It is a well known fact that stress and burnout in the workplace is a serious and continuing problem and many companies are looking for solutions. Job pressure demands, lack of sunshine, eating on the run, computers, chemicals and harsh lighting are just some of the factors that can contribute to increased stress for workers.

Aromatherapy in the workplace is used in Japan with excellent results: Oils of peppermint and lemon, in dosages so low as to be undetectable to the human nose, are being used in the working environment to increase productivity and enhance harmonious working relationships.

In Japan, Shimizu, the third biggest construction company in the country, places diffusers in the air conditioning ducts of the buildings that it constructs. It also suggests which essences to use according to the type of building. For example, anti-stress for offices, anti-bacteria for hospitals, and relaxing essences for train stations. Shimuzu's faith in the perfuming of the workplace with aromatherapy essential oils is justified by the results of research carried out by Takasago, Japan's biggest producer of fragrances. The research show that people working with computers made 54% few typing errors when the workplace was scented with lemon, 33% fewer with jasmine, and 20% fewer with lavender.

Immunity-boosting Aspects of Using Essential Oils in the Workplace

Employers are continually looking for ways to enhance their employee's health and well being.

Companies spend millions of dollars a year for employee's health insurance, lost revenue due to absenteeism, and lack of productivity due to illness. The most common symptoms described by employees working in air-conditioned offices are lethargy, stuffy noses, dry throats and headaches.

People who work in offices with sophisticated air delivery systems tend to have more colds, coughs and sore throats. This is also true of travelling on airplanes. When colds and flu are rife, essential oils can help to stop the spread from employee to employee.  Because essential oils are anti-bacterial and some are anti-fungal and anti-viral, they can help to combat bacteria and viruses and improve the air quality.

This information was compiled from one of our favorite aromatherapy websites: Uncommon Scents