There’s something in the air: how a little common scents improves business and inspires employees

At 787 Networks we understand that atmosphere is everything and that our employees can only be as innovative and inspired as our environment allows. After all, we’re in the business of creating the perfect ambiance for other companies, so it only makes sense to start in our own back yard.

Every day we strive to eliminate the creativity crushing staleness of a traditional office-setting, and establish our headquarters as a place that ignites the imagination, encourages inventive thinking and stimulates our employees. After all, happy people are the most productive people.

I’ve been thinking about our next investment into enhancing our workplace environment, and I’m intrigued by aromatherapy for business; often known as ambient scenting or scentscaping. I’ve always admired how Westin Hotels has successfully used this technique to create a significant brand emotion; their proprietary White Tea scent was specifically developed as part of their Welcome program to create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere for their guests. Scent is proven to evoke certain emotions and memories—this is reconfirmed whenever I set foot in a Westin property, their signature scent instantly feels familiar.

I started wondering if aromatherapy could benefit our employees and productivity. So I started to do a little research, and—as I anticipated— there’s definitely a benefit to scent-scaping:

1. Smell is the strongest of the senses and is best able to influence brain activity.
2. Essential oils help improve job performance as well as health. Employees are less likely to take sick time.

But not just any scent will do. There’s a science to it, and specific aromas are more effective at producing different outcomes. For example:

Lemon promotes concentration and has a calming and clarifying effect. Lemon can be used to help relieve cold and coughs and to support the immune system.

Lavender has calming properties that help control emotional stress. Lavender has a soothing effect on nerves and can help reduce feeling of stress. 

Jasmine is used to calm nerves and is most commonly used as an anti-depressant because it promotes a feeling of confidence, optimism and revitalized energy.

Rosemary improves memory retention and stimulating properties that fight physical exhaustion, headaches and mental fatigue.

Cinnamon can help fight mental fatigue and improve concentration and focus.
Peppermint is an energy booster; it invigorates the mind, promotes concentration and stimulates clear thinking.  

We met with Essential Oil Consultant & doTERRA Wellness Advocate Mindy Menard to determine how to incorporate aromatherapy into our office environment. Mindy commented, “Getting started with Essential Oils is one of the easiest ways to significantly shift the energy, boost employee morale and productivity in every area of your company.”

She has created the following plan for our sales and development work spaces

Start the day with the uplifting and awaking aroma of Peppermint and Wild-Orange.  Peppermint is a great oil to wake up the senses to and put a little “pep” in your step while Wild Orange provides a purifying & a comforting effect.

After lunch, a blend of coriander, basil, melissa, and peppermint in the diffuser to help improve concentration and stay on task.

I’m excited about this next step to enhancing our creative culture at 787 Networks. We’ll let you know the results!

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Jim Juniper

787 Networks
President/Co-Founder

Questions or comments? I’d love to hear from you.

Contact me at jim.juniper@787networks.com or check out our careers page for more info about working at 787 Networks.