Productive fragrances to help when returning to work

Your sense of smell and your memory are very closely linked and those with full olfactory function can be capable of thinking of smells that evoke particular memories. Productive fragrances have been known to enhance workplace environments and working efficiencies.

In addition, scent memory can revive memories that have been long forgotten and this is because the part of the brain that operates emotions, smells and memories are closely intertwined, in a way that is different to the other senses.

Heading back into the workplace after lockdown

Returning to the workplace will cause a number of people stress and anxiety. As an employer, you can try and ease this through fragrance. Particularly productive fragrances and positive scents, these evoke happy memories which can lift moods and reduce stress.

Similar to scent memory, productive fragrances can achieve higher levels of concentration, attention and reduce stress through certain aromatherapies, so your performance in the workplace can improve.

Scents for logical thinking

• Coffee – Coffee is a well-known scent to most and we all know that is has energizing properties. The smell has a similar effect to drinking coffee and can encourage logical thinking, alertness, and better performance.
• Rosemary – The herb, rosemary is mostly used for cooking but there are also aromatherapy benefits to the scent. Rosemary can improve alertness and memory which is perfect if you are planning to brainstorm at work or scheduling whilst at work.

Scents to improve performance

• Jasmine – The small of jasmine can have a stimulatory effect on the nervous system, making it perfect to improve your performance at work. It can instantly perk you up and energize your brain to work more effectively.
• Citrus – Citrus aromas such as lemon and grapefruit can improve your cognitive function and help you stay alert throughout the workday. Citrus scents are perfect to smell in the afternoon to boost your energy and carry you through to the end of the day.

Scents to improve attention span

• Peppermint – Peppermint in aromatherapy helps enhance memory, increased alertness and improve performance on tasks at work. It can also clear the mind and relieve allergy symptoms naturally. Take a quick smell on your lunch break and it can work as an instant pick-me-up by improving blood circulation and mental awareness.
• Cinnamon – Cinnamon is the perfect scent to heighten attention and increase motor response. This improves performance on tasks that require extra attention – perfect for the workplace.

Scents to reduce stress

• Lavender – Lavender is a lovely smell and can aid in not only relaxation to combat anxiety, but it can improve concentration. This makes the scent perfect for the workplace so you can stay calm and concentrate at the same time.
• Lemongrass – Feeling nervous about going back to work? Lemongrass reduces anxiety and eases stress, allowing you to focus on work tasks.