7 practical ways to manage hay fever in the workplace

There’s nothing quite like a spell of sunshine to lift the spirits and boost the energy levels. In theory then, summer should be a productive time for workplaces. However, for around 26% of people in the UK, this time of year can bring misery in the form of hay fever, which can have a serious knock-on effect for businesses.

To help, the Occupational Health experts at YourGP reveal the practical steps you can take to look after your team and protect your business when the pollen count rises this season.

What causes hay fever?

Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to pollen. It occurs when the immune system overreacts to pollen in the air, triggering an inflammatory response.

When is the UK hay fever season?

The UK hay fever season typically starts in late March and runs right through until September. There are three main pollen types which can cause symptoms:

• Tree pollen (released March to May)
• Grass pollen (released May to July)
• Weed pollen (released June to September)

Hay fever sufferers can be allergic to one, two or all three of these types of pollen.

What are the most common symptoms of hay fever?

The most common complaints associated with the condition are:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Runny or blocked nose
• Sinus discomfort
• Headaches
• Skin rashes
• Tiredness

The symptoms listed above can vary in severity. For those who struggle each summer, hay fever can impact everyday life, including their ability to fulfil their work duties – we all know how difficult it is to concentrate when you have a nasty cough, your head is pounding and you just want to crawl into bed and go to sleep.

Employers have a duty of care to look after their staff, therefore it is important to consider making reasonable adjustments in the workplace that could make all the difference to the working life of those with hay fever.

Practical solutions to manage hay fever in the workplace

There are several steps you can take to reduce the effects of hay fever in the workplace:

1. Keep all windows closed. Instead, you may need to rely on fans and air conditioning to keep the workplace cool.
2. Ensure all workspaces are vacuumed regularly to minimise the build-up of pollen.
3. Make sure all equipment and desk surfaces are wiped down each day. (Use a damp cloth as opposed to a dry one to capture the pollen particles.)
4. Place a desktop HEPA air purifier near workspaces to trap floating allergens.
5. If the workspace is open-plan, be accommodating to those wishing to be relocated away from doors and windows.
6. Ensure all outdoor coats are removed upon entering the workplace and hung in an area away from work desks.
7. Be open to the idea of remote working, if possible. Check the Met Office for the daily pollen count and enable staff to work from home on particularly high pollen days.

Do your staff need extra help?

Local pharmacies offer a range of over-the-counter medications that can help to minimise the effects of hay fever. This includes tablets and nasal sprays, but the efficacy of these can vary from individual to individual. For those who may need extra help, YourGP can provide further options such as nasal sprays and injections.

If you would like more information on how you can help your employees, whether they are suffering from hay fever or any other health issue, speak to the Occupational Health experts at YourGP. We can provide tailored advice on practical steps and reasonable adjustments to help your staff manage a wide range of health conditions in the workplace.

Simply call 0131 225 5656 or email occhealth@your.gp and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.