In Veronica’s search for workplace psychology, she read about scent perception in the workplace. How can scent be used as a nudge to steer employees towards the right dose of work happiness?
Scent perception is a powerful tool in contributing to a positive overall experience of employees and visitors. Scents can have a positive effect on irritation, stress, depression and apathy, and can increase positive emotions such as happiness, sensuality, relaxation and stimulation.
Facts about fragrances
- Rose scent led to friendlier ratings in the same room than without scent (Ep Köster)
- Vanilla, apple and orange scents are generally perceived as pleasant
- Orange for a neutralising scent and has a calming effect
- Fragrance led to greater room experience in a specific room (EP Köster)
- Lime or cleaning scents enhance prosocial or ‘cleaning’ behaviour (Holland, 2005); idem moral behaviour (Lilenquist, 2009); idem prosocial and calmer behaviour (Tjon a Fonq, 2008)
- Vanilla scent doubles sales in a women’s department (Martin Lindstro, Buyology)
Lemon case 🍋
Fewer errors due to lemon? Yes, really! Japanese research has shown that this is because this scent increases your alertness. While diffusing the scent in an office building, as many as 54% fewer clerical errors were made, thus increasing the quality of performance. But this is not the only thing this fruit can do: lemon also increases the perception of hygiene. For instance, research shows that you are more likely to clean a room when you smell the scent of lemon. A fresh-smelling, tidy office where fewer mistakes are made. That’s what we call a win-win-win situation!
Veronica definitely adds scent experience to her list of elements that positively influence the work experience.
Studies by: Professor Dr Peter Weinberg (Institute for Consumer and Behavioural Research at the University of Saarbrücken)
Stephen Warrenburg (IFF) Gary E. Schwartz (Yale University)
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