How to help staff reduce stress, boost focus & improve mood this January

Christmas is still to come, but looking beyond to the New Year, we know that many people feel less productive in January, with an estimated two million people affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

So as leaders look to welcome teams back after the festive break, many will be looking for ways to overcome the holiday slump.

January is often seen as a ‘fresh start,’ and specialists say subtle environmental changes can significantly improve focus, motivation, and wellbeing, whether working from home or the office.

With growing demand for healthier, more human-centred workplaces, feng shui principles are increasingly aligning with modern design trends such as biophilic interiors, flexible work zones, sensory-friendly layouts, and minimalist environments.

William Stokes, CEO at office infrastructure specialist Co-space, offers some advice: “Workers are increasingly seeking spaces that don’t just look good, they need to feel good. As companies rethink the modern office for a new year and a new era, feng shui offers a practical, accessible way to improve energy, reduce stress and create spaces that support productivity instead of draining it.

“We’re seeing more organisations explore how environment, psychology and wellbeing intersect. Small changes can shift how people think, feel and perform, and the impact can be immediate.”

6 Easy Feng Shui Fixes for a More Productive Workspace

Experts recommend six simple changes anyone can make, at home or in the office, to start the year with better energy:

1. Add natural elements

Introducing plants, natural textures, and greenery supports air quality and brings in the Feng Shui “wood element,” associated with growth, creativity, and motivation. Research has suggested that plants can reduce stress, boost mood, and in some cases improve cognitive performance.

“Plants are one of the easiest ways to energise a workspace,” said Stokes. “They soften the environment, support wellbeing and introduce natural movement that keeps the mind stimulated.”

2. Reposition desks for optimal flow

Sitting in the ‘command position’ where the entry is visible, can promote a sense of stability, focus, and control. Avoid working with your back to a door or busy walkway where distractions increase.

“Your position in a room has a powerful psychological effect,” added Stokes. “When people feel anchored and aware of their environment, they naturally settle into deeper focus.”

3. Declutter for clarity

A tidy space is linked to improved cognitive performance and reduced mental load. Clearing surfaces, organising cables, and removing unnecessary items helps reset the mind for the new year.

“Clutter creates visual noise that your brain must process, a tidy desk sharpens attention and sets the tone for productive work.”

4. Connect through colour

Colour influences mood, behaviour, and energy levels. While many offices rely on neutral greys and whites, introducing tones such as greens, soft blues, or energising accent colours can enhance productivity and create a more uplifting environment.

“Colour psychology is incredibly powerful, the right palette can lift mood, spark creativity or signal calm – all of which support better work.”

5. Personalise your workspace

Adding meaningful items, photos, art, or objects that reflect your interests, can increase comfort and motivation. Personalisation reinforces psychological safety, especially in hybrid or hot-desking environments.

“A personalised workspace keeps you emotionally connected,” Stokes notes. “When a space feels like ‘yours’, engagement naturally increases.”

6. Remove distractions

Minimising noise, clutter, or high-traffic interruptions can dramatically improve daily productivity. Quiet zones, clear work zones, and shared expectations help reduce overwhelm and mental fatigue.

“Distraction is the biggest hidden cost in most workplaces, simple boundaries and intentional layouts can transform how consistently people stay on task.”

As organisations plan for 2026, many are adopting these blended approaches to support staff in an era defined by hybrid work, rising burnout, and wellbeing-driven office design.

Stokes continued: “We’re entering a period where wellbeing isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’, it’s a business priority. Workplace design is evolving fast, and employees want spaces that support their mental and emotional state, not just aesthetics.

“Feng shui bridges ancient wisdom with modern environmental psychology. By aligning layout, colour, light and natural elements, you create environments where people feel energised, calm and ready to perform at their best. These human-centred design principles will define the next generation of productive, supportive workplaces.”

To learn more about Mental Health & Wellbeing in the workplace, click here.