Spring is in the air—and so are pollen, dust, and a host of seasonal allergens. For employers and unions, this time of year often brings a noticeable uptick in employee health complaints.
Sneezing, watery eyes, and fatigue aren’t just annoyances; they can lead to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and even longer-term health issues if left unchecked.
Seasonal allergies affect millions each year, with symptoms peaking in spring as plants bloom and winds stir up irritants. For some, it’s a minor inconvenience. For others—especially those with asthma or chronic respiratory conditions—it’s a serious disruption. Studies show allergy-related absenteeism costs businesses billions annually, and that’s before factoring in “presenteeism,” where employees show up but underperform due to fatigue or medication side effects.
This spring, employers should take note: workers are reporting more frequent sinus infections, headaches, and even mental fog tied to allergies. Hybrid work environments complicate things further—employees might push through symptoms at home but struggle in the office where air quality varies. Unions, too, are raising concerns about how these conditions affect job safety and morale.
So, how can medical assessments help? At SOMA, we offer evaluations that pinpoint whether an employee’s symptoms stem from seasonal allergies, an underlying condition, or both. A worker missing days due to “spring colds” might actually need an allergy management plan.
Take a delivery driver with itchy eyes and sneezing fits. An assessment might reveal pollen-triggered asthma, leading to a temporary shift to indoor duties. Or consider a factory worker on antihistamines—our evaluation could flag drowsiness as a safety risk, prompting schedule changes. These proactive steps reduce downtime and show employees their health is a priority.
Not sure where to start? Watch for red flags like frequent breaks, sluggish performance, or workers popping allergy meds—these hint that spring allergens are hitting your team. SOMA Medical’s assessments confirm the cause and guide practical fixes. Simple adjustments, like adding HEPA filters to improve office air or shifting a pollen-sensitive worker indoors, can keep people on the job.
Our reports tailor these solutions to your workforce, cutting absenteeism without guesswork. Act early, and you’ll turn a seasonal challenge into a win for health and productivity.
Spot the Signs: Look for red flags like frequent breaks, sluggish performance, or employees using allergy meds—these signal spring allergens may be affecting your team.
Request an Assessment: Contact SOMA Medical to schedule a medical evaluation that pinpoints whether allergies or other conditions are the cause.
Improve Air Quality: Add HEPA filters to office spaces to reduce pollen and dust, helping allergy sufferers breathe easier.
Adjust Work Locations: Shift pollen-sensitive workers to indoor roles temporarily, keeping them productive during peak allergy season.
Tailor Solutions: Use SOMA Medical’s detailed reports to implement personalized accommodations, cutting absenteeism with precision.
Act Early: Address allergy issues now to prevent bigger disruptions—like chronic sick days—later in the spring.
Spring health trends aren’t going away, but they don’t have to derail your workforce. With SOMA’s expertise, employers and unions can turn seasonal challenges into opportunities for better health management.
Want to learn more about how SOMA Medical can assist you with IMEs? Get in touch with us today.