Allergies are common in the modern workplace, affecting tens of millions of Americans. Allergies can create challenges for employers and employees alike. They’re also a significant concern for commercial cleaning services like JAN-PRO®.
Some workers can battle through their allergies, often with the help of natural treatments or medications. But for others, a bad spell can leave them feeling unwell and unable to properly function. In severe cases, certain types of allergies may even be life threatening. Businesses need to accommodate allergy sufferers — not just for their comfort, but also for their well-being and their ability to do their job.
The responsibility of creating an allergy-friendly workplace is nothing to sneeze at. It could require design changes. It might mean switching some of the products and systems you’ve grown used to. And it almost certainly means working with your commercial cleaning provider on ways to make your cleaning services more allergy-friendly.
Here’s how you can get started with that process.
Discuss Allergy Accommodations with Your Cleaning Service
Commercial cleaning service providers can address workplace allergies in two key ways.
- Commercial cleaners can adapt which cleaning products they use, based on allergy sensitivities in your workplace. In most cases, a product that triggers an allergic reaction in your workplace can be swapped out for an alternative product. This is typically done on a workplace-to-workplace basis, since allergy triggers can vary from one workplace to another.
- Commercial cleaners can adjust the scope and approach of their cleaning services to focus on reducing common allergy triggers. Some commercial cleaning companies have designed their services to minimize allergens in the workplace, so your cleaning provider may already be taking steps to combat workplace allergens.
At JAN-PRO, we use a combination of strategies to minimize workplace allergens such as dust, pollen, dander, and mold spores. Our strategies include the use of HEPA air-filtration technologies, microfiber cleaning materials, mold-fighting cleaning products, and frequent vacuuming of carpets and upholstery. We also use cleaning agents and application methods that prevent and/or reduce harsh fumes. This is key for employees whose allergies are made worse by respiratory issues.
Changing Your Workplace to Accommodate Staff Allergies
Your commercial cleaning service provider plays a big role in making your workplace friendly for employees with allergies. But cleaning services alone aren’t enough to stop workplace allergens. Here are some areas where changes could be needed to accommodate staff members’ allergies.
- Prevent employees from tracking dust, dander, and pollen in from outside by using entry mats and a coat hanging area near your entrance, away from employees.
- Increase air quality with an air filtration system or portable air filters for your workplace.
- Water office plants regularly to prevent top soil from drying out. Remove top soil regularly to prevent mold growth.
- Reduce VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in the air by getting rid of air fresheners and aerosol products.
- Perform frequent, detailed workplace maintenance inspections to spot mold in carpeting, ceilings, and walls.
If you’re looking to improve the allergy-friendliness of your workplace, your local JAN-PRO will be more than happy to help you tackle the job. Contact your local office today to learn how our commercial cleaning services can help cut down on allergens in the workplace.
Call 866-355-1064 today to request a FREE commercial cleaning services estimate from your local JAN-PRO.