The sweet smell of success

Citation

(2002), "The sweet smell of success", Work Study, Vol. 51 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ws.2002.07951faf.009

The sweet smell of success

The sweet smell of success

The millions of offices in the UK are set to become more productive and creative according to a new report published by ICI and Oxford University. This report claims that by introducing scent, one of the vital ingredients in a "recipe for success" for UK offices, bosses can reinvigorate their employees.

Smell may not immediately spring to mind when it comes to knuckling down to work, yet we all know that "bad smells" can cause people to become distracted – and even ill. Similarly, ambient odours have been shown to dramatically affect performance in a variety of situations having a beneficial effect on productivity and, in turn, the success of UK businesses.

The ICI report on the Secrets of the Senses, published by ICI and Oxford University, shows that 30 second bursts of fragrances such as peppermint or lily of the valley every five minutes have been shown to improve concentration among office workers, whereas the use of lemon, peppermint and basil can make people feel more energetic. The introduction of fragrances such as cedar, lavender and bergamot result in feelings of relaxation and reduced tension.

Of course, music has long been used in obvious and subtle ways to improve performance. Along with the smell, music can provide the perfect antidote to the mid-afternoon slump that befalls us all. The report contends that there is a need to create an office environment that presses all the correct multisensory buttons and offers a balanced diet of constant stimulation.

The report's author, Dr Charles Spence, says, "Offices spend millions of pounds each year on the look of the office, but give scant consideration to the way they smell, feel or sound. The successful businesses of tomorrow will need to embrace this multisensory approach which I have called 'Sensism'".

Sensism has the potential to improve people's well being and efficiency by providing a multisensory boost. It requires the creation of new sensory environments, considering everything from the colour of our walls and the ambient scent of our surroundings to the background music where we shop and the texture of the food we eat.

Brendan O'Neill, of ICI, says, "We are delighted to support 'The ICI Report on the Secrets of the Senses', which is the first study to bring together the best of current thinking and provide a unique insight into why we should view and stimulate the senses holistically … Of particular significance is the conclusion of the need for a fundamental change in the way the senses are viewed, which indicate the need for a radical new way of looking at and understanding the senses. We share the view that 'Sensism' can offer a vital ingredient for modern living and presents the potential for a major shift in the way we plan for all our futures".