Years ago, working from home was something only “remote” workers did. In fact, it was a luxury that few could afford. The very word “remote”, conjures visions of exotic, backpacking travelers who claim “office space” on busy three-wheeled vehicles, and empty snow-capped mountains. Many people now work from home either full-time or part-time. Their workspace may be a home office, a hastily created corner desk, or perhaps even, the kitchen table. 

Regardless of what your workspace looks like, productivity, deadlines, and team meetings must still take place. Is there a way to ensure your workspace is a stress-free, positive area that will enhance your job performance? Yes, and the solution is by no means new. By “following the principles of Feng Shui, the Chinese philosophical system based on spatial harmony”, you can create a workspace that supports you and your career.

When your workspace is a home office:

Feng Shui is all about creating balanced, positive environments. For those individuals whose workspace is an actual home office, there are many permanent, effective Feng Shui principles that can be applied, that will encourage and nourish positive energy. Can you imagine how productive you could be in a space that is set up for your success? Beginning at the office door, here is how to Feng Shui your workspace:

• Ensure the entrance to your home office is clear and uncluttered.
  
  • Chi mirrors you; if it is easy for you to enter your office, it will be easy for Chi to do the same.
    
    
  • Having to step over and around objects simply to enter your workspace, creates negative energy.
    
    
• Take a moment to gauge your “first” impression of your workspace: are you inspired, excited, and energized?
  
  • Your initial reaction is extremely important; it takes but a moment to determine what improvements need to be made.
    
    
• Declutter and organize your office, including your desk drawers.
  
  • Clutter creates negative energy, which will become stuck within the office itself.
    
    
  • A clutter-free space allows energy to flow freely.
    
    
• A dimly lit room will drain your spirit of positive energy.
  
  • Use both overhead, as well as task lighting, to ensure your workspace is well-lit.
    
    
  • Embrace natural light by opening the blinds and draperies, or by removing the window coverings completely.
    
    
• Choose a paint colour for the walls purposefully.
  
  • Colour is one way to incorporate the five Feng Shui elements. By choosing a colour that represents an element that will address your needs, your productivity will receive a boost.
    
    
  • For instance, earth tones such as a soft yellow or a light brown, represent the Earth element. These colours are very grounding and will help to alleviate stress.  
    
    
• Your desk and its position require considerable thought as well.
  
  • The desk itself needs to be in good repair; one that is broken in some way will generate negative energy.
    
    
  • A wooden desk is the best choice as it will bring a natural, vibrant energy into your space.
    
    
  • A glass desktop lacks solidity and will allow energy to move very quickly throughout the room. Placing a tall plant near the desk will help to slow the energy down.
    
    
  • A laminate desk will bring a lifeless, passive energy into the space. Placing a red-flowering plant, or a plant in a red pot will activate the energy surrounding the desk.

  • The ideal Feng Shui position for your desk is diagonally across from the door. This allows you a “commanding” view of the room’s entrance. If you are unable to position it there, place a mirror on your desk that will allow you a view of the doorway.

  • Sitting with your back against a wall will offer you support and stability.

  • If your desk faces a wall, ensure your “view” is inspiring; hang an inspirational quote, photo, or mantra. As the wall can also symbolize obstacles in your career path, another option is to place a picture of an open area on the wall.

• The surface of your desk should be clutter-free, especially at the end of the day. “Creating a Feng Shui desk allows you to take advantage of auspicious chi energy”; it will help to ensure productivity and success in your career.
  
  • Avoid putting anything with a sharp or pointed edge on your desk as it can create a poison arrow.

• Select every item in the room with care and intent.
  
  • “Working from home means you don’t have access to the same stimuli that would normally motivate or energize you throughout the day”. Generate this inspiration by surrounding yourself with plants, artwork and other meaningful items that bring you joy.

  • Placing these enhancements around your home office will attract Chi.

• Ensure you balance Yin and Yang when decorating as well.
  
  
  • Use both light and dark colours, soft and hard surfaces, and smooth and rough textures, in your choice of furniture, flooring, and window coverings.

  • Plants too can help balance Yin and Yang. While most plant varieties possess Yang energy, low maintenance plants that can survive in the shade possess Yin energy.

If your workspace is a dedicated area in your home:

Often, a workspace can be tucked away in the corner of a kitchen or a bedroom. Although not its own room, these areas can still support you and your career. Here is how to Feng Shui your workspace:

• Declutter and organize your desk, desk drawers, and the area surrounding your “office” space.
  
  • Dusting regularly and keeping the desk surface clutter-free, allows positive energy to flow.

• To optimize the positive energy, ensure you take advantage of all sources of natural light, as well as overhead and task lighting.

• As your workspace is situated in another room, choosing a supportive paint colour may not be possible. The goal is to bring positive energy into your work life; in this case, Feng Shui principles can be applied to work with the current colour.
  
  • A bright yellow wall colour for instance, can be mentally stimulating which can cause you to feel anxious. To counteract this, include dark blue or black objects in your workspace, to absorb some of this excess energy.

• Your desk should ideally be in the command position; however, if this is not possible, the use of a mirror can allow a clear view of the doorway.

• Only place objects on your desk that you love. “Chi is attracted to the energy you add to your home office”, even if that is in a corner of your kitchen.

• Special consideration must be given to a workspace in a bedroom.
  
  • Combining your work-life with your bedroom-life, can cause sleep disturbances. Position your desk as far away from the bed as possible.

When your workday is done, use a folding screen to block the workspace from the bed. This will help limit your subconscious from thinking about work while you sleep.

If your workspace is not a dedicated area:

Not everyone has the square footage for a dedicated workspace. Sometimes a “home office” is a seat at the kitchen table. Here is how to Feng Shui your workspace:

• Begin every workday by setting your intention.
  
  • Sit down at your workspace, take a deep breath, and send a signal to yourself and those around you that it is time to work.

• To allow auspicious energy to accumulate, ensure there is a clear space in front of your laptop.

• For a boost of positive energy, surround yourself with objects that bring you joy and inspire you.
  
  • Create a daily ritual of setting plants, books, and other inspirational items on the table next to you.

  • When your workday is complete, simply put them away with your other “office” equipment.

• Although you may be working at the kitchen table, position yourself with a view of the doorway.

• Let in the light; turn on the overhead lighting and open the blinds and the drapes.

Wherever your workspace may be, whether it is in a home office, a corner of your bedroom, or at the kitchen table, it needs to support both you and your career. By following the principles of Feng Shui, you can create a space that nourishes positive energy. Boost your productivity by surrounding yourself with both personal and universal symbols of success. 

Even without a backpack, your career as a “remote” worker is off to a great start.