Navigating Fragrance Sensitivity In The Workplace

Fragrance sensitivity in the workplace is a common issue that can cause a range of problems for employees, from seasonal allergies to migraine headaches and asthma attacks. It can be a tricky issue for employers to navigate, as they must balance treating employees equally with accommodating individual needs. However, there are several steps that can be taken to improve the situation, from simple solutions such as moving desks or wearing a mask, to more formal measures such as implementing a workplace policy or banning certain fragrances.

Talk to your colleagues about adjusting their fragrance use

Talking to your colleagues about adjusting their fragrance use is a good first step to dealing with fragrance sensitivity at work. Many people are willing to make adjustments to their fragrance selection, or even go without, especially if they are made aware of the impact their fragrance is having on your health. If you don't know the person well, it might be a good idea to ask a manager or HR representative to talk to them on your behalf.

If your colleagues are unwilling to make changes, you could suggest that your workplace implements a scent-free policy. This would mean that everyone in the workplace agrees to be scent-free, which could help to reduce your exposure to fragrances. However, it's important to note that even with a scent-free policy in place, you may still be exposed to fragrances from employees in other departments or members of the public who visit your workplace.

Another option is to ask your manager to make simple changes that could improve your situation. This could include moving you to a different location in the office, letting you wear a mask, or arranging for the fragrance issue to be corrected. Your manager might also be open to allowing you to work from home or complete your tasks on a different schedule to reduce your exposure to fragrances.

Ask your manager to implement a company-wide fragrance ban

If you have a fragrance sensitivity, you can ask your manager to implement a company-wide fragrance ban. This is a reasonable request, as employers are required to make accommodations for employees with fragrance sensitivities.

You can start by talking to your manager about your issue and asking if they can send out a company-wide email banning the use of fragrance. They might also be able to offer other simple solutions, such as moving you to a different location in the office or letting you wear a mask. If your job function and office environment allow for it, you could also ask about working from home or completing your tasks on a different schedule.

If your company has an HR department, you can also bring your concerns to them. They can help you get the accommodations you need and balance the needs of all employees. It's important to remember that even with a company-wide fragrance ban, you may still be exposed to fragrances from employees in other departments or members of the public who visit your area.

To fully address your fragrance sensitivity, you may need to take additional steps, such as talking to the person who is wearing the fragrance and asking if they can adjust their selection or wear less of it while at work. You can also check if your company has a policy on fragrance or scent products, as some companies already have a clause in their employee handbook about this issue.

Work from home or in a different office

Working from home or in a different office can be a good solution to fragrance sensitivity in the workplace. If your job function and office environment allow for it, you can ask your manager to re-orient your work space. This could mean working from home, moving to a different office, or completing your tasks on a different schedule. You could even ask to Skype into meetings.

If you are able to work from home, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for yourself, free from fragrance triggers. This may involve using unscented cleaning products and air fresheners, and avoiding the use of automatic scent dispensers.

However, it is important to note that even if you are working from home, you may still be exposed to fragrances when interacting with colleagues or clients virtually. Fragrances can linger and be transmitted through the air, so it is important to communicate your sensitivity to those you are interacting with and request that they refrain from using fragrances during your interactions.

Additionally, if you are working in a different office, you may still encounter fragrances when visiting your original office or interacting with colleagues from other departments. It is important to discuss these potential exposures with your manager and find solutions, such as implementing a workplace policy or agreement to be scent-free.

Wear a mask

Wearing a mask is one of the ways to deal with fragrance sensitivity at work. This is a simple solution that can be offered by your manager, and it can dramatically improve your situation.

If you are suffering from fragrance sensitivity, you can ask your manager if you can wear a mask. This is a reasonable request, and according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers must make accommodations for employees with fragrance sensitivities. This is because fragrance sensitivity can interfere with daily functioning and cause issues such as seasonal allergies, migraine headaches, or asthma attacks.

If your manager is unsure about allowing you to wear a mask, you can explain the legal requirements and the potential health risks associated with fragrance sensitivity. You can also suggest other accommodations, such as moving to a different location in the office, working from home, or completing your tasks on a different schedule.

It is important to note that wearing a mask may not be a feasible option for all employees or in all work environments. For example, if you work in a customer-facing role, wearing a mask may not be appropriate. In such cases, other accommodations should be considered, such as instituting a workplace policy that bans certain fragrances or requires the use of unscented cleaning products and air fresheners.

Overall, wearing a mask can be an effective way to deal with fragrance sensitivity at work, but it is important to also consider other accommodations and policies that can reduce employees' exposure to fragrances.

Talk to HR about implementing a workplace policy

If you are suffering from fragrance sensitivity at work, it is important to talk to HR about implementing a workplace policy. This can help to reduce your exposure to fragrances that may be causing you issues, such as seasonal allergies, migraine headaches or asthma attacks.

The first step is to find out if there is already a policy in place regarding fragrance or scent products. Some companies have included a clause about this in their employee handbook, which could make things easier for you. If there is no existing policy, you can ask HR to consider implementing one. This could include banning certain fragrances in the workplace, as well as using unscented cleaning products and air fresheners.

It is also a good idea to suggest shutting off any automatic scent dispensers, as this is something that is completely under the employer's control and can help to reduce your exposure to fragrances. You could also request that HR send out a company-wide email, asking employees to refrain from wearing strong fragrances or to opt for unscented products instead.

If you are comfortable doing so, you could also suggest that HR speak to your colleagues directly about the issue. This could involve asking them to be mindful of the fragrances they wear to work, or even to go fragrance-free. It may be helpful to craft a solution together, so that everyone feels involved and understood.

Frequently asked questions