As more workers start to work in the office again – even if just occasionally – it’s a good time for corporate businesses to think about how to welcome back employees in a way that is eco-friendly to promote prosperity in a time when both climate change and inflation are key topics in today’s news.
When incorporating feng shui into a workspace, it’s important to be mindful of the environment and of what you hope to achieve with the placement of items so that your choices have a purpose and connect to your goals. Feng shui in itself teaches us how to achieve harmony with our environment. There are many ways to transform a space so that it’s inviting to employees and they are motivated to work. A productive workspace creates prosperity and abundance leading to a happier and more fulfilled workforce.
THE USE OF PLANTS
Plants are an easy way to brighten, lighten, purify and clear the energy in an office. Not only are they sustainable, but they bring good chi and positive energy into a room. Plants like the peace lily can convert negative into positive energy and bamboo is a great plant to have that’s both easy to maintain and essential for abundance. An important part of keeping plants in an office is upkeep. The last thing you want is a dead or dry plant as that can symbolize dead energy and a negative effect on prosperity.
ECO-FRIENDLY LIGHTING
The type of lighting you use in your office plays a big role in the environment. When choosing bulbs, select those that are eco-friendly and use the least amount of energy. LED lightbulbs are great and help to conserve electricity. Florescent bulbs not only harm the environment, but they are not energy-efficient and will be quite costly in the end. For the most prosperity, be mindful of the energy use and compare bulbs that way when purchasing.
DIY DECOR & REFURBISHED FURNITURE
If you are needing a new couch or desk for a corporate office, go for one that’s been either thrifted, donated, refurbished, or even made yourself. This creates a unique workspace for employees to enjoy and also helps the environment if you can buy second-hand versus brand new. As long as the item isn’t broken or damaged, it will make for a great addition to any workspace. Bonus: You can even create DIY artwork for the walls that have colors that promote prosperity like golds and greens to brighten a space and add a personalized touch.
A SUSTAINABLE BREAK ROOM
If you are creating a snack corner or area for employees, opt for healthy alternatives and avoid plastics as much as you can. Thankfully, there are plenty of snack options with eco-friendly packaging that are compostable and sustainable. Aim for all-natural snack options that are good for the brain as this will help employees feel energized and ready to work. Places like Thrive Market, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods are great places to shop for healthy workday snacking that reduces the use of plastic.
When thinking about a drink and water station, install a shelf where employees can bring their own mug or donate one so they can use it while at the office. They are easy to wash and don’t require the use of plastic – this also creates a home-like touch to the office that makes employees feel comfortable when on a break or on lunch. Got a coffee maker? Try compostable filters – you can even compost the leftover coffee grounds as well! Tea fans? Provide tea leaves in containers with scoops and compostable tea bags so that employees who prefer tea can enjoy it too.
For Employers:
Set yourself apart from other employers and get the best people to come to work for you. Because of the pandemic, people have become accustomed to working from home. It has several advantages that workers really love like time with their kids and/or pets and the low cost of gas. Entice them to leave that scenario to work in your building.
- Offer a hybrid work week where they work some days in the office and some at home.
- Consider a daycare area for employees to bring kids to work. This will encourage them to return to an office building.
- Offer a doggie center where employees can leave their dogs for the day. Employees can walk their pets at lunchtime.
- Have close and adequate parking to make the trip to work easier.
There are several ways to reduce our carbon footprint that enhance our well-being and create a prosperous work environment. It helps us feel good when we leave the office for the day and helps to make a company more mindful of products that are used each week. Several co-working spaces around Austin already implement these practices and you would be surprised how this can transform a workspace and clear stale energy.
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