If you are more tired than usual and are spending an increasing amount of time off sick then your office could be to blame. Bad lighting, poor air conditioning and damp walls also contribute to staff wellbeing and their performance at work.

Time and motion and health and safety experts are always telling us how the right height desk and a properly supportive chair are necessary to prevent staff experiencing back problems etc but neglect the general atmosphere that we work in. Your boss might think that company benefits and the new office furniture should improve staff wellbeing, attendance and work output, but if something else is the problem then his or her efforts could be in vain.

Some studies have shown that for every pound that companies spend on improving staff working conditions, they get two to four pounds in return. Returns like this should be quite an incentive for bosses to do something about all of the other aspects in the workplace that impact on employees’ health. So if you feel sick when you walk into the work’s canteen then perhaps the walls are the wrong colour. If you are feeling extra tired then perhaps your office needs better ventilation and lighting as all these things really can make people feel sick and tired.