There are a thousand unique combinations of various scents that could be used to improve workplace productivity and morale or create a positive brand association in customers’ minds. Both of these are good for your company’s bottom line, so it’s worthwhile taking a bit of time to figure out which scent would work best for your industry and then invest in making a part of your company’s branding ‒ both to your employees and to your customers.
Let’s take a look at three of the most effective and popular base scents for achieving improved productivity, morale and sales.
Rosemary
Research has shown that the smell of rosemary can reduce the amount of cortisol produced in your body. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone and is typically produced when a person feels anxiety or pressure. Excessive cortisol production can be detrimental to your health, resulting in symptoms such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
Other research shows that rosemary can result in improved memory function. It is said that even Greek scholars used rosemary to improve memory recall.
The takeaway is that diffusing the scent of rosemary in the corporate workplace can help reduce stress and improve cognition among employees, which could lead to improved morale and performance.
Lavender
Like the scent of rosemary, the scent of lavender has been shown to reduce cortisol levels as well. Lavender is widely associated with tranquillity and soothing calm, with several studies verifying the herb’s power to dispel anxiety.
Lavender was used in the mummification processes of ancient Egypt and has long been associated with purifying and refreshing the spirit and the mind. The word lavender comes from the Latin word lavare, which means “to wash”.
Using lavender as a corporate scent can create a sense of peace, calm and trust among customers while quashing anxiety and stress among staff.
Lemon
The sharp, fresh smell of lemon has been shown to be invigorating. The scent of lemon somehow provides a much-needed boost of energy and can help fight exhaustion. This could be extremely useful for employees who might need a pick-me-up during the day.
Lemon scent can also significantly improve one’s mood. A study in Japan showed that smelling citrus aromas would consistently provide a long-lasting mood boost among research subjects.
Lemon is also well known as a cleaning agent owing to its high citric acid content and low pH levels. On an instinctual level, when we smell lemon we automatically associate it with cleanliness and good hygiene. Therefore, the smell of lemon makes us feel comfortable and safe.
It’s highly beneficial to have lemon associated with your corporate image because a clean image is trustworthy and comforting. Moreover, it creates a sense of energy and enthusiasm, which conveys the idea that your company is agile and on the ball.
The fact that it causes mood improvements is beneficial for both your customers and your employees.
For more advice on what scents make sense for your corporate positioning and olfactory branding strategy, contact Scent.ology now to speak with our expert team!
