subject: Office Plants Are Only The Start, Scent Is Just As Important [print this page] As tempting as it may be to believe that plants alone are all that is needed to create the ideal working environment, there is considerably more that can be done. Without doubt, office plants can turn a common office environment from dull and mundane into something fresh and inspirational, but scent can be highly effective too.
There is nothing new about using scent to enhance a product or a place, with research proving conclusively that fragrances play a part in affecting mood, prompting memories, both good and bad, and even compelling us to spend. Since scents can play a key role in forming an impression of a product, scent marketing has grown into a hugely significant marketing tool.
But professional commercial and interior landscapers agree that by releasing scent into the air, and providing an aroma in the workplace, the office environment is greatly enhanced, relationships amongst workers is improved, productivity is increased, and job satisfaction levels are heightened.
However, since different scents affect us in different ways, choosing the right scent to release in the workplace is an essential part of the equation. So, we have put together a list of some of the most effective scents on the market, according to the specific needs of a given office.
Citrus Fruits
Just as the zesty and tangy taste of citrus fruit can bring ones taste buds to life, so too can it bring an office to life. Amongst the most common of these fruits are lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit, and in many cases the fragrances of those fruits are mixed together to create an ensemble of tangy aromas.
Research has proved that these scents have an uplifting effect on office workers, caused perhaps because the sharpness that the fragrance itself can bring the senses to full alert naturally. The advantage for the company is that the staff are energised and are, therefore, much more productive.
From the point of view of the worker, however, the advantage is that these fragrances counter any negativity in their mood, effectively acting as an anti depressant, and in doing so makes even the most laborious and boring work a far more enjoyable event.
Ideal fragrances are an orangey mandarin zest, a fruity ensemble in Citrus Splash, and a lime dominated mojito.
Flora
There is a wide variety of fragrances used from plants, not just flowers. Amongst the most popular are lavender and jasmine, both of which are known to provide a tension reducing effect. This is ideal for countering the effects of high stress, and keeping a more relaxed atmosphere.
For that reason alone, these fragrances are ideal for high pressure offices, perhaps in financial services, sales and trading. The chief benefit for companies is staff having a calmer approach to problems and situations, ultimately leading to clarity of mind and better decisions being made. For staff, the chief advantages are that stress is low, blood pressure is low and a typical work day is more satisfying.
Ideal fragrances are sense inspiring and refreshing lavender, or perhaps chamomile.
Wood
It might seem strange to say that wood has a fragrance, but in fact it is more accurate to say the forests have a fragrance that many find refreshing. Probably the most commonly chosen woodland aroma is those that of pine forests, which is quite distinctive. However, more unique fragrances, like bamboo and sandalwood, are growing in popularity.
Both of these fragrances are quite earthy and are closely associated with zen meditation. They induce calmness in the work place, and ease the anxiety that can be so detrimental for staff in high pressure jobs. However, they are particularly beneficial in offices where a high level of creative thinking is required, such as graphic and interior design studios, or multimedia production.
Ideal fragrances are earthy sawgrass, which contain both wood fragrances, and Forest Fresh, which itself is a mix of numerous fragrances.
There is no doubt that office plants have a hugely beneficial effect on office staff, but that is only part of the overall potential that professional landscapers can realise for their clients. While plants can change the view from a desk for the better, smell can change the office mood for the better. And while this may be the reason why scent marketing has proved so successful in selling and promoting products, it is also why companies have seen a sharp rise in the productivity levels of their own staff members.
