The Key to High Performance
The Key to High Performance
Does Workplace Performance Begin with Appealing to the Sense of Smell?
Achieving higher productivity and sustainable success is not simply a matter of paying employees more or adding the title “manager” to their business cards. Unfortunately, this is one of the most common misconceptions in corporate culture.
Perhaps the real secret lies in the noses of employees and customers. Retailers have long understood the positive impact scents can have on consumer behavior. For example, supermarkets stimulate appetite with the smell of freshly baked bread, while travel agencies use coconut notes to evoke a sense of vacation and increase holiday package sales.
Today, the corporate world is also seeking its own “signature scent” to enhance employee mood and reduce error rates. A recent study conducted at a financial services company revealed that when the environment was infused with the scent of cinnamon, employees made 40% fewer mistakes. In another case, a company introduced lavender in a high-pressure call center to calm stressed staff, observing a direct improvement in overall productivity.
Valerie Edwards Jones, a microbiologist at Manchester Metropolitan University, describes the impact of scent on workplace performance as “extremely exciting.” After five years of collaborative research, she states that the power of aroma to influence human mood is undeniable. “Although some members of the scientific community remain skeptical,” she explains, “there is compelling evidence that our sense of smell has a profound effect on us.” Research is also exploring how natural essential oils may reduce bacteria levels in office environments and even decrease employee illness rates.
Signature scents are already being used by brands such as HSBC, Texaco, and Honda UK. At one point, Honda UK reportedly used cherry essence to counteract cigarette odors. Today, more than 40 natural, oil-based fragrances — ranging from spring meadow to melted chocolate — are utilized as brand signature scents.
Japanese companies, for instance, diffuse energizing citrus aromas in the early morning to awaken employees, floral notes during production hours to support concentration, and woody scents such as cedar or cypress in the afternoon to reduce fatigue.
Another company initially hesitated before introducing orange blossom into its sales office to enhance focus. “We didn’t expect it to make a significant difference,” says Deputy General Manager Daniel Graham. “We started with a small aroma unit and a simple diffuser resembling an air vent because we weren’t sure how the staff would respond.” However, they soon observed a noticeable improvement, particularly in employee satisfaction.
The impact of professional scenting proved so significant that it influenced overall business performance. “Since introducing aroma systems into the office, our revenue has increased by 10%, absenteeism has decreased, and our sales performance has strengthened,” Graham explains. “We did receive a few negative comments, as expected. But when the scents are natural and subtle rather than harsh and chemical, people tend to welcome the positive effect on their mood.”
If managers aim to motivate their workforce and enhance performance, incorporating aromatic solutions into the workplace environment may well be a powerful strategy.
As these examples demonstrate, many brands today recognize the importance of scent and professional ambient scenting solutions — and this trend continues to grow.
Source: Virginia Matthews / The Guardian