Aromatherapy and Performance
It is well known that aroma has an impact on human emotion and behavior. The use of scent and the essential oils of flowers, herbs and trees to promote health and well-being is the well-established branch of alternative medicine known as aromatherapy. It is also recognized that scent can be used to optimize performance in the workplace. The benefits include reduced errors in routine functions, increased employee sense of well-being, higher morale, improved customer service and overall improved productivity.
Prolitec can play a role in both making an office environment a more appealing and productive workspace and also improving results in a manufacturing or service company. This is done through its wide-area technology in both large and small spaces. Prolitec will assist in the fragrance selection process to achieve the desired environment for any business.
As examples of the positive effect of aromatherapy on the workplace, below are results of several relevant studies:
- A 1991 study demonstrated that "sustained attention tasks" were performed with greater accuracy by the participants in scented rooms compared to those in the non-scented, control rooms. (1)
- Another study found that fragrance had a dramatic and positive effect on a proofreader’s efficiency (2).
- It is commonly known that the Tokyo Stock Exchange diffuses peppermint into the air in the afternoons to make the brokers feel invigorated.
- Thyme and rosemary are considered to be a means to combat exhaustion and aid memory and concentration.
- Geranium and bergamot are believed to relieve stress and tension.
- Grapefruit, jasmine, lemon and Ylang Ylang are considered to reduce drowsiness and improved the ability to sustain attention.
- 1. Dr. Joel Warm and Dr. William Dembar. "Olfactory Stimulation and Sustained Attention". Compendium of Olfactory Research, (Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co., 1995) p 47.
- 2. Mark Kliauga et al. “Consumer Panel Study on the Effect of Peppermint and Lavender Fragrances on Proofreading”. Compendium of Olfactory Research, ( Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co, 1995) p.131.
