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.