13 Feng Shui Tips to Boost Employee Morale

These 13 Feng Shui tips will boost employee morale and will produce a much better working environment that will produce more income:

#1 – Eliminate Clutter: Eliminating clutter from an office space can improve an office’s Feng Shui. The more organized and clean that an office is, the better the positive chi will flow.

#2 – Introduce Plants: Adding green plants that pull in pollutants and release clean air into the work environment can greatly improve the Feng Shui of an office of any size.

#3 – Cover All Cables: Purchasing casings or plaster to hide cables from computers and other electronic products can improve the Feng Shui of an office. This eliminates the feeling of disorganization.

#4 – Remove Dividers: If your office includes cubicles that feature dividers, you may want to consider removing the dividers in order to increase the flow of chi.

#5 – Cleaning: Floors that are clean, windows, and walls that are free of dirt can improve Feng Shui. Hire a cleaning service to regularly clean your office; the less dust and dirt within your office the more positive that the office’s Feng Shui will be.

#6 – Proper Maintenance: If there are any broken tools, fixtures, or appliances in your office have them repaired or replaced. Broken items cause ill feelings and produce negative chi.

#7 – Desk Positioning: If possible position all desks in a “position of power” and don’t have anyone have their backs to each other. Attempt to position all the desks to point towards the entrance of the office.

#8 – Creative Zones: Each desk should have a creative zone wherein employees can express themselves with pictures or random gadgets of their choosing. These items should be kept off their desks and should only be apparent in the “creative zones”.

#9 – Bulletin Boards: Add bulletin boards to each employee’s workstation. This will allow them to keep clutter off their desk and to position important items where they can easily be seen.

#10 – Computer And Phone Arms: Purchase and install monitor and phone arms. These allow the computer monitor and phone to be placed above the desk in an alleviated position. This once again clears the desk.

#11 – Repaint The Office: Making a simple change to the color of your office can improve Feng Shui. Painting the office in lighter colors can produce productivity and create positive energy.

#12 – Scheduled Cleaning And Organization: Every day you should schedule 10 to 15 minutes paid time in which employees are required to clean and organize their workspaces. This will cut back on clutter and will create a feeling of positive Feng Shui.

#13 – Proper Lighting: Changing the overhead lighting in an office to brighter lighting can result in improved Feng Shui. Flickering or dull lighting can result in poor Feng Shui.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Technorati
  • Twitter
July 13th, 2009 by Marcus Reed | No Comments »

Feng Shui Color Tips for Office

When most people think of Feng Shui, they immediately think of organization and placement. While it is true that organization and the particular layout of an office is fundamental to creating positive Feng Shui, there are other less thought of elements that are just as important. In fact, the element of color is vitally important to the overall Feng Shui of the office.

Yin Feng Shui Color Tips

There are two sides to Feng Shui color. There is the Yin side and the Yang side. Each part of the Ying Yang Feng Shui color scale can add great power and appeal to your office. The Yin colors promote healing and relaxation. There are numerous important colors in the Yin section that you may wish to add to your office in order to further promote healing and relaxation.

Blue: Blue represents high energy in the Yin color scale. It also represents love and is proven to create a calm and soothing feeling. Additionally it includes and represents the attributes of peace, trust, adventure, exploration, intellect and wisdom.

Black: Black represents money and income. This color is proven to promote great careers when it is used along with metals. It also represents emotional protection and power.

Purple: Purple is by and far one of the most important, if not THE most important color, in the belief of Feng Shui. This color promotes physical and mental healing and is also associated with spiritual balance or awakening.

White: This color in the Feng Shui spectrum represents confidence and purity. It also represents poise. When it is used with gold and silver it can promote and create a very calm atmosphere.

Other colors in the Feng Shui Yin color spectrum are pink and green.

Yang Feng Shui Color Tips

The following are the most important colors when it comes to the Yang side of the Feng Shui color spectrum.

Yellow: Yellow represents warmth, cheerfulness and friendliness. However, it should be used in moderation. When used in excess, yellow can actually cause anxiety.

Orange: Orange is proven to promote concentration. That is why most offices add this color to their Feng Shui color scheme. It also represents creativity and organization.

Tan, red, brown, maroon, and gold are also considered Yang Feng Shui colors.

Using Feng Shui With The Yin And Yang Color Scale

Mixing colors of both the Yin and Yang sides of the Feng Shui color scale can greatly improve an offices overall Feng Shui. The use of and mixture of these colors can promote a better work effort and can create an overall better working environment. However you choose to mix and match these colors, you are sure to create a great atmosphere and enhance your offices Feng Shui.

These colors can be used to highlight an office and make it look bigger when used in painting the walls and trim. Additionally, these colors should be used in all objects within the office including desks, chairs, tables, and even rugs. This will greatly improve the Feng Shui in your office and will promote better business.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Technorati
  • Twitter
July 10th, 2009 by Marcus Reed | No Comments »

Office Plants Every Health Conscious Worker Must Know

The majority of office workers think that the plants in their office are simply there for their aesthetic appeal. However, you may be surprised to learn that there are actually several health benefits to keeping plants in your office. Numerous studies have proven that green plants in the office place can eliminate many harmful toxins and pollutants from the office.

If your office does not have plants, you may wish to consider adding a plant to your work area or encourage your company to do so. All health conscious individuals should consider the many wonderful health benefits that can result from the simple addition of plants to the work place. Herein, you will discover these benefits, along with the best plants to place in your office.

Defeating Office Pollution With Dracaenas

It has been determined that 95% of all offices in the world feature what is known as harmful “indoor pollution”. This is pollution that is created from office equipment and poor building circulation. Due to poor air circulation these toxins simply move around in the air and are breathed in by everyone in the office. These toxins can result in common viruses and can lead to major health concerns over time.

However, NASA conducted a scientific study involving typical indoor plants and their ability to pull in indoor pollutants and to remove the toxins from the air, while releasing fresh air back into the environment. Scientists at NASA quickly discovered that the Dracaenas variety of plants seemed to be the most efficient when it came to pulling in toxins and recycling them into clean air.

Three of the most effective plants found in this study of the Dracaenas variety of plants were:

Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans “Massangeana”)
Dracaena “Warneckei (Dracaena Deremensis “Warnecki”)
Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)

What’s more, each of these indoor plants is easy to care for and can thrive in just about any office environment.

Corn PlantCorn Plant – This toxin cleaning plant needs very little light in order to grow, making it perfect for the office place. This plant has sword-like leaves that grow out of the trunk of the plant. The plant will only grow as big as the trunk is of the plant you buy. The trunk never grows once it is cut and potted.

Dracaena “Warneckei” – The leaves of this plant have white stripes. It is these white stripes that make the plant so visually appealing. The leaves of the plant also contain red striping along the vein of the leaves. Like the corn plant, this plant needs little light and little water to thrive.

Dracaena Marginata – This variety of Dracaena features red, white, and yellow stripes on the leaves. It is also commonly known as the Dragon Tree. This plant needs medium-light and should be placed near a window if possible.

These are just three of the most common and popular plants that have been determined by NASA to effectively remove toxins from the air. If you are a health conscious individual and want to turn your office environment into a healthier place to work, you should consider the addition of one or more of these plants to your work environment.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Technorati
  • Twitter
July 7th, 2009 by Marcus Reed | No Comments »

Let’s Go Green with 12 Office Gadgets

If you are concerned about the environment and are wondering how you could turn your office green, here are some fun eco-friendly gadgets that can help. These 12 gadgets come in handy in any office environment that is concerned with saving money and saving the environment:

#1 - Solar Powered Light: Solar powered lights are probably the most recognized eco-friendly office gadget that people think of. These lights can be set-up in any office that has access to a roof for solar power panel installation.

#2 – Water Power Clocks: Water powered clocks can be found in stationary desk form, and also in wall clock size. Everyday water is simply placed into the back of the clock and it will continue to run on water power alone without the need for electric power or batteries.

#3 – Eco-Charger: If your office uses multiple cellphones you should consider investing in Eco-Chargers. Eco-Chargers use 96% less power than a typical cellphone charger. Eco-Chargers shut off the moment that a cellphone is charged.

#4 – Eco-Kettle: The Eco-Kettle is an eco-friendly coffee and tea maker that can save you a great deal of energy in your offices break room. This simple to use coffee and tea maker can save you up to 80% in energy when compared to other coffee makers.

#5 – Eco-Heater: Eco-Heaters work just like a regular heating system. Except a single Eco-Heater can heat an entire room with only using the power of four 100 watt light bulbs! This will save you great deal of money on your heating bill.

#6 – Solar-Powered Laptop Charger: This is a handy laptop case that actually has solar panels on it. These panels allow a lap-top to be charged without the need of plugging it into the wall.

#7 - Geo-Bulbs: Geo-Bulbs are eco-friendly light bulbs that use less power, while still giving off the same amount of light as average light bulbs. Additionally, these light bulbs outlast average light bulbs.

#8 – USB Coffee Warmer: This fun little gadget plugs into an open USB port on a computer and keeps your cup of coffee warm. This is perfect for coffee drinkers who drink slowly. Uses no extra energy other than what your computer is already using.

#9 – Staple Free Stapler: These staplers don’t use staples! This will save you money while protecting the environment. This stapler pushes the paper into itself and creates a fold and indent that will not come undone.

#10 – Recycled USB Drive: These eco-friendly USB drives are made out of all recycled materials. Perfect for any business that uses multiple USB drives.

#11 – Compost Unit: Compost units are great for break rooms or dining areas in an office. This cuts down on trash waste and is great for the environment.

#12 – Solar Desk: A solar desk contains plugs for all your most important power supplies. The entire desk is made out of solar panels! So if your cubicle or office spot is next to a window, this is the perfect desk for you to help save the environment.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Technorati
  • Twitter
July 1st, 2009 by Marcus Reed | 2 Comments »

Top 10 Plants to Reduce Pollution in the Office

Although offices can vary widely in size as well as the kind of setting, there is one thing that runs in common through them all: all office-goers spend their work days in pretty tight enclosures wherein they have no option but to endure a slew of indoor pollutants.

In fact, many well documented studies conducted by environmental scientists, have stated that indoor pollution in the office is ten times worse than pollution that people come into contact with in their cars. What this implies is that office pollution is worse than smog and exhaust combined!

What Causes Pollution in Offices?

This is due in part to bad circulation and air ventilation in 80% of all offices around the world. This means that people who work in an office setting come into contact with pollutants that are harmful to their health each and every day. These pollutants include but are not limited to: mold, dust and VOC’s. Prolonged exposure to these types of pollutants can result in numerous health issues. The statistics are scary and more and more people are recognizing this looking for methods to free the air in their office of pollution.


Can Office Pollution be Prevented or Minimized?

The good news is, a pollution-free atmosphere in the office can be easily accomplished by the introduction of certain types of plants into the office place. It has been clinically proven that there are several varieties of plants that can actually absorb office air pollution and can then purify it and release fresh oxygen into the air.

Adding a few plants at various locations in the office would improve the environment within immediately. Alternatively, adding one or two of the below varieties to your own desk would help enhance at least the quality of your own personal space.

The Top 10 Fresh Air Plants for the Office

Herein, you will discover some plants that have been proven most effective in eliminating pollution in the office.

  1. Arrowhead VineSyngonium Podophyllum – Features upwards growing stems with arrow shaped leaves. Though the surface of the plant is dark green, it will have either while, silver or pink markings on the surface of the leaf.

  2. Bamboo PalmChamedora Seifrizii- These are tall, green plants that can grow between 3 to 6 feet in height. These plants are commonly considered “floor plants”. They resemble bamboo trees.

  3. Boston Fern- Contains frilly leaves and fronds which are very low hanging. These plants are generally grown in hanging pots. The leaves are small but the branches are long from the base. It is light green to medium green in color

  4. Dracaenas - also known as ‘Janet Craig’ – A medium sized plant with 3 to 6 stalks. Will grow up to 2 feet in height. Leaves cascade down from the stalk and are between 4 and 5 inches. The plant is medium green.

  5. English IvyHedera Helix- These plants can vine and become up to 50 feet tall if not pruned properly. They can additionally ground grow but are generally restricted in growth by the size of their pot. They are green with white or yellow on the small ivy looking leaves. Does not need direct sunlight.

  6. WarnockDracaena Warneckii- A narrow growing medium sized shrub. The leaves appear striped in white or yellow and have sharp points. The stripes run the length of the leaves. Is a perfect room temperature plant that needs little watering.

  7. Peach LilySpathiphyllum- A basic green plant with dark green leaves. Does flower with tall while flowers. It will bloom repeatedly throughout the year, and will thrive in the shade. Grows to about 15 to 18 inches in height.

  8. Pot Mum – Chrysantheium Morifolium- This is a flowering plant. Thrives in non-direct sunlight and grows quickly. Does not require a great deal of water. Seeds can spread if used outside of a pot.

  9. Mother-In-Law’s TongueSansevieria Laurentii- The leaves of the plant resemble snake tongues. The plant is stalky with light green to yellow leaves. The plant grows vertically and has very still leaves. May grow to 70-90 cm.

  10. Chinese EvergreenAglaonema Modestum- One of the most flexible growing plants. Can thrive in almost any conditions with or without direct sunlight. Grows between 20 and 150 cm in height. The plants leaves are green with white patterns. May also flower and produce berries.

Each of these plants has been proven effective in removing specific toxins from the air. These toxins include formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and benzene. These green and flowering plants can remove such toxins from the dry air in an office and can release clean and healthy oxygen back into the environment.

The Benefits of Having Clean and Healthy Air in the Office

When the air in an office is clean of toxins, the workers in the office will breathe easier and will stay healthier. This will mean less sick days amongst office workers!

Interestingly, it has been proven that plants also help create a healthier working environment. Studies conducted by NASA indicate that individuals who work in an office that is full of plants, think more clearly and are more productive than those who work in polluted air offices. This has been further proven time after time in numerous test studies.

If you want to think clearer and work better than you should seriously consider the introduction of a clean-air plant into your workspace. If you work in an office that has yet to discover the many benefits of adding plants to the workplace, you should encourage them to look into the matter, not only your own health and benefit but also for the health and benefit of every employee who works in the office.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Technorati
  • Twitter
June 29th, 2009 by Marcus Reed | No Comments »