As business becomes increasingly hectic, our workplaces reflect that chaos - cubicle after cubicle, piles of paper, noisy technology - all create a sense of disorderliness and unrest. It seems like the office is the place where you might get the least amount of work actually done. For some, working from home has become an option, but for most the office is the place where business will be conducted - and you will be there for at least 8 hours a day.

Since so much of our time is spent at the office, it's time a little more thought went into office design and arrangement. By using the principles of feng shui, the office can become more welcoming and productive.

Feng shui literally means 'wind-water' in Chinese, and it is an ancient art. For thousands of years, feng shui masters have been arranging spaces to reflect the harmonizing forces of nature.

This can mean such things as bringing outdoor pleasures to indoor convenience. The guiding principle of feng shui is finding balance between the yin and yang, the two opposites that make up our existence. If a door is open, then it must be able to be shut. So it is with the yin and the yang. Feng shui is all about discovering this balance by using chi (the physical energy that we express our life force with) and the five elements that make up chi: fire, earth, metal, water, and wood.

By investing in the theories of feng shui, you can make your office a better working environment.

Practicing feng shui can seem somewhat overwhelming at first, but for those who choose to dive in head first, there are some golden rules to adhere to.

First, make sure you face your doorway when sitting at your desk, this way your body won't tense when unexpected visitors make an appearance. But, don't put your desk directly in line with the room's entrance - this will be the first person approached to complete tasks and the likelihood is strong that you may be underappreciated for your work.

Feng shui experts also encourage practitioners of feng shui to put inspirational articles within eyesight of their desk.

One golden rule that all inhabitants of the office environment should consider is the idea of sheltering your personal space. Since many suffer in the sometimes stifling atmosphere of a cubicle environment creating a more personal area of space is a great idea. Whether it be by adding a tall plant or a screen. If you aren't allowed to bring those kinds of personalized items, consider stacking boxes in your working area to form a makeshift barrier between you and the distractions of passer-bys.

Another important tip issued by feng shui experts: Put a plant in your office - not only are plants pleasing to the eye and good at connecting us to the natural world, they help remove harmful toxins from the air. It really is important to remember to keep your plant healthy - a dying plant will completely wreck the welcoming atmosphere you are trying to create.

By following a few of these rules, get ready to experience a more serene, productive office space.

Jean Kaul is a 2009 Intern at Tero International, Inc.