The rise in adverse reactions to scented products has caused many companies to adopt a scent free workplace policy. Most people like some kind of scent, however, the same scent can be pleasing to some people and an irritant to others.
Equally, a growing number of people are looking into more natural options for health and wellness, a niche that fits aromatherapy enthusiasts perfectly. The challenge that is faced by people who are using essential oils for wellness becomes, “can I use aromatherapy in a scent free workplace?”
In today’s diverse work environments, maintaining a balance between personal preferences and the collective well-being of all employees is crucial. Scent-free policies have emerged as a key component of this balance, addressing the growing need to accommodate individuals with sensitivities to fragrances and chemicals. These policies are not just about avoiding strong perfumes; they are essential for creating a safe and inclusive workspace where everyone can thrive.
Let’s explore some compelling reasons to support a scent free workspace.
Reasons to go Scent Free
How Well Can You Smell
Just as we can lose our vision or hearing, we can also lose our sense of smell.
Habituation: Habituation is the loss of sense of smell to a particular aroma from overuse. Think about your favourite scent or perfume here; lavender for example. Repeated use of a scent may contribute to you having trouble smelling it, or the scent of it changes. It’s important to take a break from scent. I always suggest that fans of aromatherapy diffusing use the timer setting on their diffuser to ensure that it turns off partly for this reason.
Anosmia: Anosmia is another consideration. Anosmia is the loss of the sense of smell in a more general sense. Your sense of smell may be dulled or it may leave you completely. This can be caused by an illness, accident, you may be born without olfactory bulbs that form part of our sense of smell system, or another reason.
The takeaway here is, you may not be able to smell something that your office mate can.
Allergies
For many people, exposure to certain scents can trigger a range of adverse reactions. These reactions can include headaches, dizziness, respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even severe allergic responses. In some cases, individuals with conditions like asthma or multiple chemical sensitivity can experience symptoms that significantly impact their ability to function effectively at work. By implementing scent-free policies, companies demonstrate their commitment to the health and comfort of all employees, ensuring that those with sensitivities are not unintentionally excluded or put at risk.
Reaction to Scent
While generally we can say that an essential oil such as peppermint is stimulating, there are some people who find peppermint relaxing. Your quest to add pep to your step for the mid-afternoon sleepiness may cause your work friend increased sleepiness.
Productivity
A scent free workplace can help reduce distractions and improve overall productivity. Strong or unfamiliar scents can be distracting, pulling employees’ focus away from their tasks. In a scent-free environment, there’s less risk of such distractions, allowing everyone to maintain their concentration and work more efficiently.
Digestive Upset
Essential oils make their way into the bloodstream and are metabolized by your body, eventually being excreted in some way. It’s been my experience that overexposure to inhaling essential oils can upset the digestive system.
Neurotoxicity
Some essential oils, such as eucalyptus, rosemary, peppermint and sage, are neurotoxins. While they may be safe to inhale in small doses, too much exposure can cause trouble.
Individual Preferences
We all appreciate different things and that includes aromas. You may find the scent of lavender beautiful while a colleague has a strong aversion to it. In a shared workspace, what might be a pleasant aroma to one person could be a source of discomfort or distress to another.
Solutions for a Scent Free Workplace
It’s important to take a scent free workplace seriously. If a coworker is bothered by a scent in this setting, they can complain. Someone not following regulations may get a warning or more severe action.
Let’s navigate the number of ways to incorporate aromatherapy into your work day, even in a scent free workplace.
1. Personal Inhaler
Personal inhalers are a great way to bring essential oils with you on the go. Place a few drops of your essential oil blend onto the cotton wick that comes with your personal inhaler, sometimes called a “sniff stick”. Using this personal inhaler before you enter the building, on lunch, and after work will be enough interaction with aromatherapy to help you with your day. Plus, there will not be a need to open the inhaler inside the building.
2. Personal Salt Diffuser
This option works the same way as the personal inhaler. You will need a darkly coloured, small glass jar. A 2 ounce or 4 ounce jar will be a good size. In a glass bowl, combine enough sea salt to fill the jar, with 1 tablespoon of your favourite carrier oil, such as olive oil or jojoba. Add 3 – 5 drops of your essential oil blend to the salt and mix thoroughly. Add the salt mixture to your jar and label it. Use it the same way you would use the personal inhaler above.
3. Scented Pot
To create a scented pot, you will need a small stainless steel tin. Add 2-3 flat cotton pads to the tin. Place 3 drops of your favourite essential oil blend to the top cotton pad and close the tin. Like the personal inhaler, you can open the top of the tin and inhale the essential oil before entering the building, on lunch and after work to prevent any scent from affecting your colleagues.
4. Breathwork
When we inhale essential oils, we are taking a moment to slow down, breathe and clear our minds. You can do breathwork at your desk without the help of essential oils. Take a few minutes to breathe and calm down your nervous system. Remove your headphones, place your hands in your lap and breath in while counting to 6. Hold your breath to the count of 4. Breath out to the count of 8. Repeat 3 -4 times during the day as necessary.
5. Take a Walk at Lunch
While working in my last office environment, a number of staff did not take their lunch break. Many staff would heat up their lunch in the lunch room provided and sit at their desk. You may find yourself more productive if you take the break. Use your lunch break as an opportunity to take a walk outside. It provides you with fresher air than an office, natural light, movement (which is crucial for office workers who sit at a desk), and some time to clear your head. Movement is a way of reducing stress and also allows for creativity to flow.
6. Shower Steamer
Start your morning off with a boost of essential oils by using a shower steamer. Shower steamers are small, scented pucks that you place in your shower and allow some of the water to fall onto it, releasing the freshness of the essential oils. By beginning your day with essential oils in the shower, you give yourself the opportunity to experience essential oils at home while creating an inviting way to start your day.
7. Low to no Scent Body Lotion
Many carrier oils have properties that can help us to manage stress. Carrier oils have very little scent. You can experiment with low scent essential oils where the scent may not linger and be noticeable to coworkers. Below are a few low scent essential oils for you to know about. Keep in mind that each person has a different sense of smell and a different sensitivity to it. Get a trusted coworker’s feedback to let you know if your lotion has scent before you commit to using it during the work day.
By respecting the guidelines of your office and the sensitivities of your coworkers, you create a workplace of mutual respect and understanding.
Low Scent Essential Oils for the Workday
Sandalwood – Sandalwood may help you to find calm and a sense of emotional balance during the workday.
Amyris – Amyris is an essential oil with similar properties to Sandalwood, and a very light wood scent.
Helichrysum – Although helichrysum is steam distilled from flowers, the essential oil has a light and slightly herbaceous scent. Helichrysum’s anti-inflammatory properties may help you during the day to relieve headaches and help you to deal with frustration. You may find it to be uplifting when you are dealing with a negative situation.
Cedarwood – Cedarwood has a light wood scent, that is grounding and calming. Cedarwood may help you with focus, while providing support against burnout.
Now that you have a few options for using aromatherapy at the office, what essential oils will you choose?
Navigating the complexities of a scent-free workplace can be challenging, especially for those who rely on aromatherapy for their well-being. However, with a thoughtful approach and a willingness to explore alternatives, it’s entirely possible to maintain your wellness routine without compromising the comfort of your colleagues. Scent-free policies are not just about adhering to rules; they are about fostering an environment where everyone feels respected, safe, and able to perform at their best. By understanding the reasons behind these policies and being mindful of the needs of those around you, you can contribute to a more inclusive and harmonious workplace.
Balancing Wellness and Workplace Requirements
While scent-free policies may seem restrictive at first, they offer an opportunity to get creative with your self-care practices. Whether it’s through the use of personal inhalers, unscented products with aromatherapy benefits, or practicing mindful breathwork, there are plenty of ways to incorporate aromatherapy into your daily routine without infringing on the scent-free environment. By prioritizing both your own well-being and the comfort of your coworkers, you can find a balance that works for everyone.
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