Coworker’€™s Perfume Got You Fuming?

It’s hard to concentrate on finishing tomorrow’s presentation when you’re in a coughing fit from your coworker’s fragrance. Studies show some perfumes can cause allergic reactions and even migraines. So, what’s the fragrance protocol at work?

“There are many people who are allergic or sensitive to fragrance,” says Alyson Hoag, Founder and CEO of Authentic Beauty, LLC. “Many fragrances aren’t healthy to breathe in, and if smelling someone’s fragrance is offensive – itchy eyes and runny nose – that could be an indication you’re allergic,” she says. “It’s an issue of health.”

Janet Flewelling, director of human resource operations at Insperity, agrees. “Symptoms such as coughing, headaches, nausea, sneezing and even labored 

breathing are not uncommon for people who suffer from [perfume allergies].”

While most often it’s merely an annoyance, some employers now have a light- or no-fragrance policy and request that “employees voluntarily refrain from using scented products that could inhibit employees from performing their jobs.”

And women aren’t the only ones: men using “cologne, deodorant, aftershaves or even scented candles” can contribute to the problem, says Flewelling. The bottom line? If a scent enters the room before you do or lingers after you’re gone, save it for after work.

Bonus PINK Link: Now that you know how not to offend coworkers with your scent, here’s what not to wear.

By Amanda Wikman

“I detest heavy perfume and shrill voices.” Renee Vivien