Having a clean work space has been known to reduce sick days and office illnesses, increase employee retention rates, and even help boost morale. And happy employees often experience increased productivity. But avoiding Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and creating a clean environment is only one aspect of a healthy office. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy workplace is where safety, wellbeing, and healthy behaviors are regularly promoted.
Find out what Sick Building Syndrome is, steps businesses can take to avoid the harmful symptoms, and how an overall healthy workspace can be created, with details from the cleaning experts at ServiceMaster By Mason.
How To Avoid Sick Building Syndrome
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), sick building syndrome, or SBS describes circumstance where “building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building.” Unfortunately, no one specific illness or cause is often identified. as the culprit, basically, sically, a building causes employees to experience different illnesses and symptoms, and once they leave the facility, will feel better. Employees could experience a variety of symptoms, including dizziness, skin rashes, headaches, fatigue, respiratory concerns like coughing or congestion, nausea and even an inability to concentrate.
From improving cleaning procedures to increasing ventilation rates, there are several steps businesses can take to limit the risk of Sick
Building Syndrome from affecting your workplace:
Cleaning Carpets & Floors: Dirty carpets and floors can contain mold spores, dust mites, dirt, and debris and 4000 x’s more bacteria than your toilet. Employees, guests and customer track this dirt from room to room in your building. Consider a quarterly or annual maintenance program to keep carpets, floors and tile & grout free of contaminates.
Office Furniture & Partitions: Office furniture and partitions are regularly touched and easily hide germs, dirt, mold spores and other allergens. Have these upholstered items professionally cleaned seasonally or annually.
Janitorial Services: Whether you hire a professional cleaning company or have a maintenance team, arrange for regular cleaning of heavily used items and areas like restrooms and break rooms to remove dust, bacteria and other particles. Use cleaning products and solutions that are free of VOCs or other chemicals that can aggravate asthma, and make certain to clean light switches, door handles, copier machines and other items frequently touched.
Address Water Damage: Drips and leaks can happen at any time. Regularly inspect pipes and address plumbing issues and water concerns quickly. Make certain to replace water-stained ceiling tiles or damaged items to avoid mold and mildew growth.
HVAC System: Pollutants pulled into an HVAC system are re-circulated an average of 5 to 7 times each day. To limit pollutants from clogging your HVAC system and affecting employees who suffer from allergies, asthma or autoimmune disorders, use high-load capacity filters and change filters regularly. It is also recommended that commercial HVAC systems be cleaned every 12-24 months.
Promote Employee Well Being
There are simple steps employers can take to foster overall well being and employee contentment. These steps include:
Office Furniture: Provide office furniture that encourages good posture or offer standing tables and desks for workers who prefer not to sit.
Stretching & Exercises: Employees could be encouraged to use stairs instead of elevators and share details on stretching exercises at their workspace. Encourage employees to stretch several times each day, offer a workout room or other features to make your facility movement-friendly.
Office Plants: Having plants in the office will reduce the stress levels of employees and guests, and can also improve air quality.
Natural Light: Brighten up rooms by adding more natural light. Having a well-lit environment or natural lighting can increase productivity and also have a positive impact on mental health.
Team-Building Events: Schedule team-building events that foster employees working together as a group, enjoy friendly competition, or simply network in a relaxed atmosphere.
If you’re concerned that your facility may have air quality or other concerns that could contribute to employee illnesses or sick building syndrome, call the professionals at ServiceMaster By Mason. We offer certified air quality testing, mold removal and a variety of services to clean, sanitize and disinfect offices big and small, that will fit your schedule, budget and unique needs. We’re committed to delivering the highest standards of clean every time.
