Around 48% of New Zealand employees dedicate a third of their day, which is about eight hours, to working. However, there should be more to just getting the job done. The surroundings should be safe enough not to cause any health issues. Dust and other airborne allergens are commonly found in workplaces, and that could mean lower output, poor health or even the onset of serious allergic diseases like asthma. (1)
In truth, occupational asthma is a widespread issue, impacting thousands of New Zealanders annually. Records reveal this condition poses a significant challenge for businesses striving to boost productivity through a healthy workforce. But what can be done?
One key solution lies in enhancing indoor air quality (IAQ) by reducing dust. This simple yet impactful change can significantly reduce workplace allergens and irritants. Here’s a breakdown of some steps you can take:
Managing Humidity
Dust mites thrive in humid environments. Therefore, your workplace should have a humidity level of between 40-60%. This can be achieved using either dehumidifiers or humidifiers. It depends on whether your workspace tends to lean towards dampness or dryness.
Check for tell-tale signs of excess moisture like condensation on windows. Saw the signs? Take swift action to address the underlying cause. One of the best things you can do here is get yourself a hygrometer so you can monitor humidity levels accurately. Say hello to an optimal indoor climate in no time!
Additionally, are there moulds in the office? This is an indicator of high humidity levels. This should be dealt with swiftly through remediation by a professional cleaning solutions. Annihilating the underlying cause of high humidity levels is also a crucial step. This usually means fixing leaking pipes and roofs.
Minimising Allergen Entry Points
Even with the best cleaning practices, allergens can easily find their way into your workplace. That’s why it’s important to focus on minimising entry points. According to the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ, around one in eight New Zealanders take medication for asthma or other respiratory conditions, making allergen control particularly important in our workplaces. (2)
Doormats are a simple yet effective tool for trapping outdoor allergens like pollen and dust. Encourage employees to remove their shoes at the entrance, or provide shoe covers to prevent allergens from being tracked in.
Is your workplace experiencing high pollen counts during certain seasons? Then consider keeping windows closed during those times. Air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters can also be your best friend in such cases. Place them strategically throughout the workplace and they can significantly improve air quality plus reduce the presence of those pesky allergens.
Encourage Regular Breaks and Outdoor Time
While it might seem counterintuitive to encourage employees to leave their desks to reduce indoor allergens, brief periods outdoors can be surprisingly beneficial. Fresh air acts as a natural dilutant, reducing the concentration of airborne allergens in the workspace. Sunlight also plays a role, as its ultraviolet rays have natural disinfecting properties that can help eliminate certain bacteria and viruses.
Even short breaks spent outdoors, whether it’s a quick walk around the block or simply opening windows for a few minutes to let in fresh air, can make a noticeable difference in air quality. Encouraging this contributes to a more hygienic environment while contributing to employee well-being by providing a change of scenery, reducing stress and promoting physical activity.
Addressing Personal Habits
Personal habits can play a surprising role in the overall dust and allergen levels in your workplace. Encouraging frequent hand washing can help reduce the spread of allergens, particularly in environments where hot desking or shared equipment is common. This is especially important given that studies show that the average office desk harbours 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. (3)
It’s also smart to keep eating away from desks. Crumbs and food bits are like a welcome mat for dust mites and other critters we’d rather not have around. These little guys love munching on organic matter and can make allergies worse for some folks. Having a separate spot to eat helps reduce food-related allergens.
Similarly, having designated smoking areas well away from the building and any air vents is a good move. Secondhand smoke isn’t just bad for your health; it can also set off allergies or make them worse. By giving smokers their own space, you’re helping to keep the air inside clean and fresh for everyone.
Choosing and Caring for Office Plants
Plants bring life and energy to the workspace. But some plants are known to release pollen or volatile organic compounds, which can trigger allergies. Therefore, it’s much better to go for hypoallergenic varieties like peace lilies, bamboo palms or spider plants for their air-purifying properties.
Even with low-allergen plants, regular care is key. Dusting leaves and cleaning containers prevent allergen buildup. You should also avoid plants that need consistently damp soil, as this can encourage mould growth.
With these simple measures, you can enjoy the beauty of greenery while maintaining a healthy workspace.
Conclusion
Don’t we all wish that our teams could feel and work at their best? Being able to breathe properly, concentrate fully and be as productive as possible can only happen with a clean workspace. To help you achieve this, hire commercial cleaning services that can deal with any dirt or allergens. This will create an environment where people can thrive.
References:
- 8-hour workday remains commonplace in New Zealand: https://www.stats.govt.nz/news/8-hour-workday-remains-commonplace-in-new-zealand/#:~:text=Among%20employed%20people,periods%20of%20overtime.%E2%80%9D
- Respiratory disease in New Zealand: https://www.asthmafoundation.org.nz/research/key-statistics#:~:text=Asthma%20in%20New,Zealand%20Health%20Survey
- How dirty is your workplace? :https://www.seek.co.nz/career-advice/article/how-dirty-is-your-workplace#:~:text=Research%20has%20shown,of%20common%20nasties
