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Olfactory Environment Design in Office Buildings: A Study on the Recovery Effect of Specific Fragrances on Work Fatigue Based on Multimodal Measurement

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The office environment significantly influences employees’ work efficiency and health. With the increasing prevalence of modern, enclosed and monotonous office settings, employees often work under high-intensity conditions for extended periods. This situation leads to physiological and psychological fatigue, which in turn affects work efficiency and overall well-being. This study explores how olfactory stimulation influences physiological and psychological fatigue in office environments. It also examines its effects on cognitive recovery. Through market research and user surveys, three types of scents were selected as experimental materials (floral, fruity, and forest scents). Utilizing multi-channel fatigue identification technology and wearable biosensors, the study monitored in real-time the physiological responses of employees to different olfactory stimuli, such as pupil diameter, heart rate variability (HRV), electromyography (EMG), and electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. Additionally, subjective evaluation questionnaires were used to comprehensively assess the effects of olfactory stimulation on psychological fatigue. The results showed that all three olfactory interventions to some extent alleviated employee fatigue and improved cognitive abilities. Among them, the floral intervention had a better effect on the recovery of physiological fatigue, the fruity intervention had a better effect on the recovery of psychological fatigue and cognitive abilities, and the forest intervention had a slightly inferior recovery effect but could effectively reduce time load. This research aims to provide new ideas for the design of sustainable office working environments. Introducing appropriate olfactory stimuli can effectively alleviate employees’ office fatigue, enhance their work efficiency and overall well-being.

Source: Buildings

DOI: 10.3390/buildings16010003

Authors: Mizhi Feng, Chengmin Zhou, Fangfang Yuan, Jake Kaner

Institutions: Nanjing Forestry University, Nottingham Trent University

Language: English

Topic: Facilities and Workplace Management

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137