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  Most American adults spend the majority of their waking hours working. As we work, we earn money, a physical representation of the energy we put into our jobs, and we then use this money to support other businesses. It is important to consider how we can integrate our own personal values into the work that we do and the businesses we patronize. This issue, “Conscious Values in the Workplace,” examines a few local businesses that have embraced their missions and reflected them in the very running of their companies. We investigate ways that office environments and experiences can be positively impacted by either business owners or individual employees. We also explore the concepts of conscious consumerism, supporting businesses that are aligned with our values.

    In the cover-story article, “Affecting People and Planet Beyond a Company Mission,” author Heather Kuhne writes, “Small changes in office-building construction and the way the buildings are occupied can make huge differences. These positive changes reap rewards throughout the company, transforming a mission statement on a piece of paper to a concrete manifestation of the social consciousness of an organization.” She explains that these small changes can lead to an increase in both productivity and profit, and she describes three local examples: Doty and Miller Architects, Crown Point Ecology Center and the Cleveland Environmental Center.

    Individual employees also can feel empowered to create a positive work experience. In our second cover story, “Managing the Complex Balance of Work, Health and Life,” author Betsy Muller shares, “It is possible for your work, as well as your time off, to have a positive impact on your health and happiness.” She continues with five solutions for achieving this goal. The research cited in her article supports time off and a healthy approach as integral to living a longer and more enjoyable life.

    Another way to affect our work environments is through the physical manipulation of furniture and other items in our workspace. Approaching the design of a space through the precepts of feng shui not only makes a space more visually appealing, it also promotes a healthy flow of energy through the room. Johanna Pockar's article, “Feng Shui in the Office” explains, “By utilizing the principles of feng shui to improve harmony and the positive flow of energy in an office space, productivity and prosperity can be enhanced.” The article also provides guidance on arranging an office space and items to possibly include or exclude to best balance the flow of “chi” or energy.

    Two of our articles delve into conscious consumerism. Colette Chandler authored “Spending Your Dollars In The Right Places.” In this article, Colette explains, “An emerging group of consumers referred to as LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) seeks out companies that share their health, social and environmental interests and priorities.” This rapidly growing group currently spends $230 billion on goods and services and represents approximately 30 percent of the adults in the U.S., or 63 million people. Her article provides just a short list of examples of national companies that are making major changes in order to appeal to the LOHAS market. Halle Barnett's article, “A Trip to the Dry Cleaners Can Be a Visit to Your Values,” explains the environmental and public-health implications of the toxic side of dry cleaning. Her article illustrates an example of just one way consumers can find mindfulness and power in the act of consciously choosing which dry-cleaners to support.

    We hope this issue encourages you to think about your work in new and different ways. We want to inspire you to begin making a positive impact on your own work environment. And we aspire to motivate you to spend your hard-earned dollars consciously. Most of all, we wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

With peace and love,
Balanced Living Magazine