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.
