Managing Rhinitis in Open-Plan Offices and Coworking Spaces

Open-plan offices and shared coworking spaces bring lots of people and activities into one area. For people with rhinitis, that mix can mean exposure to fragrances, cleaning products, recycled air, and other common triggers. This article describes typical workplace sources of irritation and offers practical, general approaches to reduce exposure.

Common office triggers include HVAC-related dust or mould spores, scented personal care products, printer or copier emissions, cleaning sprays, and concentrated smells from shared kitchens. Even low-level or intermittent exposures can be noticeable for someone with nasal sensitivity. Identifying which exposures seem to coincide with symptoms is often a helpful first step.

Some sensible exposure-reduction ideas that people report finding useful are adjusting where you sit, using a small desk air purifier, keeping personal supplies like tissues or saline rinse on hand, and timing tasks to avoid peak cleaning periods. Wearing a mask in close quarters or during high-exposure activities may feel helpful for some people. These are practical choices rather than medical recommendations; individuals may respond differently.

Talking with coworkers and managers about workplace air quality and scent policies can be done in a respectful, solution-focused way. Many workplaces have existing policies about perfumes or cleaning schedules; asking about these or suggesting small changes (for example, timing deep cleaning outside core hours) can reduce exposures for multiple people. Human resources or office managers can often advise on formal accommodation processes when needed.

For meetings, visits to other sites, or temporary desk swaps, planning ahead can help—carry a comfort kit, know the building’s ventilation setup if available, and consider remote options when appropriate. Small, practical steps and clear communication can make shared workspaces more manageable for people with rhinitis while respecting the needs of colleagues.