Less than half (41%) of respondents did not believe it was the employers’ responsibility to support employees who suffer from hay fever.
However, employers should support employees who suffer with hay fever to prevent it from impacting their work, suggested Bertrand Stern-Gillet, CEO at EAP provider Health Assured.
Speaking to HR magazine, he said: “In some cases, hay fever can have a severe impact on both physical and mental health. Employers should proactively support employees who suffer from hay fever to avoid any detrimental impact on their organisation and its growth.
“Hay fever can disrupt sleep, increase anxiety, and lower mood, all having knock-on effects for organisation productivity. Without appropriate workplace adjustments, leaders could see a decline in mental health, decreased productivity, and an increase in absenteeism.”
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Instantprint found that, of those who reported that they suffer from hay fever, two in five reported being better able to control their symptoms at home, and 70% of all respondents said that they thought it was acceptable for employees to work from home if they were suffering from hay fever symptoms.
Employers could tailor support for employees suffering with hay fever symptoms, advised Stern-Gillet, and provide flexible working or office adjustments.
He continued: “Organisations can offer flexible working arrangements, such as allowing their employees to work from home during peak pollen periods, to reduce exposure to pollen.
“Management is key. Leaders should be sympathetic and understanding to employees suffering from hay fever and support them in alleviating symptoms. Organisations may also want to conduct risk assessments to minimise allergy exposure within the office for the people who need it the most.”
Employers could also reduce the risk of pollen getting into the office to alleviate hay fever symptoms, commented Amina Albeyatti, GP at private healthcare provider Verve Healthcare.
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She told HR magazine: “Within the office, employers can support their team by reducing plants and flowers, and therefore pollen, and keeping windows closed if air conditioning is available.
“Understand that the person may need time away from a screen, or more time in the bathroom to manage their symptoms. Perhaps an earlier start and end time would help them avoid travelling in the higher pollen count in the early evenings.”
Access to benefits such as healthcare support could also benefit those suffering with hay fever, Albeyatti noted.
“People may also benefit from healthcare support; giving them access to a private GP who can talk with them about triggers, medication such as antihistamine, and treatment options that are not offered on the NHS,” she said.
Instaprint surveyed 1,000 employees in May 2024.
