Flowers in the office for employees with allergies

Hay fever affects 1 in 5 Dutch people. In an office with 50 employees, that means approximately 10 colleagues who suffer from pollen in spring and summer — and who want to work in a space without unnecessary additional exposure. Fresh flowers in the office seem harmless, but for allergic employees, they are often a hidden problem. In this article: how to create a floral arrangement that is fresh and inviting, without sidelining colleagues with allergies.

The allergy problem in the office

Flowers in the office sound positive — and often are. But for allergic employees, fresh flowers bring a number of problems:

• Pollen: blooming fresh flowers spread pollen through the office air. In a closed room with air conditioning, these circulate for hours.
• Scent: strong scents (lilies, hyacinths, freesias) can cause migraines and nausea in sensitive individuals.
• Mould in vase water: stagnant vase water is a breeding ground for moulds that can worsen asthma.
• Latex and sap: some flowers produce sap that can cause allergic reactions upon contact.

The result: employees who don't dare to say that the flowers bother them (so as not to seem "difficult"), and who consistently suffer in their workspace.

Legal and social responsibility

Employers have a legal duty of care for the health of their employees — laid down in the Working Conditions Act. Although flowers are not a frequently cited example, it does fall under "reasonable adjustments" that employers must make for employees with conditions.

In addition: an office that actively wants to be inclusive for people with allergies, autism (sensitivity to strong odours), or other sensitivities, has a social responsibility to take this into account.

Why premium artificial flowers are the solution

Our Botané collection is ideal for allergy-friendly offices:

• 100% pollen-free: no blooming flowers, no stamens, no pollen.
• Odourless: no volatile substances that trigger migraines or nausea.
• No vase water: no mould or bacterial growth.
• Latex and sap-free: no contact allergens.
• Materials comply with EU safety standards: tested for skin contact and indoor air safety.

The best of both worlds: an inviting space with flowers, without colleagues with hay fever feeling restricted.

Practical tips for an allergy-friendly office

1. Opt for 100% artificial flowers, not "less allergenic fresh flowers"

Some fresh-flower suppliers offer "hypoallergenic" varieties. But even these bring pollen, scent, and dust. The only truly 100% allergy-free option is premium artificial flowers.

2. Avoid mixtures of fresh and artificial

Some offices think they are clever with "artificial for hay fever sufferers and fresh for the rest". In practice, this doesn't work — pollen spreads throughout the office via air conditioning and air currents. Either consistently artificial, or consistently fresh.

3. Communicate it to your employees

A short announcement — for example, in a newsletter or next to the flowers — that the office consciously chooses allergy-friendly artificial flowers, is greatly appreciated by allergic employees. It shows that you take their health seriously.

4. Take scent sensitivity into account (perfume, cleaning products)

People with hay fever are often also sensitive to strong scents. Combine your allergy-friendly flower choice with odourless cleaning products and a perfume-conscious policy for maximum effect.

5. Include waiting rooms and meeting rooms

Not only the workplace, but also spaces where employees receive guests or hold meetings. A meeting room with fresh lilies can make it unusable for a hay fever sufferer.

Allergy-friendly in hospitality and care

The message is broader. Hotels, restaurants, waiting rooms of healthcare providers, and public spaces also receive guests with allergies. Premium artificial flowers make these spaces inclusive without compromising on appearance.

Also read our guide on flowers in waiting rooms of general practitioners and dentists for the care context.

What about flower bouquets as a birthday gift?

A valid point: in many offices, someone celebrating a birthday receives a fresh bouquet. That is a personal gesture, and it doesn't have to disappear. A few tips:

• Place the fresh bouquet on the birthday person's desk, not in a common area.
• Ask colleagues with hay fever if it's okay — not everyone reacts the same.
• Give the birthday person the bouquet to take home at the end of the day, instead of leaving it in the office all week.
• Or: choose a bunch of premium artificial flowers or a nice plant instead of fresh ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can your bouquets help with severe flower allergies?

Yes. Our materials are 100% pollen, latex, and sap-free. For the most severe cases (anaphylaxis risk), we recommend an individual test before the arrangement becomes permanent — our advisors will send a sample upon request.

Do your bouquets contain perfume?

No, our bouquets are odourless.

What about asthmatics?

Asthma patients often react to pollen, mould, and strong scents — everything that artificial flowers eliminate. For asthmatic employees, premium artificial flowers are almost always an improvement.

Can we gently phase out our existing fresh-flower supplier?

Yes. Our styling advisors help with a phased transition — no abrupt change, no fuss.

How do I explain this to colleagues who prefer fresh flowers?

Most colleagues understand if you frame it as "we are making the office more inclusive for everyone". And when they see that the premium artificial flowers look beautiful, the objection usually disappears by itself.

Ready to create an allergy-friendly office?

Would you like to explore what an allergy-friendly floral arrangement would mean for your office? Start with the workspace advisor or contact us via hello@blooms.nl. We are happy to help with the transition.