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Office Allergies? How Dust and Pollen Are Impacting Your Staff This Spring

As flowers bloom and temperatures rise, spring brings a sense of renewal—but also a surge in allergies. While many people think of hay fever and outdoor allergens, indoor environments like offices can also harbour a surprising amount of irritants. If your team is coughing, sneezing, or rubbing their eyes more than usual, it might not just be the changing seasons—it could be your office.

Why Spring Allergies Affect the Workplace

Spring in Australia, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions like Queensland, coincides with high pollen levels. Add to that common indoor allergens like dust mites, mould spores, and pet dander, and you’ve got a perfect storm for allergic reactions.

These allergens don’t just live in the great outdoors—they settle into carpets, upholstery, ceiling vents, and office equipment. Without a targeted cleaning strategy, they build up quickly, creating an uncomfortable environment for allergy-sensitive staff.

Common Office Allergy Triggers

  1. Pollen: Tracked in on clothes or through open doors/windows.
  2. Dust and Dust Mites: Accumulate in carpets, chairs, and cluttered desks.
  3. Mould and Mildew: Especially problematic in areas with poor ventilation or recent wet weather.
  4. Air Conditioning Units: Dirty filters recirculate allergens.
  5. Pet Dander: Brought in on clothing or bags from pet owners.

The Business Impact of Office Allergies

According to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), allergic diseases affect more than 20% of Australians. Even mild symptoms—like sneezing, watery eyes, or congestion—can affect focus and performance. More severe reactions may require time off work or result in decreased productivity across the team.

With absenteeism costing Australian businesses billions each year, a healthier office is a smarter investment than you might think.

How to Minimise Indoor Allergens

Here are some practical steps to help reduce allergens in your workplace:

  • Vacuum carpets and upholstery regularly, using HEPA-filtered vacuums to trap allergens rather than spread them.
  • Dust desks, blinds, and electronics weekly, as these surfaces often collect allergens.
  • Schedule deep cleaning for hard-to-reach areas, including ceiling vents, air ducts, and under furniture.
  • Service air conditioning systems and replace filters to ensure clean airflow.
  • Install air purifiers in shared spaces for an added layer of defence.

Seasonal Deep Cleaning Makes a Difference

Spring is the ideal time to reset your cleaning routine. A seasonal deep clean by a professional team can remove built-up allergens, improve air quality, and create a fresher workspace.

At Mackay Office Cleaning, we tailor our commercial cleaning services to suit your building and staff needs. From top-to-bottom cleans to maintenance plans that target allergens, we can help keep your workplace healthy this spring—and beyond.📞 Contact us today to book your Spring Allergy Prevention Clean and keep your team breathing easy.

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