Did you know that your workplace could be the source of illness for your clients, colleagues, and employees? Many of the symptoms they are experiencing could be found in your work environment. Germs are one culprit and allergens are another.
Allergens are substances that can cause an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions or symptoms have the same effect on people as colds and flu. Here is a list of symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Sinus pain
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Nettle rash / hives
- Swelling
- Itchy eyes, ears, lips throat & palate (roof of mouth)
- Shortness of breath
- Vomiting & diarrhea
- Increase in secretions
These symptoms can be caused by common allergens found in the workplace. They can be carried on peoples clothing and transported from home to work. Like germs they are passed from person to person via touch and attached to office furniture and work surfaces. Here is a simple list of allergens found at work:
- Mildew
- Mites
- Dust
- Dandruff
- Perspiration
- Food Drops Spills
- Bacteria
The issue with allergens and germs in the workplace is that many of these symptoms decrease productivity and increase absenteeism. Therefore, they have an impact not only on the workforce but the goals your organization is trying to achieve. Being proactive to keep your workplace clear of germs and allergens will impact your production and attendance.
There are areas in the workplace that have an impact on how allergens are shared and where they commonly reside. Here are five places that you must pay attention to:
Lobby & Reception Area-clients and colleagues bring unwanted symptoms and allergens to your workplace every day. Those unwanted symptoms and allergens land on the furniture and surfaces in this area.
Cubical Panels and Fabric Walls-employees bring unwanted symptoms and allergens from home, public transportation, and wherever they had lunch.
Desk Chairs-employees share and pass the same unwanted symptoms and allergens from each other from room to room and desk to desk.
Conference Rooms-image meetings and gatherings can house multiple people in a small room. Unwanted symptoms and allergens from around the office and outside the building are meeting here also.
Private Offices-Significant others, kids and pets also have unwanted symptoms and allergens and they come to work too. Your office is not so private anymore!
We have a great solution for unwanted symptoms and allergens in the workplace. Our furniture extraction service has been used by the Seattle Department of Transportation, City of Seattle- Pension Department and Planning and Development. Our success rate is 99% allergen removal!
Please call us to schedule an assessment review for your work space. We'd like to help you increase productivity and attendance in your workplace; which can be effected by unwanted symptoms and allergens. Call us at 206-762-1676 to get started right away.
Joseph & Rhonda
