Office feng shui is the practice of arranging your workspace to maximise positive energy (Chi), and applying it in an office can boost productivity and morale.

When staff feel their environment is supportive and organised, they tend to be happier and more productive. For example, employees who are content with their workspace can be nearly twice as productive as those who are dissatisfied.

Improving the physical environment is one way to show staff they are valued, which in turn boosts loyalty and creativity. Engaged staff often take pride in their workspace, reinforcing a positive cycle.

So, here are five changes that can improve everyone’s productivity and morale in the workplace.

A key feng shui rule is the command position: each desk should be placed so the occupant can see the room’s entrance without being directly in line with it. Facing the door gives a sense of control and security, improving focus.

Tips: Face desks toward the entrance or main walkway (but not directly), keep a solid wall or bookcase behind for support, and leave space in front of the chair for circulation.

Also, avoid bad setups: Feng shui warns against sitting under low-hanging beams or slanted ceilings, which can feel oppressive. In practice, don’t place desks under visible ceiling girders. Sitting with your back to an entrance or high-traffic area can also raise anxiety; if unavoidable, hang a mirror or plant so you can see who’s approaching.

By arranging desks thoughtfully and clearing obstructions, the office eliminates blind spots and helps everyone feel more secure and focused.

Look at the office as a whole.

Keep main aisles (to doors, kitchens, printers, etc) free of clutter. Unblocked walkways let energy circulate smoothly. This may mean tucking storage units against walls or using cable trays to keep floor space clear.

Also introduce a variety of zones. Even a small corner with a chair or a few plants can serve as a refuge when needed. For example, in a busy open-plan office, adding a partition of plants or a small booth can create a quiet nook.

Balancing active areas (for collaboration) with quiet spaces supports both group work and individual focus.

Natural light and fresh air are foundations of a productive office. Workers in well-lit offices feel more alert and have higher satisfaction. To harness sunlight, open blinds fully during the day and arrange desks to benefit from window light (use curtains or shades to avoid screen glare). If daylight is limited, use bright full-spectrum bulbs over workstations.

Fresh air is equally vital. Stale, recycled air can make people sluggish. Open windows when possible, or ensure fans and HVAC circulate well. Feng shui values moving fresh air – one guide notes that embracing natural air in the workspace “enhance[s] your energy levels and support[s] your mental clarity and well-being”.

Even taking a short walk outside during breaks can recharge the brain. If outside air isn’t an option, consider air-purifying plants (like bamboo palm or aloe) or a good filter to keep the atmosphere clean and invigorating.

Indoor plants are one of the most effective feng shui adjustments. Greenery adds colour and life, and it actually improves air quality. Studies show that offices decorated with plants see measurable benefits: for example, productivity increased by roughly 15% after adding greenery. Staff also said the workspace felt more comfortable and that having plants made the company seem to care about their well-being.

Easy-care plants (snake plant, pothos, peace lily) thrive in office conditions and can go on desks or in corners. In feng shui tradition, placing a healthy plant in the southeast (wealth) or east (health) area of the office is said to attract prosperity.

If live plants aren’t practical, display nature images or a small water fountain to mimic the effect. One wellness study noted that a “natural indoor environment” can increase productivity by 15 per cent and improve well-being.

Bringing elements of nature inside, even modest ones like a desktop succulent, can lift the mood of the entire office.

Colour has a powerful psychological impact. For office feng shui, many experts recommend calming, nature-inspired hues. Soft blues tend to slow the heart rate and sharpen focus; for example, a pale blue wall can make a meeting room feel more serene. Green evokes the outdoors and suggests growth and balance. Neutral earth tones (beige, light grey, muted browns) ground the space and reduce anxiety.

Avoid overstimulating colours on primary walls. A bright red or orange wall in a busy workspace might increase stress. Instead, use warm or vibrant colours sparingly: for example, a few yellow cushions in an otherwise neutral lounge bring cheer without overwhelming.

The goal is harmony. Feng shui advises colours should “promote productivity and support your growth”. In practice, stick to a cohesive palette and introduce bold tones only in moderation.

If repainting isn’t feasible, incorporate colour through accessories and furniture. Choose chairs, storage boxes or desk mats in your accent shades. Natural materials can also help: wood desks, bamboo blinds or stone décor add warmth.

Consider lighting as well: LED bulbs that mimic daylight show true colours, while warm lamps create a cosy glow. A unified look – such as matching organizers or a coordinated rug – ties everything together and avoids visual chaos. In a harmonious office, all elements work together to support focus and calm.

Clutter is a major energy drainer. Feng shui compares piles of items to stagnant water – neither should accumulate. Psychologists agree: busy desks and messy floors overload the brain. Research finds that people are “more productive” and less irritable with an organised work area. To maintain good Chi, make clearing clutter a habit:

These routines help clear the mind as well as the space. Instead of searching for a stapler, everything has its place and is easy to find. A clean desk signals that you respect the work and those who use the space. In messy environments, stress and distraction rise; in tidy ones, people tend to work more efficiently.

Extend tidiness to shared areas too. Avoid dumping corners with boxes or supplies – use labeled bins and closets instead. For example, stack extra printer paper neatly on a shelf, not on the floor. In meeting and break rooms, return chairs neatly and wipe tables after use.

Arrange furniture to maximise openness. Line cabinets and shelves against walls, and consider tall bookcases or wall racks to free up floor space. Even installing a wall-mounted whiteboard instead of letting it lean saves space.

By giving everything a home, the office feels larger and calmer. An organised environment naturally boosts morale – when chaos is gone, people feel in control and can focus better.

A welcoming break area can rejuvenate staff and foster creativity. Provide a cosy lounge with sofas, armchairs or stools where employees can step away from their desks. Place a coffee table or counter for drinks and books. Keep this space well-lit: a large window or a bright lamp makes it inviting (designers note a sunny break room instantly feels more relaxed).

Encourage social interaction by thoughtful layout. For example, use a round table or chairs facing each other to invite conversation. Add a bulletin board or shelf of games and magazines for casual use. Finally, bring nature in: a couple of potted plants or even nature-themed artwork can make the lounge more soothing and vibrant.

Balance the lounge with quiet corners. Feng shui calls for yin and yang in a space. Designate one or two small retreats where staff can work in silence or take private calls. Furnish these with a comfortable chair and side table, and use calming colours (like pale blue or green). You might also add subtle features like soft background music or nature sounds to enhance serenity.

Clearly label these areas (e.g. “Quiet Zone”) so everyone knows they’re for focused work. Even a five-minute break in a peaceful spot can reset concentration. By providing both lively and quiet zones, the office respects different work styles. When employees can choose where to work – whether they need collaboration or solitude – productivity and well-being both improve.

These five feng shui-inspired changes — optimising desk placement, maximising light and air, using calming colours, decluttering, and creating inviting break areas — together make the office more balanced and energised. With desks and pathways arranged thoughtfully, people feel secure and focused. Welcoming daylight, fresh air and indoor plants energises the space. Calming colours and an organised layout keep minds clear.

Office feng shui is largely about practical, low-cost changes. Moving a piece of furniture, hanging a new picture or simply clearing a cluttered shelf can shift the energy in a room. In fact, one guide reminds us that small adjustments, like proper desk placement, using colour strategically, incorporating plants, and maintaining an organised space, can have a profound impact on the energy of your office. Over time, these adjustments add up: staff feel more comfortable and cared for, and productivity naturally follows.

Start with even one of these changes and build from there. By paying attention to the environment as well as tasks, managers can foster a culture of respect and well-being. This can mean involving employees by encouraging them to personalise their spaces or by organising a “workspace refresh” day – people are more likely to maintain areas they helped create.

By applying feng shui principles, even small offices can capture many of those benefits on a much smaller scale.