Employee wellness is a hot topic, with many companies offering things like gym memberships and healthy eating incentives. If you’re truly committed to employee wellness, it’s time to take a closer look at your workplace conditions and their impact on employee health. Is your office the site of sick building syndrome? Read on to find out what SBS is and what you can do about it.
What Is Sick Building Syndrome?
According to the EPA, sick building syndrome refers to the phenomenon of the occupants of a building experiencing comparable symptoms while in the building which are then alleviated after exiting the building. There is no specific medical diagnosis that accompanies SBS, but it can cause a range of physical and mental symptoms, including:
- Headache
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Respiratory problems (e.g., coughing and sneezing)
- Dry or itchy skin
- Muscle and joint pain
Employees with pre-existing conditions may be more vulnerable to SBS, but the problem will become widespread if the source is not addressed. SBS can lead to increased absenteeism and decreased productivity as employees struggle to stay healthy and focused.
What Causes Sick Building Syndrome?
While the research on sick building syndrome has increased over the years, an exact cause is not known. This is in part because several different factors can contribute to the symptoms listed above, and it may only take the presence of one factor to start noticing a problem. Possible causes of SBS include:
- Water damage, high humidity, and mold growth
- Inadequate ventilation
- Toxic chemicals from old building materials, cleaning supplies, or broken appliances
- Pests and pesticides
It’s possible that less tangible factors, like over-exposure to artificial lighting, could also contribute to symptoms like brain fog and headache.
How Can You Address Sick Building Syndrome?
If several employees are reporting mental and physical health problems that they only experience in the office, it’s time to take action. How you proceed should reflect the cause of your sick building syndrome, which may require testing.
For example, you may need to have your indoor air quality tested or your indoor humidity levels measured. If you discover water damage and a high mold count, address the source of the water damage (e.g., a leaky roof) before removing all damaged and moldy building materials and installing dehumidifiers.
Can Regular Cleaning Services Prevent Sick Building Syndrome?
Indoor air quality plays a huge role in workplace wellness and safety. Some of the most common indoor air pollutants, like dust and pollen, can become trapped in your HVAC system, recirculating every time you heat or cool the office. Cleaning professionals will remove those pollutants each week to prevent the level of buildup that can cause or exacerbate respiratory problems.
Are you ready to truly invest in employee wellness? Prime Facility Maintenance is here to help by keeping your DFW, Waco, or San Antonio office clean and pollutant-free. Learn more about our professional cleaning services today.
