Ask HN: Co-workers at my startup are frequently sick
8 comments
It could have something to do with the indoor air quality (search for 'Sick building syndrome: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sick_building_syndrome). I've worked in an environment where the air quality was lacking, and I always felt horrible after a couple of hours. Do keep in mind that in a packed office, with multiple computers, printers et al the CO2 levels will skyrocket.
Ventilation is important, as is cleanliness and excersise. If the problems persist, look out for a bigger office!
Ventilation is important, as is cleanliness and excersise. If the problems persist, look out for a bigger office!
I worked at a place that seemed to be this way, it wasn't a startup though but a fairly small company. The offices were in an older office park and kind of dingy and I think thats why. When you have certain types of insulation, etc and the building isn't well kept up I think it tends to harbor mold, etc, I know I would always smell something (like mold) when I walked in one of the doors.
By contrast the building I work in now is actually quite old, but it has wooden ceilings, no layers of insulation, etc and is fairly open and airy. I think it really can be caused by the building and then of course the lack of space and number of people also contribute.
I work in SF now too but the "sick office" place was in Phoenix, there they had to run the AC all day for 7-8 months out of the year, which I think is part of the problem, here the climate is milder and I would think you can figure out creative ways to use the ventilation system to get more fresh air into the building
By contrast the building I work in now is actually quite old, but it has wooden ceilings, no layers of insulation, etc and is fairly open and airy. I think it really can be caused by the building and then of course the lack of space and number of people also contribute.
I work in SF now too but the "sick office" place was in Phoenix, there they had to run the AC all day for 7-8 months out of the year, which I think is part of the problem, here the climate is milder and I would think you can figure out creative ways to use the ventilation system to get more fresh air into the building
I would encourage anyone who feels like they're getting sick to stay at home. If it's a really small space, it only takes one person to infect everybody. Keeping things around like keyboard wipes and hand sanitizer could help encourage everyone to stay vigilant.
"work hard and stay late"
That's only sustainable in short bursts. why do you need to do that ?
That's only sustainable in short bursts. why do you need to do that ?
I appreciate it when a coworker works from home if they feel they're coming down with something.
Environmental pollution, mold etc.
Do any of the employees have kids in daycare or school? They are germ factories.
The job sucks.
Only ones I can think of off the top of my head.
Do any of the employees have kids in daycare or school? They are germ factories.
The job sucks.
Only ones I can think of off the top of my head.
It could be a simpler solution, is everyone putting in long hours? It could be if you guys are burning hours long and fast that several of you are not getting adequate time for your immune systems to recuperate. If so it might be time to do a rolling schedule of time off to give peoples body some time to catch up.
Good call. Everyone loves working here, so I think if anything it's just too much work.
Instead of asking what makes you sick, rather look at what keeps you healthy.
General health tips:
Fruit, vegetables and white meat - Eating Healthy
Regular snacking (small portions) is much more healthy than large meals.
Take daily supplements (Multi-vitamins, especially Vitamin B1/6/12, Omega3/6) and also weak probiotics (like the children take) and CellFood generally keep your immune system strong.
Regular and ocassional intense exercise is also excellent and recommended.
Good and regular sleeping patterns (specifically at night - between 6-7 1/2 hours show to be most efficient)
Sanitation tips:
Keep the office and workplace clean and clean regularily - I read somewhere keyboards contain on average 60% more germs than toilet seats - clean those buggers! According to dentists - toothbrushes should be replaced every 1-2 months.
Make sure the drinking water is good and there is good ventilation.
And wash those cups!
Har har :) Hope these tips provide some value to you. Don't consider me a fanatic - I work in the Health Care industry (as a hacker/developer) and pick a couple of things up along the way.
And lbcadden3 is right - daycare is a germ factory.
Also, try not to have your co-workers sit/work closer than 1 1/2 or 2 metres in proximity of eachother - unless you are looking for the domino effect!
General health tips:
Fruit, vegetables and white meat - Eating Healthy
Regular snacking (small portions) is much more healthy than large meals.
Take daily supplements (Multi-vitamins, especially Vitamin B1/6/12, Omega3/6) and also weak probiotics (like the children take) and CellFood generally keep your immune system strong.
Regular and ocassional intense exercise is also excellent and recommended.
Good and regular sleeping patterns (specifically at night - between 6-7 1/2 hours show to be most efficient)
Sanitation tips:
Keep the office and workplace clean and clean regularily - I read somewhere keyboards contain on average 60% more germs than toilet seats - clean those buggers! According to dentists - toothbrushes should be replaced every 1-2 months.
Make sure the drinking water is good and there is good ventilation.
And wash those cups!
Har har :) Hope these tips provide some value to you. Don't consider me a fanatic - I work in the Health Care industry (as a hacker/developer) and pick a couple of things up along the way.
And lbcadden3 is right - daycare is a germ factory.
Also, try not to have your co-workers sit/work closer than 1 1/2 or 2 metres in proximity of eachother - unless you are looking for the domino effect!
Awesome tips. We're guilt of sitting with 2-3 feet of each other. About 20 people in 1800 sq. ft.
We'll go keyboard cleaning! The ventilation and water are top notch, and everyone exercise pretty regularly.
Thanks for the help!
We'll go keyboard cleaning! The ventilation and water are top notch, and everyone exercise pretty regularly.
Thanks for the help!
It's a pleasure. Best of luck to you (and the rest of your startup)
Folks frequently get sick, sometimes 1-2 times per month. I feel as though I've been sick more often as we add more people.
I wonder what may be causing it, or if anyone else in a similar environment is experiencing the same thing, and how to avoid the issue.