In the post-pandemic workplace, where empty desks outnumber occupied ones, employers are getting creative to entice employees back to the office. Enter the olfactory offensive: companies are pumping in carefully curated scents, aiming to transform workplaces into olfactory oases.
For millions who dread the return to stale coffee and lukewarm microwaved lunches, this might seem like a bizarre solution. But for real estate giant Hines, it's a calculated gamble. Their signature scent, a blend of Asian Jasmine, Indian Sandalwood, and Italian Pine, is now wafting through the air vents of their Texas Tower headquarters in Houston, and soon, over 20 other buildings worldwide.
More than just air fresheners, these curated scents are part of a growing "biophilic" trend, aiming to recreate the spa-like serenity of resorts right within the office walls. Imagine trading fluorescent lights for natural illumination, sterile white noise for soothing nature sounds, and the ever-present aroma of burnt popcorn for hints of calming sandalwood.
"The conversation about incorporating wellness aspects, including office scents, has definitely increased," says Natalie Engels, design director at architecture firm Gensler. Companies are taking cues from luxury hotels like St. Regis, where signature scents of freshly cut roses and champagne waft through lobbies, subtly influencing mood and creating positive memories.
But can a carefully picked perfume really compete with the allure of working from the comfort of one's couch? Hines believes so. They argue that pleasant smells go beyond mere aesthetics, impacting mood, well-being, and even cognitive function. Studies by Dr. Alan R. Hirsch, neurological director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, show that specific scents can enhance memory, reduce anxiety, and even increase sales (who can resist the warm cinnamon pull of Cinnabon?).
Finding the right office scent, however, is a tightrope walk. Too strong, and you risk triggering allergies or headaches. Too weak, and it fades into oblivion. And then there's the delicate matter of appropriateness. Dr. Hirsch warns against the "lavender and pumpkin pie" combo, known for its...unexpected effects.
Hines partnered with ScentAir, a company specializing in experiential fragrances, to create their unique blend. After multiple rounds of testing, involving both executives and employees sniffing prototypes, they arrived at a fragrance that's both uplifting and calming, aiming to instill that "I've arrived and am ready to be here" feeling.
While the science behind scent-based productivity is still evolving, some early adopters are singing its praises. Sara L. Marler, managing partner of a law firm, uses scent diffusers to create different ambiences depending on the situation. "Bergamoth for relieving tension before a new client meeting, lavender for calmer days," she shares.
But not everyone is sold on the idea. Social media buzzes with concerns about allergies, unwanted fragrances, and the potential for masking underlying office issues. A Twitter user shared their displeasure with their workplace's scent diffusers, claiming they became "a snotty mess."
Hines acknowledges the potential for pushback and emphasizes the importance of employee feedback. Their concierge staff gauges visitor and worker reactions, adjusting the scent intensity or even opting for scent-free zones if needed.
Ultimately, the success of this olfactory experiment hinges on striking a delicate balance. Can carefully curated scents become the secret weapon in the battle for talent, luring employees back to the office with the promise of a sensory escape? Or will it remain a gimmick, masked by the stronger reality of work-life preferences and office culture? Only time, and more sniff tests, will tell.
