The Positive Impact of Aromatherapy in Offices

When we think about office design, colors and lighting are usually the first things that come to mind to provide comfort for employees and a professional image for clients and visitors. But… have you ever considered the impact that scents can have on mood and well-being?

A Harvard University study from March 5, 2024, demonstrated that a pleasant work environment can increase efficiency by up to 20% and job satisfaction by 40%, influencing both our emotions and the overall workplace environment.

Scents generate sensations and emotions, evoke memories, and stimulate brain areas responsible for processes such as concentration, memory, and learning. This is why they are increasingly being used in interior design, highlighting the current importance of considering office aromatization. The sense of smell is the oldest sense. Scents can transport us to past experiences or emotions—a phenomenon known as olfactory memory, which allows us to recognize over 10,000 odors. Noticing a scent while studying or working increases the likelihood of recalling information, especially if we encounter that same scent again, as it acts as a stimulus for the human brain. Additionally, studies have shown that scents influence memory, visual concentration, and reinforce information received through the eyes. They also improve mood: scents are received in the brain as sensory stimuli, and when they are pleasant, they stimulate the release of hormones such as serotonin and dopamine, which are related to happiness, memory, and learning. When employees are in a better mood, they develop healthier interpersonal relationships, communicate more effectively, and offer kinder interactions. When people feel stressed, their mood declines—leading to irritability, yelling, headaches, or muscle pain—which affects how they relate to others and perceive their environment. Proper office aromatization can help relieve tension, relax muscles, and reduce stress levels, allowing employees to work more calmly and with greater focus.

Scents are also associated with the perception of cleanliness. When a bad odor is detected, people often assume the place is dirty, even if it isn’t. A clean scent promotes confidence and well-being, and it also changes visual perception, making the space appear tidier and more organized.

The use of scents can also calm clients, helping them relax if they are angry or stressed, perceive a clean office with friendly employees, and feel welcomed to return. Aromatherapy is commonly used in clinics, waiting rooms, department stores, and other spaces, with specific scents chosen to evoke the desired customer experience.

For offices, scents such as sandalwood, lemon, or eucalyptus are ideal for reinforcing brand image, relaxing employees and clients, and improving productivity.