Aromatherapy And The Workplace

Since the beginning of the new millennium, companies and employers have considered aromatherapy to be serious business. According to many studies, aromatherapy use in the workplace has been proven to reduce work-related stress and improve activity, as well as reduce the cause of most illness.

In addition to adding protection against infectious diseases, aromatherapy affects the mood and morale of employees. Employees working in an aromatherapy treated environment think more clearly and positively, along with feeling better. They can also function with more heart and intuition if they work in a stress-free environment.

Purifying the working environment with anti-bacterial, antiviral and fungicidal aromatherapy reduces the chance of contracting allergies, respiratory disease, or other negative effects generated by air conditioning units. These purifying agents also reduce the chance of contracting a contagious disease for those who work in crowded offices or schools. Some purifying agents have an ionizing effect thereby reducing static electricity that's caused by a large number of electrical equipment. When computers, copiers, fax machines and other electrical equipment overcharge the atmosphere, they can induce psychosomatic symptoms such as aggression, mood swings, overall tension and stress.

Working in a pleasant environment is now more of a necessity for employees who are considering employment. Employee burnout and stress has become a continuing problem that has many employers searching for solutions to these serious problems. Some factors that contribute to employees becoming stressed are computers, deadlines, harsh chemicals used for cleaning, improper lighting, lack of sunlight, and high-pressured work demands.

Employees Benefit

Positive attitudes in the workplace are closely connected to an aromatherapy treated environment. Therefore, the use of aromatherapy in the workplace adds comfort in the environment to reduce stress and in turn increase productivity.

Do Your Employees Need A Break?

If you've noticed the following symptoms, your employees need a break: Depression, irritability, sluggishness, constant headaches, lost sense of humor, excessive absences or sick days, making more mistakes, trouble in concentrating, and angry or defensive behavior.

An environment that is treated with aromatherapy offers a comfortable and pleasant working environment. The employee is able to think more clearly and function more easily in addition to making fewer mistakes that take time to be corrected.

Employers Benefit

The benefit to employers includes increased productivity, less absenteeism, and increased morale. Aromatherapy also helps stop the spread of infectious diseases such as coughs, colds, flu, sore throats and other illness, which can keep employees away from their work or even prevent them from doing the work correctly and in a timely manner.

Forms Of Aromatherapy

Depending on company policy and the working environment, aromatherapy can be used in the form of candles, a water bowl, spray bottle or other methods. Aromatherapy items can be found in most stores, although sometimes the selection is a small one. However, some malls may have an entire store dedicated to aromatherapy. You can shop online and find a particular scent or method to dispense the therapy.

There are a great number of fragrances to choose from and all tend to have different functions. Most aromatherapy products will state what the expected result is on the package. If you are searching for something specific, you can search through these well-stocked online stores and narrow your search down dramatically, all within the comforts of your own home or office.

Widely Used Fragrances

Some of the most widely used fragrances are:

* Frankincense -- a centering and stabilizing fragrance that revitalizes the mind and body and reduces anxiety.

* Geranium -- a fragrance that eases anxiety, mental and physical tension and regenerates emotional balance.

* Marjoram -- a fragrance that aids in relief from emotional exhaustion and upsets, nervous tension, stress and also acts as an aid to relieve insomnia by relaxing the body and the mind.

* Chamomile -- a calming fragrance that eases depression, stress, insomnia and anxiety.

* Lavender -- a fragrance that establishes emotional balance by relaxing the mind and promoting mental and physical well being, dispelling fear, reduces anger, and clears thinking.