Pollen Season is Here - Is Your Workplace Ready?
Springtime brings warmer weather and blooming flowers, but it also brings a rise in pollen counts. While many people look forward to the season, for those with pollen allergies, spring can be a challenging time.
How Workplace Cleanings Can Boost Productivity During Pollen Season
Allergies can cause sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and other uncomfortable symptoms. These symptoms can impact employee productivity, especially when they are experienced in the workplace. This is why it's essential to schedule regular professional cleanings at workplaces during the spring season when pollen counts are increasing.
Pollen Counts and Allergies
As the weather gets warmer, trees, grasses, and flowers start to bloom, releasing pollen into the air. Warm weather has pushed plants out of their winter slumber much earlier than usual this spring, resulting in eye-watering levels of pollen.The journal Nature published a study that found pollen count is projected to increase by 200% by the end of the century.
Are pollen counts getting worse?
Pollen is a common allergen that triggers allergic reactions in many people. When pollen counts are high, it can be challenging for allergy sufferers to breathe, focus, and function. Symptoms can be mild, such as a runny nose and itchy eyes, or severe, such as asthma attacks.
The Immune System and Allergies
Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to allergens, such as pollen. The immune system mistakes the allergen for a harmful substance and produces antibodies to attack it. These antibodies release chemicals, such as histamine, that cause allergy symptoms. The more allergens a person is exposed to, the more severe their symptoms can become. Allergy season is expected to lengthen and be more intense due to climate change.
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The Impact of Pollen Counts on Workplace Productivity
When employees are suffering from allergy symptoms, their productivity can suffer. Allergies are second to the common cold in terms of absenteeism. During the height of allergy season, allergic workers can miss up to 32 hours per week. Reduced productivity due to allergies can cost US businesses up to $250M per year. Sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes can make it challenging to concentrate on work. Studies show that allergy sufferers miss more workdays and are less productive than their non-allergic colleagues. This can have a significant impact on the workplace's overall productivity.
Importance of Regular Professional Cleanings
Regular professional cleanings can help reduce the impact of pollen counts on workplace productivity. Vacuuming, dusting, and mopping can help remove pollen and other allergens from surfaces. Disinfecting surfaces can also help prevent the spread of germs and viruses that can exacerbate allergy symptoms. By scheduling regular professional cleanings, workplaces can create a clean and healthy environment for employees.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming is an essential part of any cleaning routine, especially during the spring season when pollen counts are increasing. A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can help remove pollen and other allergens from carpets and upholstery. Vacuuming should be done regularly to keep the workplace clean and healthy.
Dusting
Dusting can help remove pollen and other allergens from surfaces such as desks, shelves, and window sills. Using a damp cloth or microfiber cloth can help trap pollen and prevent it from becoming airborne. Dusting should be done regularly to keep the workplace free from allergens.
Mopping
Mopping can help remove pollen and other allergens from hard floors. Using a damp mop can help trap pollen and prevent it from becoming airborne. Mopping should be done regularly to keep the workplace clean and healthy.
Take Away
Regular professional cleanings are essential for maintaining a clean and healthy workplace, especially during the spring season when pollen counts are increasing. By vacuuming, dusting, mopping, and disinfecting surfaces, workplaces can reduce the impact of allergens on employee productivity. This can lead to a healthier, happier, and more productive workplace.
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