Far out Friday: Using Feng Shui to build productivity and reduce stress

Mortgage brokers are, in general, a stressed-out and over-worked bunch. For this week’s Broker News Far out Friday edition, we’re taking a look at how Feng Shui principles could help you – and your employees – feel calmer, more productive and emotionally prepared to serve your clients.

Feng Shui itself originated in China thousands of years ago and some estimates have it cropping up as early as 4,000 BC. The art form was banned during the 1960’s Cultural Revolution, but has since spread in popularity throughout the Eastern and Western worlds.

While some understandings of Feng Shui can seem a little superstitious, there’s ample evidence to suggest that, at the very least, de-cluttering a work space and incorporating natural light and airflow (two key Feng Shui principles) leads to a more stimulating office environment.

And hey – if it’s good enough for Donald Trump (he reportedly hired a Feng Shui master several years ago after losing Asian clients due to his properties' bad vibes) – it’s good enough for us.

#pb# Sydney-based Feng Shui consultant and real estate agent, Elizabeth Wiggins, says Feng Shui literally means ‘wind and water’ and focuses on the flow of 'Qi', or 'life's energy'.

“By applying Feng Shui to your surroundings you find that you have opportunities to improve every aspect of your life.When we use Feng Shui we work to enhance the Sheng (good) Qi and deflect or neutralise the Sha (negative) Qi.”

Wiggins says modern Feng Shui experts often incorporates ‘building biology’, which looks at the health hazards that affect our everyday life – things like electromagnetic fields, mould, etc.

However, on a more basic level, Wiggins has offered Australian Broker readers seven things they can do – many of them in just a few minutes – to enhance their work environments:

1. It is essential that you have a solid wall behind you as it will provide more backing for your ideas and lends authority to your presence.
2. You should be able to see who is coming through the door. This gives you a sense of being in control of your work.
3. You should also see the whole room from your desk. This will ensure you have mastery over all you do, you will think more clearly, your judgement will be sound and you will be respected.
4. Clear clutter; a cluttered desk reflects a cluttered mind.
5. Plants, flowers and wind chimes are great in an office as they provide yang Qi to the whole room. This encourages you to be productive, maintain good concentration and obtain good ideas.
6. You should position your desk so that you can easily see out the window whilst accessing natural light.
7. Good ventilation is important - open windows are great.