant. Perhaps you’ve had to readjust your workspace or you’re new to working from home. Maybe you’re in need of guidance with finding an auspicious ‘work’ spot to accommodate a temporary workspace or your bedroom needs tweaking as you’re convalescing. We wish to remind peeps that we can, and always have offered remote consults. Previously used by long distant clients or people unable to afford an onsite consult , we’re now offering MINI remote consults. You reap all the benefits without the site visit, and it’s cheaper yet tailored to your ideal workspace/bedroom or your whole dwelling.

Remote consults are easy conducted, all we need from you is a scale floorplan and the date of construction (to a rough year) - a few pictures also help. More details about our Remote Feng Shui consults see here and here. Stay safe.

*More info on Health environments and EMF and Geomancy services page.

ⓒ Feng・Shui ・ISM