The importance of a harmonious working environment should not be underestimated. If colleagues are hostile towards each other, energy levels and productivity will be affected. Negative energy, or sha chi, can be identified from several fung shui violations. Note how the office is arranged. Insecurity will arise if the workspace is not separated by walls or partitions that allow privacy. If you feel as though your colleague is constantly peering or eavesdropping on you, you will feel as though you are under constant pressure. For those sitting near walkways or passageways, they will be constantly distracted by people walking past or behind them if no barriers are present and, as a result, will feel easily agitated. Every employee should have their own personal workspace. The partitions should be high enough so that they cannot easily look at their colleagues, but not that high as to overwhelm the workspace. It is preferable to have padding on the partitions so that any potentially disturbing ambient sound will be absorbed. Next, look at the position of your desk relative to the pillars. If the sharp edge of the pillar is directed towards the back of one of the employees, then that person may become irritable. You should reorient the desk so that the edge doesn't point at anyone. Placing a bookshelf or cabinet between the pillar and the person will help. If colleagues are sitting underneath a beam or overhead lighting, such overhanging structures will exert negative energy on those directly below them and cause headaches or agitation. Move the desk away from them, or add fabric to cover the beam or install a false ceiling. This is the first of a two-part series on fung shui and problems with colleagues.
