Wearing Cologne At Work: Tips For Subtle Scenting

Wearing cologne at work is a delicate act of controlling scents. Get it wrong and you'll piss people off. But get it right and things can work in your favour.

Before you even consider wearing cologne at work, check with HR to see if there's a scent policy for the office. Some modern workplaces are becoming more aware and supportive of employees' sensitivities, including the use of fragrances. For some extremely sensitive people, even the slightest hint of cologne can induce headaches or nausea. For this reason, some companies have instituted a no scent policy at work.

If your company doesn't have a no scent policy, the general guideline is that your cologne should only be smellable by you. So, any amount of cologne you apply shouldn't exceed or dissipate beyond an arm's length. To achieve this, start with a single spritz from the cologne bottle, applied directly to your skin, not your clothing. The best places to apply cologne are the pulse points on your body, including the inside of your wrists, around your neck, inside of your elbows and behind your knees.

It's also important to apply cologne at home before you leave for work. Applying it at your desk makes the top notes spread and dissipate quickly across your work area and into other people's spaces. By applying it at home, the cologne should be well within the mid and base notes by the time you get to your desk, which shouldn't drift off beyond your immediate personal zone.

Lastly, the cologne you wear at work is likely to be different from the cologne you wear when you're going out. Scents for play and work are quite different, and it's hard for one cologne to work well in both worlds. Generally speaking, fragrances for play tend to be more aggressive, complex, punchy and sharp, while those for work tend to be more subdued, simple and subtle.

Check your company's scent policy

Before you wear cologne to work, it is important to check your company's scent policy. A scent-free policy is similar to other workplace policies and applies to all workers. It is intended to guide their conduct. When implementing a scent-free policy, it is important to consider the following:

• Conduct a survey of workers to determine the extent of the issue.
• Designate one key person to oversee the project and its development or create a committee with members representing all groups (workers, unions, management).
• Involve the health and safety committee or worker representative(s) and get management commitment from the beginning.
• Set and stick to deadlines for creating a draft policy, a review of the policy, and for implementation.
• Educate workers. You may choose to distribute informational emails or brochures, publish articles in company newsletters, or give presentations.
• Be sure that all workers have been fully informed of the policy and that they know what they have to do before the policy becomes effective.
• Address any concerns the workers raise openly and honestly. Reinforce the idea that this policy is being implemented as a result of medical concerns and not merely because of a dislike for a certain smell.
• Make it clear that the policy applies to everyone (including visitors, patients, etc.).
• Make it clear that cooperation on the part of everyone is vital to the success of the policy. State clearly what a person may be asked to do if they are wearing scents (e.g., wash or remove with unscented wipes, change clothes, remain in a separate room, etc.)
• Search local legislation for any supporting documentation.
• Do not limit the scent-free policy to perfumes and colognes. As listed above, many building materials, cleaning supplies, and personal care products also have scents or chemicals.
• Post a list of approved unscented products and where they are available locally.
• Review all safety data sheets (SDSs) for the products currently used and for those you are considering using. Make sure that the ingredients are acceptable. Remember that some products that claim to be 'scent-free' may be using additional chemicals to mask smells instead of truly being unscented.
• Conduct trials in limited areas before purchasing large quantities of a product.
• Put the policy statement notice on all appointment cards, stationery, room booking notices, employment postings, etc.
• Decide on wording for 'Scent Free' signs and where the signs will be posted.
• Let everyone know that the policy will be reviewed and can be changed because of experience or new knowledge.

Respect shared office airspace

Respecting shared office airspace is a key consideration when wearing cologne at work. Here are some tips to ensure your scent doesn't become a nuisance to your colleagues:

Keep it Subtle

The key to wearing cologne in a shared office space is subtlety. Your cologne should be detectable only at close range, not filling the entire room. Apply sparingly, and choose a subtle scent that won't overpower your colleagues. Remember, less is more.

Apply it Strategically

Apply cologne to areas of your body that generate heat, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. This heat will help diffuse the scent throughout the day. Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin, as this can cause it to evaporate faster. Instead, dab or spray it on and let it dry.

Start with a Single Application

Limit your cologne application to a single spritz or dab. This will help ensure that your scent stays within your personal space and doesn't overwhelm others. You can always add a second application if needed, but it's better to start conservatively.

Apply at Home, Not at the Office

Apply your cologne at home before you leave for work, not at your desk. Applying it at home allows the initial, more potent top notes to dissipate, leaving the more subtle mid and base notes that last longer and don't drift as far. By the time you reach the office, your cologne should be well within the mid and base note stages, minimising its impact on others.

Choose an Appropriate Scent

Opt for a simple and subtle scent for the office, rather than an aggressive or complex fragrance. Look for fragrances that are subdued, simple, and not too sharp. Ask for recommendations for office-appropriate scents at your local department store or beauty shop.

Be Mindful of Others

Remember that not everyone will appreciate your scent, even if applied sparingly. Some people may have allergies or sensitivities to fragrances. If a colleague asks you to refrain from wearing cologne, or if you notice someone seems bothered by your scent, respect their request and avoid wearing it around them.

Limit your fragrance to your personal space

Limiting Your Fragrance to Your Personal Space

When wearing cologne at work, it's important to keep your scent within your personal space. The general guideline is that your fragrance should only be detectable by you. To achieve this, there are a few simple tips to follow.

Firstly, start with a single application. Apply the cologne directly to your skin, rather than your clothing, as fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin. The best places to apply cologne are the pulse points on your body, such as the inside of your wrists, your neck, inside of your elbows, and behind your knees. A good starting point is a single spritz on the centre of your neck, just below your Adam's apple.

It's also important to apply the cologne at home, rather than at your desk. Applying cologne at home allows the initial evaporation of fast top notes to occur before you arrive at the office, ensuring that by the time you get to work, the fragrance should be within the mid and base note stages, which don't dissipate as far. Applying cologne at your desk will cause the top notes to spread and dissipate quickly across your work area and into other people's spaces.

When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body. Any closer and you risk over-applying, any further and you will likely under-apply. It's also recommended to start with a light application and build up if needed. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and start with one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area to spray next time.

Remember, less is more when it comes to cologne. It's never okay to wear too much.

Apply scent at home, not at your desk

Applying cologne at your desk is a big mistake. This is because it causes the top notes of the cologne to spread and dissipate quickly across your work area and into other people's spaces. Instead, apply any scents at home before you leave. Apply it as early as you can in your morning routine, like after you get out of the shower or the first step in getting dressed. This will allow the fragrance to run through its initial evaporation of fast top notes that spread far and wide and settle into the mid and base notes that don't dissipate as far. So, by the time you get to your desk, the fragrance should be well within the mid and base note stages, which shouldn't drift off beyond your immediate personal zone.

If you apply cologne at your desk, you run the risk of becoming "that guy" who wears way too much cologne. Not only is this off-putting to your colleagues, but it can also trigger allergies and cause serious discomfort. It's important to be considerate of those around you and respect the shared airspace in the office.

To achieve the goal of limiting the scent to your own personal radius, start with a single spritz from the cologne bottle. Apply the fragrance directly to your skin, not your clothing. The best places to apply the fragrance are the pulse points on your body, including the inside of your wrists, around your neck, inside of your elbows, and behind your knees. A good starting point for a single application is on the centre of your neck, just below your Adam's apple.

Choose a subtle, office-appropriate scent

When choosing a cologne to wear to the office, it is important to opt for a subtle, office-appropriate scent. The key is to select a fragrance that is not too overpowering and that will not trigger allergies or sensitivities in your colleagues.

• Opt for a light and subtle fragrance: Choose a cologne with soft and understated notes. Avoid strong and heavy scents that can be overwhelming in an office environment. Go for something fresh and clean rather than intense and heady.
• Consider the concentration: Colognes with a lower concentration of fragrance oil, such as eau de cologne or eau de toilette, tend to be less overpowering. These options typically have a concentration of 2-5% perfume oil and will last for around 1-3 hours, making them suitable for daily use without being too intense.
• Choose complementary scents: Look for colognes with notes that complement each other and create a harmonious scent. Avoid fragrances with conflicting or clashing notes, as these can be jarring and unpleasant to those around you.
• Test the cologne: Before purchasing a cologne, test it on your skin to see how it reacts with your body chemistry. Spray a small amount on your wrist or inner elbow and give it time to develop. Walk around for 30 minutes and then assess the scent. If you still enjoy it, it's a good indication that it will work well for you.
• Ask for feedback: Once you've tested a cologne, ask a trusted friend or family member for their honest opinion. They can give you feedback on the appropriateness and intensity of the scent.
• Opt for a single application: When applying cologne for the office, less is more. Start with a single spritz or dab, and apply it directly to your skin rather than your clothing. Focus on pulse points such as your wrists, neck, or behind your ears. This will ensure the scent stays close to your body and doesn't overwhelm others.
• Be mindful of shared airspace: Remember that you are sharing space with your colleagues, so be mindful of the amount of cologne you apply. Your fragrance should be detectable only within your personal space, not wafting across the entire office.
• Choose an "office" scent: Opt for a cologne that makes you feel good and boosts your mood during the workday. This can be a simple and subtle scent that is different from what you might wear during your leisure time.
• Be aware of company policy: Before wearing cologne to the office, check with your company's HR department to see if there are any policies or guidelines regarding fragrances. Some workplaces may have a "no scent" policy to accommodate employees with sensitivities.

Frequently asked questions