Jul 11
29
Aromatherapy in the Workplace
More and more businesses are discovering the power of aromatherapy. Takasago is Japan’s biggest producer of fragrances. The company has been carrying out experiments that relate to the performance or workers, as well as customers in various types of business and public places over the years. Takasago research has revealed that when an office is scented with lemon, those who type make 54% fewer errors. When the office was scented with Jasmine the error percentage dropped only 33 % and when the air was scented with lavender there was only a 20% reduction in errors.
For years now, Shimizu, the third largest construction company in Japan has been putting diffusers in the air conditioning ducts of the building they have constructed. The scents are chosen based upon the use of the building. Anti-stress scents are used for offices, anti-bacteria for hospitals, and relaxing essences for train stations and airport terminals.
Many workers are required to work at stress filled jobs and in environments that only add to the stress of the jobs that they do. There are many contributing factors of environmental contributors to the stress levels of many workers. Harsh lighting, noise, chemicals, and lack of sunshine are just a few,
Stress in the workplace results in more sick days being taken, headaches, lethargy, a loss of the sense of humor, irritability and depression. Stress increases errors, reduces productivity, and stifles creative thinking. Workers who are stressed have a problem working with their coworkers in cooperative ways that promote peace and harmony in the workplace.
Many farsighted companies in the world are beginning to recognize and appreciate the power of aromatherapy in the workplace. Sometimes nothing can be done about noise levels, computers, harsh lighting and such but the right scents can reduce the effects that these things have on the stress levels of employees. Aromatherapy can increase productively, lessen the number or errors that are made by employees, promote harmony among coworkers, and inspire creative thinking.
The right essential oils can inspire customers to buy more. Some essential oils can help to prevent the spread of disease in hospital or clinic settings. Essential oils can help to reduce the stress levels of those who must wait in busy public places like train stations and airports.
There are companies springing up out in the brick and mortar world as well as in cyber space that are dedicated to helping businesses learn how to use and implement the use of aromatherapy in their places of business. Aromatherapy experts will assess a situation and make recommendations as to scents that would be of the most benefit and how best to deliver those scents.
Recommendations are based upon the kind of business, the size of the building and whether the scents are to be directed at workers, customers or the general public.
Yes, aromatherapy is a powerful tool that has only recently been recognized by the world of business, both private and public. This is only the beginning.