No — if a workplace has an explicit fragrance-free policy, it should be respected rather than treated as a loose guideline, since these policies usually exist to protect colleagues with genuine health sensitivities rather than reflecting anyone’s personal taste.

Why this isn’t really a matter of etiquette or preference

Fragrance-free policies are most often introduced because a colleague has a diagnosed condition — migraines, asthma, chemical sensitivities or allergies — that fragrance can genuinely trigger in an enclosed, shared workplace where they have no way to remove themselves from the smell. Treating the policy as optional or ‘just for strong perfume’ misses the point, since even a light, pleasant scent can still affect someone with a genuine sensitivity.

  • Fragrance-free policies usually exist for documented health reasons, not preference
  • Colleagues affected often have no way to avoid or escape the smell
  • Respecting the policy fully, rather than partially, is the considerate approach

If you’re unsure whether a policy applies to you specifically, checking with HR directly is a better approach than guessing based on what you observe other colleagues doing day to day.

Respecting the policy fully also protects you, since repeatedly breaching a known workplace policy can become a genuine disciplinary issue in some organisations.

Our guide to how to apply and wear perfume and our complete guide to perfume cover workplace fragrance etiquette more broadly.