WATERCOOLER CHAT: An Allergy Free Workspace
Creating an allergy-free workspace can address any underlying wellbeing issues you may not have considered. The average American works at least eight hours a day in an enclosed space, bombarded by many unseen environmental foes. Sometimes the office may seem like a second home. But for those of us with allergies and asthma, getting through the day can be silently challenging.
Keeping your workspace as clean and allergen-free as your own home becomes a key player in wellbeing around the office. As an employer, if productivity is on your agenda, there are significant advantages to maintaining a comfortable working environment for everyone, while encouraging inclusiveness and participation by collaborative involvement.
Some simple steps to creating an allergy-free workspace and enhance wellbeing around the office include:
- Clear clutter
- Fragrance freedom
- Clean your keyboard
- Use an air purifier
- Redesign smoking areas
- Hire an allergen aware cleaning company
One simple change with a huge impact is encouraging a fragrance-free work environment. Fragrances from perfumes, hand lotions, cleaning products, and more can cause reactions like headaches, nausea, or even asthma attacks. Plug-in fragrances can pose a significant health risk to asthma sufferers, and believe it or not they can contribute to chronic absenteeism.
Implementing wellbeing means creating sustainable cleaning practices that can greatly contribute to healthier, happier, and more productive employees. Investing in highly functional office design with ergonomic overtones is just the beginning. Wellbeing efforts are essential in building a culture of inclusion in your workspace.
