We complain enough about it.
But now it seems that work really is bad for your health.
Researchers have discovered that 5.7 million Brits actually claim to be allergic to the office.
A staggering 95 percent of workers questioned in the national study said they had experienced “work fever”.
And 27 percent said the symptoms, which include nasal problems, eye conditions, dry throats, breathing difficulties, lethargy, headaches and skin irritations, are made worse by their office environment.
Remarkably, 62 percent of people had experienced itchy or watery eyes at the office, while over half of the group had suffered an allergic reaction at work.
And a quarter of people surveyed even admitted having breathing difficulties in their office over the last year.
The results of the alarming study were revealed by national charity Allergy UK yesterday (Tues).
The survey also found there are a number of ‘hotspots’ around the office that cause serious problems for allergy sufferers.
A lack of ventilation was named as one of the biggest problems – with just 15 percent of workers questioned saying their office was well aired.
Carpets and bookcases are also trouble spots – because they gather dust which is then circulated around the workplace.
Brightening the office up with flowers is also a bad idea according to the research – which says they cause allergic reactions by releasing spores into the atmosphere.
Worryingly, the survey also showed that offices are rarely cleaned – allowing dust to build up and spread germs.
A total of 37 percent of workers said the office where they worked is cleaned just once a week – while almost one in five said their office is cleaned “infrequently”.
The research also revealed 42 percent of allergy sufferers took time off work in the last year because of their allergy.
Maureen Jenkins, Director of Clinical Services at Allergy UK, said: “The results are of concern for Allergy UK because it is difficult for individuals to exercise the same control over their workplace as they would do at home.
“Management of allergies becomes increasingly difficult when in communal spaces, so it’s not surprising that a great deal of allergy sufferers have experienced a reaction at work.”
Louise Thompson, 37, an office worker from Birmingham, added: “I’m not surprised by the results.
“Our office is right in the city centre and looks a lovely building from the outside but once you get inside it is horrible.
“The cleaners are meant to come every night but they rarely tidy anything up or remove the rubbish properly.
“I enjoy my job but it is impossible to sit in the office for more than three hours without getting such a headache and feeling bunged up.
“It’s a running joke in our place that the office makes us feel ill but we are obviously not alone and it seems to be a serious problem.”
