Aromatherapy in the office: Effects, types, and introduction points explained

Aromatherapy is not just about giving off a pleasant scent. It has a direct effect on our mind and body, bringing about various positive effects. By incorporating aromatherapy, you can expect to see pleasant effects such as increasing work efficiency and improving the atmosphere of the office.

First, let's introduce four main benefits of introducing aromatherapy into the office.

Modern society is plagued by chronic stress. Especially in office work, the pressure of deadlines, interpersonal relationships, long working hours, etc. weighs heavily on us. At such times, the aroma of aromatherapy can be a reliable ally that brings peace of mind.

Aromas such as lavender and sweet orange are said to have the effect of making the parasympathetic nervous system dominant and calming the heart rate and breathing. It is also said that they calm the excitement of the sympathetic nervous system and suppress the secretion of cortisol, a stress hormone.

Your brain works most efficiently when you're relaxed -- you'll be more focused and your ideas will flow more easily.

ー

Source: A leading medical literature database created by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) | The relaxation effects of lavender aromatherapy improve coronary flow velocity reserve in healthy men as assessed by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17689755/

"I want to concentrate on my desk work, but I keep getting distracted..."

That's when the aroma comes in handy. The aroma has the effect of increasing concentration.

For example, herbal scents such as rosemary and peppermint increase the level of brain arousal and promote clear thinking. Citrus scents such as lemon and orange also have a refreshing effect, helping you wake up drowsy and improve your concentration.

You may be worried about unpleasant odors in the office. "Even if I put out deodorant, it doesn't seem to have any effect..." Aromatherapy may be able to solve your problem.

Many aromas have deodorizing and antibacterial properties. For example, citrus oils such as lemon and orange have a refreshing scent and deodorizing effect. Herbal oils such as tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint are said to have antibacterial properties that suppress the growth of bacteria and viruses in the air.
​It's great that introducing aromas into the office can help reduce unpleasant odors such as those from cigarettes and sweat, and can also have a certain effect in preventing infectious diseases.

ー

Source: Fukuoka Prefectural University Nursing Research Bulletin | Study on the antibacterial effect of essential oils (tea tree and lavender) Part 1

https://www.fukuoka-pu.ac.jp/academics/nurse/bulletin2/11_2pdf/11-2-4.pdf

The moment you step into an office, a pleasant aroma floats around. That alone can improve your impression of the company. Aromas directly appeal to the five senses, subconsciously affecting emotions and memories.

For example, an office with the luxurious aroma of rose or jasmine gives the impression of reliability and dignity, while a refreshing citrus scent will create a youthful and vibrant corporate image.
Choose a scent that matches your company's concept and brand strategy and create a wonderful office space.

The effects and atmosphere of aromas vary greatly depending on the type. With so many types available, it can be hard to decide which one to choose.

Here we will introduce the types and characteristics of aromas recommended for offices, divided into four groups.

The sweet and gorgeous floral aroma has a calming and relaxing effect. Lavender is expected to have a stress-reducing effect, making it the perfect scent for modern people who lead busy lives. Jasmine is said to have the effect of calming the mind and bringing a sense of happiness.

The refreshing citrus aroma, which is loved by everyone, has the effect of refreshing the mind and brightening the mood. In particular, the scent of lemon is said to activate the sympathetic nervous system, which is effective in improving concentration and memory.

Herbal aromas are characterized by a refreshing green scent. They clear the mind and improve concentration. They are also recommended when you want a refreshing feeling.

Aromas extracted from wood, branches, and leaves of trees have a calming and relaxing forest scent. Eucalyptus has a clean, sharp scent that is perfect for refreshing yourself. Cypress is said to have deodorizing and antibacterial properties.

Now, we will explain the specific methods for introducing aromatherapy into the office and the points to consider when choosing a location to install it.

When introducing aroma into the office, it is common to use an aroma diffuser. There are various types of aroma diffusers, each with different features. Let's introduce some of the most common ones.

• Ultrasonic type: Aroma oil is dropped into water and diffused into mist using ultrasonic vibrations. Easy to use and quiet, it is suitable for offices. Some also have a humidifying function.
• Fan type: This type uses the wind from a fan to evaporate the aroma oil and spread the scent. It is compact and easy to carry, but the noise it makes can be annoying.
• Nebulizer type: A type that sprays aroma oil in fine particles. It has a strong scent and spreads quickly. Since it does not use water, it consumes a lot of oil.

If you choose one with a timer function, you can adjust the strength of the scent to suit the time you spend in the office. Also, one with a humidifying function can help improve the dry office environment.

The location of the aroma diffuser is important to maximize the effect of the scent. Choose the best location for each area of the office.

There are a few things to keep in mind when incorporating aromatherapy into your office. Keep in mind the following three points to create a comfortable space.

Some aroma oils can cause allergic reactions. It is important to check in advance whether any employees have allergies, for example by conducting a survey of employees. If there are employees with allergies, you will need to take care to choose safe aroma oils that are suitable for them.

Also, when using an aroma diffuser, be sure to ventilate the room frequently to keep the air fresh. Some people experience headaches or nausea if the scent is too strong, so it is important to adjust the concentration to a moderate level.

Aromatherapy is perceived differently by each individual. What may be a pleasant scent to one person may be unpleasant to another. It is recommended that you choose a scent that is popular with as many people as possible when using it throughout your office.

Many people tend to like the refreshing scents of citrus and herbs. On the other hand, strong scents such as jasmine tend to be a matter of personal preference, so be careful.

The basic rule for storing aroma oils is to avoid direct sunlight, high temperatures and humidity, and store them in a cool place. Observe the expiration date and do not use old oils.

Also, you need to be careful when handling aromatic oils. Make sure that everyone knows where to store them and how to use them, and do not allow the undiluted oil to come into direct contact with the skin or be ingested.

ITOKI DESIGN HOUSE (formerly ITOKI TOKYO XORK) is the head office and showroom of ITOKI. It shows the latest working styles and spaces, and shows how ITOKI employees actually work.

At ITOKI DESIGN HOUSE, we have introduced several types of aromas, so you can actually experience an office space that incorporates the aromas of aromas. If you are considering introducing aromas, please come and experience their effects for yourself. We hope that this information will be useful in explaining how to introduce aromas and in resolving any questions or concerns you may have when doing so.

Advance reservations are required and we only accept corporate customers. Please feel free to make a reservation using the form below.