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School’s out, the sun is shining and things are starting to get a little hot in the UK. The recent heatwaves have had us rushing to fling the windows open to let in the fresh summer breeze. But for many, summer isn’t all that smiles - it’s also peak allergy season. From sneezing fits and itchy eyes to more severe respiratory reactions, allergies can bring a lot of misery in the summer months, affecting wellbeing and productivity, especially in shared environments like offices.
By understanding what causes summer allergies and using the right cleaning products, you can help create a healthier, more comfortable workspace for everyone. Take a look at our recommendations below.
Summer allergies – What to look out for
The most common summer allergy culprit is hayfever, caused by pollen from trees, grasses and weeds. According to Allergy UK, up to 49% of adults in the UK suffer from hayfever, with symptoms often peaking from late spring through to early autumn. Other triggers can include mould spores, dust mites and air pollution - all of which can make their way indoors and settle in carpets, furniture and ventilation systems.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Coughing and wheezing
- Fatigue and reduced concentration
While these symptoms might be brushed off as a seasonal nuisance, they can have a real impact on employee wellbeing and productivity.
Allergies in the workplace
Offices and shared workspaces can be breeding grounds for allergens. Soft furnishings, carpets, and even cluttered desks can trap pollen and dust, and poor ventilation only makes things worse. For allergy sufferers, this means they may feel as bad, or even worse, at work than they do outside.
Providing a clean and allergen-reduced environment is not just a comfort - it's a responsibility. Fortunately, with a few targeted cleaning strategies and the right products, you can make a big difference - keeping your staff healthy and happy this summer.
How to keep your office allergy-free this summer
Taking steps to limit allergens in the office can make a big difference to your teams, creating a more comfortable workplace while maintaining effective hygiene standards. Some of the things you can do to keep your office allergy-free this summer include:
Step up your vacuuming game
Choose vacuums with HEPA filters, which trap even the tiniest allergen particles, rather than sending them back into the air. The Numatic Vacuum Cleaner is a great option, designed specifically with allergy sufferers in mind.
Clean the air
Air purifiers with HEPA filtration or carbon filters can help remove pollen, dust and pollutants from indoor air. Regularly cleaning air vents and replacing filters in your heating and air conditioning systems is also crucial. Be careful when using air fresheners and odour neutralisers around the workplace – fragrances can cause further irritation.
Tackle desks and communal areas
Dust mites love clutter and dust and can add to the misery for those with allergies and asthma. Make sure all desks, keyboards and telephones are wiped down regularly using anti-bacterial surface wipes and suitable cleaning products. Encourage a ‘clear desk’ policy at the end of each day to make cleaning easier and more effective, while ensuring employees take some responsibility for keeping the workplace hygienic.
Focus on flooring
Carpets can be an easy trap for allergens. While regular vacuuming can help keep dust and pollen levels down, occasional deep carpet cleaning or switching to hard flooring in high-traffic areas can be more effective. Ensure these areas are cleaned regularly, especially if people are coming and going throughout the day.
Don’t forget the washroom
Keeping washrooms clean reduces the spread of germs and airborne particles. Use fragrance-free sanitisers, toilet cleaners and hand soaps to minimise reactions while maintaining hygiene.
Other ways you can help your allergy-suffering workers
Maintaining a hygienic workplace is one of the ways you can help minimise the impact of seasonal allergies in the workplace. Some of the other things you can do to minimise allergens include:
- Offer flexible working or remote options during peak pollen times.
- Install pollen filters on windows and air vents.
- Keep windows closed mid-morning and early evening when pollen counts are highest.
- Provide tissues and sanitising hand gel on desks.
- Encourage staff to report any discomfort or triggers they experience in the workplace.
Protect your workplace with phs
At phs, we recognise the challenges that come with modern workplaces, including dealing with allergies. By being proactive and using effective, allergy-conscious cleaning solutions, you can make your workplace a more pleasant and productive space for everyone this summer.
Browse our full range of cleaning supplies and check out our deep cleaning guide to find everything you need to tackle allergies head-on in the workplace this summer.
