A viral phenomenon on social media has recently brought to light the peculiar effects of what some are calling “office air” on workplace appearances. Noa Donlan, a self-proclaimed “corporate girly,” has captured the attention of millions with her engaging TikTok and Instagram videos that explore how the environment in corporate settings can negatively impact one’s appearance by the end of the workday.
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Donlan first experienced this phenomenon during her time at university, but it became much more pronounced after she transitioned into full-time employment four years ago. She recalls leaving her home in the morning feeling polished and composed, only to notice a marked difference when glancing in the office bathroom mirror around midday. “My skin would be dry, my (now oily) hair would be flat, and I just wouldn’t feel like myself anymore,” she explained in an interview.
She describes the feeling as unique, often asking herself, “Is this what I really look like?” despite knowing that daily activities can influence one’s appearance. The issue persisted regardless of the office location, leading her to believe there was something about the indoor air quality that was detrimental to her health. Donlan pointed out that poor air circulation and sedentary lifestyles commonly seen in corporate environments can indeed affect both mental and physical well-being, stating that she felt she could see these effects manifest in real time.
In response to her observations, Donlan began sharing her experiences on social media, producing point-of-view (POV) videos that highlight the dramatic contrast between how she looks upon arriving at work compared to how she appears by lunchtime. Captions such as “POV: you catch your reflection in the office bathroom mirror after 12pm” convey the message clearly and resonate with viewers.
The reaction from her audience has been overwhelmingly positive, with many TikTok users agreeing with her assessment. Comments have flooded in, revealing that they too experience the negative transformations associated with “office air.” Users have shared sentiments about becoming “greasy,” dry-eyed, or developing a “grey” complexion by the end of the working day. One user humorously remarked, “I look like a sick Victorian child by lunch,” highlighting the relatability of Donlan’s observations.
Donlan expressed her surprise at the level of engagement her posts have received, noting that a discussion she thought was rather singular quickly gathered momentum, reaching nearly 25 million views within a month. “There were so many comments saying things like ‘I thought this was just me’ or ‘I thought I was going crazy,’ and it felt good to see that we were all finally talking about it!” she said.
Discussions surrounding “office air” are not limited to social media; Donlan found that even friends and family who work in similar environments immediately understood the impacts she described, even if they did not have a specific term for it. Many recounted tales of makeup that seems to wear off by noon, or allergy-like reactions that seem to fade once they leave the office at the end of the day.
Through her content, Donlan hopes to delve deeper into her “office air theory” and provoke discussions about how such environments can be improved. “What is happening/causing these issues? And what can we do about it?” she asks, highlighting a need for greater awareness and potential solutions to the challenges faced in modern corporate workplaces.
In a world where many employees spend vast amounts of time indoors, the discussions ignited by Donlan’s videos may pave the way for wider conversations surrounding workplace wellness, appearance, and the very air we breathe while working. As more people share their personal observations, it underscores the shared nature of such experiences and the necessity for addressing them comprehensively.