Workplace Fragrance Sensitivities: Accommodations Help Productivity, Employee Well-Being

By Todd Meier, MEd, CRC

Workplace Possibilities Program Coordinator
Standard Insurance Company (The Standard)

It’s difficult to watch a dedicated employee struggle with health issues in the workplace, especially if the work environment might be to blame for his or her discomfort. Employees with fragrance sensitivities or severe allergies can experience reactions in the workplace set off by certain scents, cleaning products, or allergen particles in the air.

Employees experiencing severe allergies or allergic-like reactions in the workplace are a common occurrence for many employers. It appears there are no substantial studies of the prevalence of allergies or sensitivities in the workplace. From 13% to 33% of people in various populations consider themselves to be “unusually” sensitive to certain common environmental chemicals, according to surveys since 2012.¹ Symptoms associated with allergies or sensitivities can vary in intensity and type. Common symptoms include frequent headaches, respiratory ailments, nausea, itchy or burning eyes, or congestion. Reactions can range from mild discomfort, to frequent or unpredictable absences, or — in some situations — a disability leave.

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