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25 September 2019
Issue: 7857 / Categories: Legal News , Profession , Mental health , Health & safety
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Sick buildings: a draining atmosphere

Sick of meetings? It may be meetings that are making you sick, according to research by business technology experts the Remark Group.

The results of Remark’s ‘Air Quality and Wellbeing at Work 2019’ survey suggest that ‘sick building syndrome’—a phenomenon that emerged in the 1990s—is making a comeback. Among more than 1,000 UK office workers surveyed, 86% suffered headaches at work, while 91% experienced tiredness or lethargy. Some 78% reported dry, itchy or watery eyes, 76% suffered a dry throat and 70% had itchy or irritated skin. Only 11% described their sleep quality as good during the working week.

Expressing shock at the results, environmental psychologist Dr Nigel Oseland said: ‘Everyone has the right to work in a healthy workplace.’

To improve life at the office, Remark suggests regular screen breaks, going outside during lunchtime, reducing stress, opening windows, installing air purifiers and creating living plant walls.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Ogier—Martin Livingston

Ogier—Martin Livingston

Martin Livingston joins Ogier in Cayman to strengthen regulatory support

Blake Morgan—47 promotions

Blake Morgan—47 promotions

Blake Morgan announces 47 summer promotions across UK offices

NEWS
Consultant-led law firms should prepare for closer regulatory attention as oversight evolves
Artificial intelligence may draft workplace grievances, but employers cannot treat them any differently from conventional complaints
From dishonest claimants to judicial promotions and procedural skirmishes, the latest legal developments offer plenty for litigators to digest
Fresh guidance is set to influence how courts decide whether hearings take place online or in person
County Court judges remain divided over whether landlords can lawfully force entry to carry out essential safety inspections after tenants ignore access injunctions
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