Modern offices are designed for efficiency and comfort,
But what if your workplace is making employees sick?
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a real concern, impacting productivity, morale, and overall well-being. This needs to be addressed and reduced at your office premises as early as possible with a professional office cleaning service.
If your employees frequently experience unexplained health issues that improve once they leave the office, your building may be the culprit.
Let’s understand what SBS is and how to eradicate SBS from your office space.
What is Sick Building Syndrome?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), SBS is a condition where building occupants experience acute health effects seemingly linked to time spent inside a building, without a specific illness being identified.
Poor ventilation, contaminants, and allergens can create an unhealthy indoor environment, leading to persistent discomfort and health concerns.
This may not only affect less immunity people, but it also has the capacity of affecting all healthy people as well. This should be identified as quickly as possible and bring in results.
Common Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome
SBS symptoms vary from person to person and may fluctuate daily. Some employees might experience one symptom, while others suffer from a combination. If multiple employees report similar issues, your office environment could be the cause.
Any employee can feel safe after leaving your office building space and if every other employee feels the same, then it’s gonna be a symptom of SBS. Some of the Symptoms include:
Headaches
Dizziness and nausea
Fatigue and muscle aches
Sore throat and coughing
Fever-like symptoms
Eye, nose, and throat irritation
Skin rashes and dryness
Difficulty concentrating
Sensitivity to odors
Increased absenteeism and reduced work efficiency
If employees feel relief when they leave the office, but symptoms return upon re-entering, it's a strong indicator of SBS. We may not come to a conclusion if people have these symptoms unless most of the people in an office are experiencing the same.
Read our blog on how commercial office cleaning services aid employee health & productivity.
Let’s understand the common causes of the sick building syndrome in detail.
What Causes Sick Building Syndrome?
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), as the name suggests, originates from a specific location—in this case, an office building. When a closed environment is compromised, it can significantly impact every individual within that space.
The potential for widespread health effects among employees makes this a critical issue that demands immediate attention. Several environmental factors contribute to SBS, including:
1. Poor Ventilation
Inadequate air circulation leads to a buildup of carbon dioxide, dust, and contaminants. Offices with outdated HVAC systems or closed-loop air circulation may struggle with maintaining air quality.
Proper air quality is to be maintained for employees to breathe and process all the other human needs within their workspace. Without good air quality it’s hard for them to process stuff which leads to infection.
2. Chemical Contaminants
Common workplace materials like carpets, furniture, and cleaning supplies release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause respiratory irritation and other health issues. Specialty cleaning is essential to address these concerns.
Paints, adhesives, and office equipment can also emit harmful chemicals. Also, any renovation works in the work area can also influence the usage of chemical substances at the maximum which can lead to suffocation for asthma patients.
3. Biological Contaminants
Mold, bacteria, and pollen thrive in damp, poorly maintained spaces. HVAC systems, carpets, and water-damaged areas can become breeding grounds for these allergens.
If a cabin isn’t cleaned on a regular basis, there is a strong chance of getting biological contaminants during a long festival holiday. This can also influence the health of employees.
How to Prevent Sick Building Syndrome in Your Workplace
Creating a healthier work environment involves proactive steps to eliminate pollutants and improve indoor air quality. Consider these strategies:
1. Improve Ventilation
Increase fresh air circulation by opening windows and using air purifiers.
Maintain and clean HVAC systems regularly.
Use high-quality air filters and replace them frequently.
2. Reduce Chemical Pollutants
Opt for low-VOC cleaning products and office supplies.
Store chemicals properly to minimize emissions.
Encourage the use of air-friendly office furniture and materials.
3. Eliminate Biological Contaminants
Address water leaks immediately to prevent mold growth.
Regularly clean carpets, tile grout, and upholstered surfaces.
Use professional cleaning services to ensure thorough sanitation.
The Role of Professional Cleaning Services
A clean workplace isn’t just about aesthetics—it directly impacts employee health and productivity. At Perfectly Clean, we specialize in commercial cleaning services designed to eliminate SBS risks. Our expert team ensures your office environment remains hygienic, fresh, and conducive to employee well-being.
Why Choose Perfectly Clean?
Use of eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning solutions.
Thorough cleaning of HVAC systems, carpets, and high-touch surfaces.
Mold and allergen removal to improve indoor air quality.
Tailored cleaning plans to fit your business needs.
A healthier office leads to happier employees and better business outcomes. If you suspect Sick Building Syndrome is affecting your workplace, contact Perfectly Clean today for a consultation and customized cleaning solutions.
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