
The start of a new year often brings fresh beginnings—resolutions are penned, calendars reset, and goals set high. But have you ever considered that the key to a prosperous work year might lie in how your office is arranged? An office reboot doesn’t require a costly renovation; instead, it could benefit from the ancient art of feng shui.
This 3,000-year-old Chinese practice is more than an aesthetic concept; it’s a design philosophy rooted in harmonising energy flow to enhance well-being, productivity, and success. Derived from the words “wind” (feng) and “water” (shui), feng shui aligns physical spaces with the natural flow of Qi, or life force energy. When Qi is obstructed, it can result in stress or stagnation.
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Whether you’re seeking to supercharge your work routine or create a serene space, feng shui can help transform your office into a haven of productivity and positive energy. We consulted David Tong, founder of Chinese Metaphysics Global Consulting, to explore its transformative potential. Renowned for his pragmatic approach, Tong has spent over a decade optimising both personal and corporate spaces to energise careers and elevate environments.
Typically, he will evaluate three major components in an office space: positioning, elements and energy flow. The first refers to where you place furniture—particularly important pieces like your desk greatly influence energy flow. The “elements” refers to the balance between the five known natural elements—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The last is the seamless flow of Qi throughout a space. Clutter, awkward furniture arrangements, or sharp corners can obstruct this flow, leading to stress and reduced performance.
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While it might sound logical, feng shui goes beyond rearranging furniture. It’s about creating an environment that nurtures ambition and promotes balance. Some companies even hire experts like Tong for full-scale audits to harmonise Qi in their offices. You might also want to explore Bazi, or “Four Pillars of Destiny,” to understand your unique energy and align your goals.
At its core, the new year invites you to reimagine, realign, and refresh. Whether by repositioning your desk, exploring Bazi, or balancing elements, feng shui offers a powerful way to set the tone for a year filled with focus, flow, and opportunity. Here are Tong’s six steps to elevate your office mojo.
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COMMAND THE ROOM

In the world of feng shui, positioning is everything. At the heart of any workspace is the desk—a symbol of career, ambition, and purpose. For optimal flow, position your desk diagonally and furthest from the door, ensuring you can see the entrance while seated. This “power position” signifies authority and influence. Ensure that your desk is not facing the room door directly in a straight line. The Qi coming in will crash into you and result in career obstacles and sickness.
DODGE SHARP CORNERS

Never sit facing a sharp corner or pillar. This is a form of internal Sha Qi that may affect your performance and bring about obstacles. Similarly, never sit in an area where your back is facing the office or room door, or even long walkways. This position could expose you to “petty” office politics, such as backstabbing or sabotage. If possible, always sit with a wall backing for support—this creates a sense of stability and support in your career. If all else fails, softening difficult areas with a tall plant, screen or cabinet can act as a protective barrier.
DECLUTTER TO DE-STRESS

A tidy desk equals a focused mind. Stacks of paperwork, abandoned coffee mugs, and tangled cords block the flow of energy. Take some time to organise your desk, discard items you no longer need, and create a tidy foundation to foster better productivity and decision-making. You might also want to get rid of heavy furniture or large objects that are obstructing your movement and cramping your mojo.
LET THERE BE LIGHT

Lighting plays a crucial role in feng shui, as it affects our mood and energy levels. Representing the fire element, natural light is the most potent source of Qi, so position your workspace near a window, if possible. If this is unavailable, invest in soft, full-spectrum lighting that mimics daylight.
GO WITH THE FLOW

Consider putting a small water fountain—as the water element—on your desk to stimulate energy flow and attract wealth. The relaxing sound of flowing water can also inspire creativity, helping you brainstorm innovative ideas and solutions.
BALANCE THE ELEMENTS

Don’t forget to incorporate the other key elements around your workspace. For wood, display fresh plants, or use wooden furniture or décor to bring life, growth, and freshness. For earth, you can use ceramic accents or apply earthy tones to ground and stabilise. Metallic accents like your computer and stationery help sharpen focus and clarity. Just make sure not to overcrowd your desk, or it’ll be back to square one!