The Scent of Productivity: How Fragrance Impacts Performance in the Workplace

Why Scents in the Workplace Matter More Than You Think

The workplace environment plays a vital role in employee well-being, focus, and productivity. While ergonomics, lighting, and aesthetics are commonly prioritised, scent and air quality are often overlooked — despite growing research showing their direct impact on performance and mood.

In fact, thoughtfully selected scents can boost concentration, reduce stress, and create a more positive and productive atmosphere. Let’s take a closer look at how this works and why modern companies are investing in scent as a strategic tool for performance.

The Science Behind Scents and Performance

Research in environmental psychology and olfactory science confirms that ambient scent can influence mood, cognition, and behavior. According to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, exposure to pleasant scents like citrus, peppermint, or lavender improved alertness and task performance (Herz, 2009).

Similarly, a 2020 report by the Scent Marketing Institute found that employees working in scented environments showed up to 14% greater productivity and reported lower levels of stress and fatigue.

Why? Because scent stimulates the limbic system, the part of the brain responsible for emotions and memory. This powerful connection enables fragrance to directly influence our motivation, alertness, and emotional state.

How Scents Influence Work Behavior

Different scents produce different psychological and physiological effects:

Lavender has a calming, anti-anxiety effect – ideal for high-pressure environments like call centers. However, excessive exposure may induce drowsiness in some.

Peppermint increases alertness and energy, making it suitable for fast-paced tasks requiring quick thinking.

Citrus oils such as lemon and orange are known to elevate mood, reduce stress, and enhance clarity.

Unpleasant odours – from food, waste bins, or poor ventilation – have the opposite effect, contributing to distraction, irritability, and reduced motivation. A negative olfactory environment can impact not only individual performance but also the overall team dynamic.

Fragrance as a Strategic Tool in Workplace Design

Forward-thinking companies are beginning to integrate scent into their workplace strategies. Much like lighting or acoustics, ambient scent can be managed to optimise performance and comfort. With expert guidance, scent systems can be tailored to:

• Stimulate focus in open offices
• Soothe stress in meeting or break rooms
• Neutralise unpleasant odours in bathrooms or common areas
• Enhance brand perception in reception zones

This approach aligns with neuro-architecture – a design philosophy focused on how physical environments influence cognitive function and emotional well-being.

Scent Memory, Emotion, and Employee Engagement

Scent is a powerful trigger of memory and emotion. Studies show that up to 75% of emotions are generated by smell(Sense of Smell Institute, 2019). Pleasant scent experiences evoke positive associations and can strengthen an employee’s emotional connection to the workplace.

Moreover, as scent is tied to memory from early childhood, it can create a sense of familiarity, trust, and comfort – reinforcing workplace loyalty and satisfaction.

Companies that care about indoor air quality and scent are seen as more thoughtful, modern, and attentive to employee needs — which often results in lower turnover and greater engagement.

Beyond Offices: Where Scent Matters

The benefits of scent optimization extend far beyond corporate offices. Scent plays a key role in shaping perceptions and experiences in:

• Hotels and reception areas
• Wellness clinics and medical practices
• Cosmetic studios and spas
• Retail showrooms and fitting rooms
• Elevators, lobbies, and shared residential spaces

In each of these spaces, scent serves as a subtle signature of the brand, enhancing the guest experience and building emotional connections with customers and staff alike.

The Rise of Scent Branding and “Aromarketing”

The term “aromarketing” refers to the deliberate use of fragrance to influence how a place, product, or professional is perceived. In workspaces, this strategy is gaining traction as part of broader well-being programs and employee experience design.

Well-executed scent branding:

• Boosts employee productivity and satisfaction
• Reduces stress and burnout
• Enhances company image and brand memorability
• Contributes to a more welcoming and professional atmosphere

A Sensory Investment That Pays Off

Optimising the work environment through scent is no longer a novelty — it’s a strategic investment. When done professionally, it contributes to a happier, healthier, and more focused workforce.

Companies that adopt scent strategies report:

• Greater team cohesion
• Improved task performance
• Enhanced creativity
• More positive perceptions among both clients and talent

In Summary: Scents That Work for People at Work

Fragrance is a powerful, evidence-backed tool that can transform not just the atmosphere of your workplace — but its outcomes. Thoughtfully chosen scents improve the way people feel, think, and perform.

Want to create a high-performance environment where people feel great and do their best work?

Let’s talk scent.

Jacek Bylicki
Sales Director