Workplace Stress Reduction with Aromatherapy

More and more large businesses are discovering the power of aromatherapy.

Listen to podcast: Aromatherapy in the Workplace

Some major Japanese companies have been leading the way. 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 for some time.

Takasago in a workplace stress presentation indicated that research has revealed that when an office is scented with lemon, typists 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, one of the largest construction company in Japan has been putting diffusers in the air conditioning ducts of the buildings they have built. The scents are chosen based upon the specific use of the building. Anti-stress scents are used in office buildings, anti-bacteria scents in hospitals, and relaxing essences for large train stations and airport terminals.

Many workers are required to work at stressful jobs and often in hostile environments that only add to the stress of the jobs that they do. There are many factors that contribute to the environmental stress levels of workers. Workplace stress reviews indicate that harsh lighting, noise, chemicals, and lack of sunshine are just a few of the causes of different types of workplace stress generators.

There are significant costs associated with workplace stress.  Stress in the workplace results in an increase in sick days taken, lethargy, headaches, a loss of the sense of humor, irritability and depression. Workplace stress increases errors, reduces productivity, and stifles creative thinking and innovation. Workers in a stressful environment have greater difficulties resolving problems and working with their coworkers in cooperative ways.  This effect can poison collaborative efforts and diminish overall results.

Many farsighted companies in the world are beginning to recognize and appreciate the power of aromatherapy in the workplace. In some circumstances little can be done about noise levels, computers, harsh lighting and such.  But the right scents can reduce the effects that these things have on employee stress levels. Aromatherapy can increase individual and group productively, lessen the number or errors that are made by employees, promote harmony among coworkers, and inspire creative thinking.  Properly used, aromatherapy oils can be good workplace stress relievers.

On the sales front, the right essential oils can inspire customers to buy more. Some essential oils can help to prevent the spread of infectious disease in hospital or clinic settings. Essential oils can also help to reduce the stress levels of those who must wait in busy public places like train stations and airports.

There are consulting and supply companies springing up in the brick and mortar world as well as online 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 the specific scents that would be of the most benefit and how best to deliver those scents.  Recommendations are based upon the type of business, the square footage of the building and whether the scents are to be directed at workers, customers and/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. You will see and smell more and more in the years to come, in the promotion of workplace health.