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Perfume Etiquette at Workplace: Dos and Don’ts
If your shelf is cluttered with perfume bottles that are adding no value to your life, you can choose give them away to your friends and family. For example, some of your old fragrances might be from your teenage years, and you probably don’t wear them anymore at your current age. Given such fragrances away to someone of a suitable age, would be a great idea!
Is perfume banned in the workplace?
From the government level, wearing perfumes at the workplace is not banned on paper, but some countries do have regulations in place that require employers to provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.
European Union
The EU has established a framework for protecting workers from risks related to exposure to hazardous substances at work, including fragrances. You can find more information in this EU publication: EU strategic framework on health and safety at work 2021-2027.
United States
Likewise, in the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued guidelines to employers to create a fragrance-free workplace if an employee has a sensitivity or allergy to a particular fragrance or if it interferes with the employee’s ability to work safely.
Canada
Similarly the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety is also worried about the side effects of fragrances at work. They’ve issued their own guidelines of a scent free policy for the workplace, should this be required to solve discomfort of employees.
Australia
Here’s also more information published by the Australian authority: Perfumes and scents: chemicals too!As you can see, most countries have their own authorities that publish rules or advice regarding scents at the workplace. You may check what your own country’s authority says about this.
Does Job Type/Industry Matter?
Since there are no specific prohibitions on perfumes at work, it’s mostly depending on the company policies and the tolerance level of personal fragrances can vary from the different job types.
Healthcare / Food Service: Avoid Wearing Perfumes
If you work in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital, a nursing facility or a clinic, it’s best to avoid fragrances altogether since the patients may have allergies or sensitivities to certain scents and their pleasure is the top concern. Most likely, your employer already has a fragrance free policies in place.If you are employed in the food service industry, the scent of your perfume could interfere with the smell and taste of the food you are preparing. From a professional standpoint, you should avoid wearing fragrances.
Office / Retail stores: Choose the Right Scents
For office or retail jobs, perfume rules are more flexible. Apart from being mindful of other colleagues’ possible allergies or preferences, it’s worth taking the work itself into account. If you work for a perfume company, like us at Beautinow, you may have more freedom to express yourself.If you work in a retail store that creates a certain atmosphere by scents, it’s recommended that you wear something coherent and not ruin the vibe.
Outdoor jobs: Less Strict Perfume Rules
Outdoor jobs, such as in landscaping or construction, tend to be more tolerant of personal fragrances considering the better air circulation. However, wearing too overpowering perfumes may still be an unpleasant distraction for people around you. If that might be the case for you, it can’t hurt to ask your colleagues what they think of what you’re wearing.
Common Perfume Etiquette: Some Practical Tips
No matter what work setting you are in, it’s always important to be aware of the “power” of perfumes on your surroundings. Here are some general tips to help you not break the line between a perfume enthusiast and a perfume offender for both men and women:
1. Use perfume sparingly and apply it strategically
As for perfumes worn at the workplace, the principle of “less is more” shall be perceived and well implemented. Apply just enough to be noticed closely but not too much that it is overpowering. Apply perfume to your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, and behind the ears. Avoid spraying perfume directly onto clothing or hair, as this can be more difficult to control and too excessive.
2. Choose a subtle scent
Opt for a lighter, more subtle fragrance that is less likely to cause irritation or offend others. Avoid wearing strong, heavy scents or those that may be too sweet or musky. In this sense, less concentrated scents like Eau de Toilette or Eau de Cologne can the wise choice.
3. Don’t apply perfume in public and never reapply it
It’s best to apply your perfume at home before heading to work. Applying it in the office can be distracting and may cause discomfort to those around you. Besides, you may consider not to reapply it when the smell seems to die down after a few hours. It could simply be you getting used to the scents, and if not, keeping it subtle is still the best practice.
4. Be mindful of others
Be considerate of your colleagues who may have allergies or sensitivities to certain scents. If someone complains about your perfume, it may be best to spray less or refrain from wearing it to work.
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