Skip to main content

Sick building syndrome 'a myth'

Mar 24 2006 by Brian Amble
Print This Article

So-called sick building syndrome may have been misnamed as its symptoms are linked more closely to job stress than unhealthy environments, according to research published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Some experts say the syndrome is responsible for businesses losing many millions of pounds through low productivity and sickness absence.

However, the London researchers argue that many of these symptoms could be linked to work-related stress, rather than something wrong with buildings.

The study found high job demands and low levels of support were linked with high symptom rates, especially for those with little decision-making power.

BBC Online | Sick building link to job stress

Related Categories

Latest book reviews

MORE BOOK REVIEWS

The Enlightened Manager

The Enlightened Manager

Vishwanath Alluri and Harry Eyres

Can we truly manage others without first understanding ourselves? This is the question at the heart of a book that takes an unconventional approach to management by drawing on the teachings of the teacher and philosopher, Jiddu Krishnamurti.

The Voice-Driven Leader

The Voice-Driven Leader

Steve Cockram and Jeremie Kubicek

How can managers and organisations create an environment in which every voice is genuinely heard, valued and deployed to maximum effect? This book offers some practical ways to meet this challenge.

Super Adaptability: How to Transcend in an Age of Overwhelm

Super Adaptability: How to Transcend in an Age of Overwhelm

Max McKeown

Max Mckeown's heavyweight new book draws from neuroscience, psychology and cultural evolution to develop a practical framework for human adaptability.