Engaging the Senses: Using Sound, Smell, and Taste to Boost Productivity
I’ve worked from home, in bustling offices, and on the move—sometimes all in the same week! Like many of us navigating hybrid work, I’ve spent plenty of time trying to optimise my productivity in different settings. I’ve experimented with time management techniques, different desk setups, and countless todo list apps. But one of the most underrated ways to improve focus and efficiency is through the senses—specifically, sound, smell, and taste.
It turns out that the right playlist, a strategically placed candle, or even a cup of the right tea at the right time can do wonders for concentration and energy levels. Of course, hybrid working comes with its own set of challenges when it comes to sensory input—offices can be noisy, home can be too quiet (or filled with distractions!), and working from a café or train can feel like an all out assault on the senses. So, how do we use these elements to our advantage? Let’s dive in.
The Power of Sound: More Than Just Background Noise
Sound is the most obvious of the three, and I’d bet that you might already have some sort of “work playlist” or at least a go-to approach for background noise. But sound can be a double-edged sword—get it right, and it enhances focus; get it wrong, and it shatters your concentration.
Challenges
Home: Too quiet? The eerie silence of an empty house can feel unnatural, making it harder to focus. Too noisy? Family, pets, or construction work outside can break concentration.
Office: Open-plan offices are productivity minefields—conversations, ringing phones, and impromptu meetings all create unpredictable noise pollution.
On the move: Trains, planes, and coffee shops have their own chaotic soundscapes, and you’re often at the mercy of other people’s noise.
Ideas & solutions
Music for deep focus – classical music, instrumental soundtracks, “lo-fi” beats, or ambient electronic music can create an immersive environment that drowns out distractions without being distracting itself.
Binaural beats – these are sound frequencies that claim to enhance brain activity (some swear by them for focus and problem-solving).
Café noise (without the café!) – Websites and apps like Noisli or Coffitivity recreate the hum of a coffee shop, which some people find boosts creativity.
Noise-cancelling headphones – A lifesaver, especially in noisy offices or on the go. If you can’t eliminate noise, at least you can control what you hear.
The power of silence – If you struggle with audio distractions, noise-blocking earplugs (like Loop or Flare Calmer) can make work less chaotic.
Sound cues for work modes – Using different types of sounds for different tasks (e.g., white noise for deep work, upbeat music for admin) can help your brain switch gears faster.
Scent: A Surprisingly Powerful Productivity Tool
Smell might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about productivity, but it’s incredibly powerful in influencing mood, alertness, and focus. Certain scents can invigorate, while others can help you stay calm and collected.
Challenges
Home: Smells are unpredictable—your neighbour’s cooking, the washing you forgot to put away, or the lingering scent of last night’s dinner can all be distractions.
Office: You have limited control over the office environment, and strong scents might not be welcomed by colleagues.
On the move: The mix of smells in public spaces (good and bad) is outside your control, making it harder to use scent strategically.
Ideas & solutions
Essential oils for focus – peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus are great for concentration, while citrus scents like lemon and orange can boost energy.
Scented candles or diffusers – at home, these can create a more intentional work atmosphere. Just be mindful of strong scents if you share space with others.
Portable solutions – roll-on essential oils or travel-sized sprays let you take focus-enhancing scents with you wherever you work.
The smell of fresh coffee – If you’re a coffee drinker, the simple act of brewing a cup can help signal to your brain that it’s time to focus.
Associative conditioning – If you use the same scent consistently while working, your brain will start associating that smell with productivity, making it easier to switch into work mode.
Taste: The Productivity Fuel We Don’t Think About
What we eat and drink throughout the day massively impacts our energy levels, focus, and mood. But in a hybrid working setup, the challenges of taste and nutrition vary wildly.
Challenges
Home: Easy access to snacks can lead to mindless eating. The temptation of comfort food can also be a productivity killer.
Office: Food options are often limited, and vending machine snacks are usually more about convenience than focus.
On the move: Finding healthy, energy-boosting snacks while travelling can be tricky, and caffeine intake can easily get out of control.
Ideas & solutions
Brain-boosting snacks – nuts, dark chocolate, blueberries, and yoghurt are great for sustained energy and focus.
Caffeine with caution – a morning coffee is fine, but overdoing it can lead to jitters and crashes. Green tea offers a smoother caffeine boost with added antioxidants.
Hydration matters – Dehydration is a focus killer. If plain water bores you, try herbal teas, flavored water, or electrolyte-infused drinks.
Chewing gum for focus – Some studies suggest that chewing gum can improve concentration and memory. Mint-flavored gum is particularly good for alertness.
The power of ritual – A mid-morning cup of coffee or a calming herbal tea in the afternoon can act as a mental reset, signaling a transition between work phases.
Bringing It All Together
The beauty of hybrid working is the ability to experiment and personalise your work environment in ways that wouldn’t be possible in a traditional office. By consciously using sound, smell, and taste, you can create work-friendly sensory experiences wherever you are. If you haven’t yet experimented with your senses to boost productivity, give it a try—your future self might thank you!