SICK Building Syndrome (SBS) is putting employee well-being on the critical list, warns workplace fit out expert Morgan Lovell.

Regional managing director Derek Jones said: "People who feel unwell at work could be suffering from SBS which is caused by things like poor air circulation, high levels of noise, or dust fibres and particles in the atmosphere.

"Symptoms such as a sore throat, headache or difficulty in concentrating could easily be caused by more than just a reluctance to be at work.

"If symptoms are being experienced by workers while in the same office or building, but not outside of it, the chances are that SBS is to blame."

SBS has been recognised as a condition by the World Health Organisation (WHO) since 1982, and WHO now estimates that 30 per cent of the buildings in the world have something wrong with them.

Research in the UK suggests that as many as four out of ten workers could be SBS sufferers.

Derek said: "The symptoms caused by SBS can have a real impact on staff motivation and performance, causing big problems for employers - particularly at this time of year when workers are spending long days cooped up in stuffy offices."

Morgan Lovell offers the following advice to help employers address SBS in the workplace:

1. Consider the efficiency of your heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. Ensure filters and grills on air conditioning systems are cleaned and changed regularly and positioned in the most effective places.

2. Give staff control over their environment by keeping windows and ventilation controls accessible and bring in tough smoking restrictions.

3. Examine your lighting systems. Do any of them flicker or glare?

4. Make sure glue and cleaning solutions are stored in seal-tight containers.

5. Keep soft furnishings clean and dust levels low by cleaning them regularly.

6. Ask your staff to keep you informed of any potential health hazard in their work area.

7. Locate photocopiers away from workers.

8. If the building is dry, bring in more plants to increase humidity and absorb chemicals in the air.

9. Encourage your staff to take a proper break.

10. Make sure printers are located a minimum of 5ft away from workers to prevent radiation.