We’ve been hearing for years about employees who show many symptoms of illness while at the office, but feel just fine soon after they leave the building.  No, they are not allergic to their jobs.  Many, however, are getting ill from their working environment.  Buildings containing mold, emitting chemicals from carpeting and paints, and those that have poor ventilation systems are often known as “sick buildings”.  Unfortunately, it is very difficult to prove that your building is making you sick, so many employees suffer in silence so they can retain their positions.

Even though these illnesses are often valid, they are generally met with suspicion.  It should be within your rights to ask that the building be tested for air quality if you find you are only sick while in this building.  Consider trying to work from another location if possible to test if the problems still exist. 

An employee who associates illness with their job performance is likely to have lower morale which will eventually lead to higher turnovers of employees.  It is in the employer’s best interest to resolve the issue so that employees will again be motivated to work at maximum efficiency.