Using Feng Shui in Kitchen Design

          Feng Shui is the study and use of chi (energy) in people’s homes. Anciently, it is described as “natural science of the study of natural environment and characteristics of landscape” (Devraj, 2009). Feng means wind and Shui means water. These elements together represent good health. Feng Shui consists of five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Each of these elements, when combined together, bring good chi to a kitchen.

          The wood element in Feng Shui is a balancing element.  Balance occurs when a bowl of fruit or a vase of flowers is placed between the stove and the kitchen sink.

          The stove or cooktop represents the fire element. The unit should be placed in an island facing the doorway. Sometimes it’s not possible for the stove to be facing the door; in that case, place a mirror behind the stove so the cook doesn’t feel isolated (Collins, 1999).

          Utensils and several varieties of food may represent Earth and metal. The element of Water can express itself in the sink and mirrors.

          Chi is enhanced with storage and safety. Storage of food behind closed cupboards and clutter free countertops encourages positive energy. Safety is obtained with rectangular countertops rounded on the edges and knives out of site.

          Applying all five elements, wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, as well as the consideration of storage and safety with bring good chi to any kitchen design.

References

Collins, T. K. (1999). The western guide to Feng Shui: Room by room. Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, Inc.

Devraj, K. (2009, March). efengshui.org: what is feng shui? Retrieved October 2014, from http://efengshui.org/articles/basic/what-is-feng-shui--1530.html

Four Characteristics of a Professional Employee

A professional employee exhibits four main characteristics: competency, caring, character, and comportment (Cardon, 2014). The employee will benefit on the job from practicing these characteristics.

An employee shows competency by attaining knowledge applicable to the specific job. The work produced by qualified employees is better quality and more professional. Competency gives the worker job enjoyment therefore producing a happier work environment for surrounding employees (N/A, 2013).

Caring benefits the employee when he/she shows interest in others and in the community. Being genuinely concerned and interested in others’ activities, talents, and successes builds comradery.

A professional employee models character by following through, and practicing ethical values and honest communication. Arriving to work and meetings on time and respecting other co-workers’ differences gains trust. When given tasks, professional, ethical employees complete their work quickly and efficiently.

Presenting one’s self in a clean and conservative way builds good comportment; therefore, representing the company in a professional way (M. McKell, personal interview, September 22,2014). Modest dress, personal grooming, and clean language are preferred in most professional environments.

Practicing the four characteristics, competency, caring, character, and comportment, will benefit the employee working toward a professional career. Achieving these four characteristics should be the goal of all employees.

References

Cardon, P. W. (2014). Chapter one: establishing credibilty. In Business communication: developing leaders for a networked world (pp. 6-13). NY, NY: McGraw-Hill.

McKell, M. (2014, 9 25). Project Manager, IMS Global Learning Consortium. (H. McKell, Interviewer)

N/A, F. (2013). Forum for well being at work: competence and strain at work. Retrieved 9 30, 2014, from Ministry of social affairs, Finland: http://www.stm.fi/c/document_library/

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