https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 27 Apr 2026 01:26:34 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace/page/2#post-2823444 Fri, 18 May 2018 11:17:36 +0000 pachamama 2823444@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Alba4: also a teacher. It gets kinda rank in my room. We don't have AC and I have 29 sophomores in a 4th block class. :shocked: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace/page/2#post-2823443 Fri, 18 May 2018 11:16:59 +0000 pachamama 2823443@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Autumnmama79: My fertility clinic had this which I thought was.... responsible, I guess? Maybe overkill? But the nurses who took my blood always smelled strong of that gross, cheap Victoria Secret stuff so I guess they didn't enforce it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace/page/2#post-2823424 Fri, 18 May 2018 09:49:53 +0000 gestalt 2823424@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My preference would be a "no spray" policy where people can't spray air fresheners, perfume, etc around them. I get that scent allergy is a real thing though, so i can't really complain.</p> <p>One thing i read recently that i thought was interesting: To wear perfume/scents responsibly, it should stay within your personal scent circle and no one more than an arm's length away should be able to notice it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace/page/2#post-2823423 Fri, 18 May 2018 09:46:41 +0000 Alba4 2823423@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’ve never heard of a scent free workplace, but I’d LOVE it. After having my kids, I’m so sensitive to smells and most purfumes bother me. I don’t get headaches, but more of a visceral reaction. I don’t wear perfume anymore personally. I kind of hate the smell of most people wearing purfumes and can smell it linger in the bathrooms and in the hallways (I’m in a school). </p> <p>Now that it’s hot, I get thejoy of smelling adolescent BO🤣 too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace/page/2#post-2823362 Fri, 18 May 2018 04:38:56 +0000 ElbieKay 2823362@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would love a policy like this, but I think it is difficult to enforce.</p> <p>I have declined multiple nanny candidates due to overbearing perfume/fragrance odors. I don't want to come home to my kid smelling like someone else's gross perfume, and my husband would lose his mind over it. (He is more sensitive/opposed to fragrance than I am.)</p> <p>One of my best employees wears perfume regularly and even keeps it at her desk. I find it really unpleasant.</p> <p>I recognize that this is just a preference, but I do find fragrances imposing, in a bad way.</p> <p>For the record, I get grossed out when people eat Chinese food around me, too. I like Chinese food but for some reason I can't stand how it smells when I am not eating it!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823356 Thu, 17 May 2018 23:07:03 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2823356@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>After reading the responses I have to say I'm surprised I'm in the minority on this. Not offended but just think it's silly I guess. </p> <p>Let's just say I work with a population in environment where weird smells are just a part of the deal. Scent free would never ever happen. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823355 Thu, 17 May 2018 23:02:15 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2823355@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Never heard of it, but in the adult world I think except for a few specific environments it's just unnecessary.</p> <p>But people can do in their buildings and businesses whatever they want! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823313 Thu, 17 May 2018 19:04:31 +0000 Autumnmama79 2823313@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <br /><p><i>This comment has been deleted by the original poster.</i></p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823310 Thu, 17 May 2018 18:35:26 +0000 erinbaderin 2823310@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Autumnmama79: This isn’t really about tolerating other people’s “things”, this is a legit allergy that is triggered by strong scents. It’s less “stop microwaving fish” and more “stop force feeding me peanuts” (This is obviously an exaggeration, but it does cause real physical symptoms). It sucks that it’s on the people around to change their habits to protect the people with the allergy, but it is what it is. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823290 Thu, 17 May 2018 16:15:20 +0000 Rocker2014 2823290@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Would I like it? No - I love having scent around me.</p> <p>Would I comply? Absolutely! And, I'd keep my feelings about it to myself. I have severe food allergies and while I don't make a big deal about it, I always appreciate it when someone is thoughtful about it. I always want to be respectful to other's needs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823285 Thu, 17 May 2018 15:57:05 +0000 Autumnmama79 2823285@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MsMini: Bahahahaha that made me lol </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823274 Thu, 17 May 2018 15:36:47 +0000 MsMini 2823274@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I get really nauseated by things like essential oils so I would love it and hope that people realize it applies to that stuff too! I had a coworker who constantly applied a “headache roller” and I had fantasies about lighting it on fire. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823272 Thu, 17 May 2018 15:31:53 +0000 MaryM 2823272@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Autumnmama79: I think there's a difference between "tolerating" something unpleasant and dealing with legit allergies/sensitivities though... </p> <p>I think it's similar to struggles people have with others understanding food allergies. It's one thing for someone on a diet or with dietary preferences to request something without a certain ingredient or be asked to simply pick it off. If someone is legit allergic though, exposure isn't a simple inconvenience they should suck up and "tolerate." It's just not possible. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823271 Thu, 17 May 2018 15:28:16 +0000 Autumnmama79 2823271@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mama Bird: I think its a bit of both, discouraging strong smells and assuming that at least one person in the building has a sensitivity. </p> <p>When you mention the food smells, this is kind of how I feel too. How much is living and working together about tolerating others' 'things' that we wouldn't necessarily choose for ourselves? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823265 Thu, 17 May 2018 15:09:12 +0000 Mama Bird 2823265@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't know what it means! Does it mean they're trying to discourage obnoxiously strong scents? Or that there's someone with a serious smell sensitivity and any scent will make them sick? </p> <p>And does this extend to policing what food people can bring? I've been on the receiving end of the latter. FWIW I wasn't bringing in anything horribly smelly, it was an anonymous complaint, and so it felt like a "keep your ethnic icky things out of here" to me, though I'll never know if it was meant that way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823240 Thu, 17 May 2018 14:19:30 +0000 MaryM 2823240@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: My mom was a school nurse. She had a file on her computer called "Stinky Letter" </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823228 Thu, 17 May 2018 14:10:43 +0000 Foodnerd81 2823228@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DesertDreams88: middle schoolers are not known for smelling... good. I can remember a couple of times when they separated the boys and girls to remind everyone to wear deodorant. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823227 Thu, 17 May 2018 14:08:46 +0000 DesertDreams88 2823227@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've never heard of this. I wish it could happen with the students at my middle school ;) they overdose! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823216 Thu, 17 May 2018 13:45:24 +0000 babypugs 2823216@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would totally support this policy. Scents don't bother me but I have coworkers that get super sick from perfumes and colognes. Other coworkers are well aware of the issue and yet persist in wearing strong scents. I'm not usually in favor of restrictive policies but if some people insist that their right to smell a certain way is more important than someone else's right to get through the workday without puking, then clearly a policy is warranted. It seems like this is a common issue, which strikes me as super bizarre. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823213 Thu, 17 May 2018 13:41:32 +0000 Becky 2823213@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would love it! I feel like more people are sensitive to smells than aren’t so I really don’t understand why perfume/cologne is even a thing. I cringe when people pull out Bath and Body Works stuff too—eek! But yea, not enforceable but a good way to keep people mindful </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823205 Thu, 17 May 2018 13:24:56 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2823205@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also, I’ve had service people ( product installers, delivery guys) over at my house that have been offensive- cigarette smoke and excessive cologne. It’s bad. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823202 Thu, 17 May 2018 13:19:44 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2823202@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Whenever I see those kinds of signs I think there must have been a really bad prior incident. I’d imagine it’s hard to enforce, but excessive scents can cause headaches, coughing, sneezing, and blurry eyes. Any of those symptoms could make it harder for people to work. </p> <p>I’m sensitive to smells and am not offended by the sign/ request. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823201 Thu, 17 May 2018 13:13:35 +0000 cnidaria 2823201@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <br /><p><i>This comment has been deleted by the original poster.</i></p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823198 Thu, 17 May 2018 13:12:21 +0000 cnidaria 2823198@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm quite sensitive to perfumes and tend to get blinding headaches when people around me wear them, particularly if the scent is strong or the person is wearing a lot of it.</p> <p>As a result, I'm very much in favour of scent-free workplaces and am really happy I work in one. I honestly don't really see the correlation between scent and hygiene, since it's possible to maintain an identical level of hygiene using products that are unscented/mildly scented.</p> <p>As to the self-expression bit, I can understand where you are coming from... but respectfully, I feel that there is a significant difference between somebody being offended by your choices vs somebody being placed in physical discomfort by them. People wearing perfume is not offensive to me, it's just that it unfortunately makes me feel ill. I would be unable to work in an environment with somebody wearing strong perfume simply because I would be in pain and unable to concentrate on my work... and I know there are people who have far worse reactions to scents than I do. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823192 Thu, 17 May 2018 13:02:08 +0000 MaryM 2823192@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Autumnmama79: Especially when it applies to workplaces, I would compare it to a dress code. </p> <p>What you want to wear may not be appropriate for the setting you're going to be working in. There are many different reasons (health and safety, custom/modesty, etc.). </p> <p>I figure it's also a lot like smoking rules. People aren't supposed to smoke within 50 feet of any entrance where I work...because people who are allergic to it or offended by it shouldn't have to smell smoke when they walk into the building. </p> <p>I think if people want to smoke, fine. They have the freedom to do it. But I shouldn't have to walk through it on my way to my job. They obviously aren't offended by the smell of it, but that doesn't mean I should have to be subjected to it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823189 Thu, 17 May 2018 12:44:51 +0000 Autumnmama79 2823189@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: @tinyperson: I appreciate the feedback and personal experiences, it helps me along in processing my views on the subject and generally gives me a better understanding. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823188 Thu, 17 May 2018 12:40:51 +0000 tinyperson 2823188@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: especially when mixed with other people's perfumes and colognes! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823187 Thu, 17 May 2018 12:40:20 +0000 tinyperson 2823187@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Autumnmama79: I don't think your self-expression offends people, but you have to understand that it affects some people to the point that they have migraines or need to take some sort of medication to ease the congestion that it may cause. I had to give up perfume, scented detergent (which I love), and cut flowers (except once in a while) when I started dating my husband because he is very affected by fragrances/scents. I don't think it's unreasonable in a workplace to try to go scent free. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823186 Thu, 17 May 2018 12:40:13 +0000 Foodnerd81 2823186@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Autumnmama79: it’s not offensive like they think you smell bad! But for example, I love the smell of lilacs, every spring i stop and smell them whenever i pass them. Last year I picked a big bunch and put them in my kitchen and the next day it was so overpowering. I had to put them outside. That’s the best analogy I can think of- you might smell it like it’s outsidr and airy, but someone else might feel like it’s a bunch of lilacs in the kitchen with the windows closed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-a-scent-free-workplace#post-2823185 Thu, 17 May 2018 12:34:26 +0000 Autumnmama79 2823185@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think my views on perfume do make me an insensitive person in this sense!</p> <p>For me, wearing perfume is deeply personal. I choose my perfume in the morning the same way I choose my outfit, it is in fact, part of my outfit. I have many perfumes and never wear the same one two days in a row. I choose my perfume based on how I'm feeling or how I want to feel that day. Soft &amp; sweet, light &amp; flirty, romantic &amp; nostalgic, strong &amp; confident., etc. Scent is a part of my self expression in the same way that people display tattoos or choose to wear a certain type of clothing. But it would seem that my self expression is offensive to someone people.</p> <p>ETA: One spritz is my standard, nothing overpowering. </p>