When you work in an office, you don’t really think about the environmental hazards that can affect your health. After all, it’s not like you’re regularly lifting heavy objects or operating heavy machinery. However, there are all sorts of ways your office environment can negatively impact your career and your health. Check out these four office hazards and what you can do about them.
Poor Air Quality Leads to Sick Days
You’re more likely to get sick when you consistently breathe in contaminated air. It’s common to encounter dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants in your office, especially if the office does not get cleaned regularly. Offices are also notorious for the smell of toner, and it’s dangerous to your health.
If you think the air quality in your office is poor, suggest that your employer get an indoor air-quality check. You can report an air-quality problem to your HR department as an unsatisfactory work condition. Your office may need an air purifier or other upgrades to its HVAC system to improve the air quality for employees.
Cheap Office Equipment Causes Back Problems
When you work in an office, it usually means that you spend a lot of time sitting behind a desk. This is not good for your back, especially if you don’t have a supportive chair that promotes good posture. If your back has started to hurt, ask your employer for a new chair and see if your desk can be raised to better accommodate your ergonomic needs. Better quality office equipment can boost your productivity because it reduces back strain and offers comfort.
Hot and Cold Temperatures Affect Productivity
It’s hard to please everyone in the office when it comes to temperature, because some like it hot and some like it cold. It’s easy to pull on a sweater when the temperature is too cold, but heat can make you feel lazy and lethargic. Room temperature plays a big role in your productivity. Consider buying a personal fan and heater to keep the temperature at your desk how you like it.
Poor Lighting Causes Eye Strain
After you’ve been staring at a computer screen for a few hours, your eyes start to feel the strain. This happens faster when you’re working in a poorly lit office environment. Eye strain is not good because it leads to headaches and reduces your productivity.
If you’re experiencing a lot of eye strain, see if it’s possible to get a lamp for your desk or move to an area with more natural light. If possible, suggest that your employer remove fluorescent lights and switch to LED lighting, which is much easier on the eyes.
Competing in the office is hard enough as a woman. It doesn’t help if you also have to deal with other environmental hazardous. Luckily, most things about your office environment can be changed if you ask. Don’t be afraid to speak up about your health and how your office is affecting it.
