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How Better Workplace Air Quality Can Support Employees During Hay Fever Season

  • 3 days ago
  • 4 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Yellow diamond sign reading ALLERGY SEASON AHEAD beside yellow wildflowers in a wooded woodland setting.

From “When will hay fever season end this year in the UK?”, by YourWeather.co.uk, n.d., https://www.yourweather.co.uk/news/trending/when-will-hay-fever-season-end-this-year-uk.html


As temperatures rise and flowers begin to bloom, many people look forward to spending more time outdoors. But for millions of allergy sufferers, warmer weather also signals the arrival of hay fever season. Sneezing fits, itchy eyes, congestion, and constant fatigue become part of everyday life as pollen levels increase in the air.


Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is one of the most common allergies worldwide. It occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to pollen released by trees, grasses, and weeds. While most people associate hay fever with outdoor exposure, experts are increasingly highlighting the important role indoor air quality plays in managing symptoms.

 

Why Allergies Don't Stop at the Workplace


For many employees, stepping indoors does not automatically provide relief from hay fever symptoms. Pollen can enter workplaces through open doors and windows, on employees’ clothing, and through visitors moving throughout the building. Once inside, allergens can settle on office furnishings, carpets, workstations, and shared spaces, where they may continue to circulate through the air.


In addition to pollen, workplaces can contain other airborne irritants such as dust, mould spores, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Poor ventilation and excess moisture can worsen these issues by encouraging mould growth and allowing pollutants to accumulate indoors.


According to Healix, hay fever affects millions of people each year and can have a significant impact on workplace productivity, concentration, and employee wellbeing. As allergy seasons become longer and more intense, organisations are increasingly recognising the importance of creating healthier indoor environments that help employees remain comfortable and productive throughout the working day.


Because employees spend a significant portion of their day inside office buildings, indoor air quality plays an important role in both wellbeing and business performance. Poor air quality can contribute to discomfort, fatigue, reduced concentration, and increased sickness absence, making effective ventilation and air quality management essential for modern workplaces.


Common Symptoms of Hay Fever


Hay fever symptoms can range from mild irritation to severe discomfort that affects concentration, productivity, sleep, and overall wellbeing. Common symptoms include:

  • Sneezing

  • Runny or blocked nose

  • Itchy throat and eyes

  • Watery or red eyes

  • Coughing

  • Headaches and fatigue


Many people mistake hay fever for a common cold, especially because symptoms can last for several weeks during peak pollen seasons.


Can Ventilation Help?


Ventilation plays a key role in improving indoor air quality and supporting healthier workplaces during hay fever season. Effective ventilation helps remove stale air, excess moisture, and indoor pollutants while maintaining a comfortable environment for building occupants.


The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlights the importance of adequate ventilation in workplaces, noting that fresh air helps dilute and remove airborne contaminants. However, during periods of high pollen count, organisations should carefully balance outdoor air intake with appropriate filtration measures to help minimise the number of allergens entering the building.


Mechanical ventilation systems, properly maintained air handling units, and high-efficiency filtration can all contribute to cleaner indoor air while supporting employee comfort. Regular maintenance of ventilation systems is also important to ensure they continue operating effectively and delivering the intended indoor air quality benefits.

Maintaining balanced humidity levels is equally important. Excess moisture can encourage mould growth, which may trigger symptoms similar to hay fever and negatively affect overall indoor environmental quality.

 

Simple Ways to Reduce Indoor Allergens



Woman with eyes closed blows her nose into a tissue indoors, looking sick, with a bright blurred window behind her.

From “Control indoor allergens to improve indoor air quality,” by Lung Sleep Wellness, n.d., https://lungsleepwellness.com/control-indoor-allergens-to-improve-indoor-air-quality-aafa-org/


Although it may not be possible to avoid pollen completely, there are several practical steps organisations can take to reduce allergen exposure and improve indoor air quality in the workplace.


Maintain Clean Workspaces and Shared Areas


Pollen, dust, and other allergens can accumulate on desks, carpets, upholstered furniture, and in communal spaces. Regular cleaning of workstations, meeting rooms, and shared areas can help minimise allergen build-up and improve overall indoor air quality.


Optimise Ventilation and Filtration


Well-maintained ventilation systems help remove stale air and reduce the concentration of airborne pollutants. During periods of high pollen counts, employers should ensure ventilation systems are properly maintained and fitted with appropriate filtration to help limit the number of allergens entering the workplace.


Manage Indoor Humidity Levels


Excess moisture can encourage mould growth, which may worsen allergy symptoms and negatively affect indoor air quality. Monitoring humidity levels and addressing damp areas promptly can help create a healthier working environment.


Encourage Good Workplace Hygiene


Employees can inadvertently bring pollen indoors on clothing, bags, and personal belongings. Encouraging staff to store outerwear appropriately and maintain clean workstations can help reduce the spread of allergens throughout the workplace.


Consider Air Cleaning Technologies


Air purifiers and filtration systems equipped with HEPA filters can help capture pollen, dust, and other airborne particles. These solutions may be particularly beneficial in enclosed offices, meeting rooms, and areas with limited natural ventilation.


The Growing Importance of Workplace Indoor Air Quality

As allergy seasons become longer and more intense, awareness of indoor air quality in workplaces continues to grow. Employers are increasingly recognising that healthier indoor environments can support employee wellbeing, improve comfort, and help reduce the impact of seasonal allergies on day-to-day performance.


While there is no permanent cure for hay fever, reducing exposure to allergens indoors may help lessen symptoms and improve comfort throughout the allergy season. By combining effective ventilation, filtration, and air quality management strategies, organisations can create healthier workplaces that support both employees and visitors.


If you would like to learn more about improving indoor air quality in your workplace, or discuss ventilation and air quality solutions tailored to your building, get in touch with our team. We would be happy to help you create a healthier indoor environment that supports employee wellbeing throughout the year.

 

 

References


Allergy UK. (2024). Indoor air quality factsheet. Allergy UK. https://www.allergyuk.org/resources/indoor-air-quality-factsheet/

Allergy UK. (2024). Indoor air quality v3 [PDF]. Allergy UK. https://www.allergyuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Indoor-Air-Quality-v3.pdf

Healix. (2024). Managing seasonal allergies: Supporting your workforce. https://healix.com/health/insights/blog/managing-seasonal-allergies-supporting-your-workforce 

Health and Safety Executive (HSE). (n.d.). Ventilation in the workplace. https://www.hse.gov.uk/ventilation/

Lung Sleep Wellness. (n.d.). Control indoor allergens to improve indoor air quality. https://lungsleepwellness.com/control-indoor-allergens-to-improve-indoor-air-quality-aafa-org/

Prĭhoda UK. (n.d.). Hay fever season: Can ventilation help? It depends. Prĭhoda UK. https://prihoda.co.uk/hay-fever-season-can-ventilation-help-it-depends/

 

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