Want to Increase Employee Productivity? Experts Suggest Improving Office Air Quality
The CPSC estimates that 30% of new and renovated buildings suffer from poor air quality. On top of this, indoor air pollution is, on average, 3.5 times worse than outdoor pollution.
These factors lead to a phenomenon known as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). Research shows that SBS affects 64 million office workers and teachers in the US alone. Plus, it’s a significant contributor to the 14 million workdays missed because of asthma.
But organisations can fight back by improving and monitoring air quality and ventilation.
Benefits of Improving Air Quality
The NCAA estimates that poor air quality costs the US $150 billion each year. Out of this number, about $93 billion results from Sick Building Syndrome.
But by improving and monitoring air quality, employees become more productive and healthier.
Increased Productivity
Ventilation improvements can increase employee performance by 8 – 11%. And this increase in productivity can generate over $6,500 in extra revenue per person per year.
Healthier Employees
A sick leave analysis study found that poor ventilation was responsible for 57% of sick leave.
Plus, millions of people worldwide suffer from allergy conditions such as asthma and sinusitis. Besides allergens, poor air quality can spread cold and flu and other viruses throughout the workplace.
But by using an air purifier with a HEPA filter, you can reduce:
- Allergens
- Airborne mould
- And other toxins which affect your workers.
Improved Cognition
A Harvard study found that indoor air pollution can reduce cognitive function in younger adults.
Even at “acceptable” levels, office workers still performed worse on response time and accuracy tests. But when researchers improved air quality, participants saw their cognitive function double.
As a result, the researchers suggested that “Enhanced filtration and higher ventilation rates that exceed current minimum targets are essential public health strategies that may improve employee productivity.”
How to Improve Air Quality in Your Building
You can use many strategies to improve your building’s air quality, including:
- Investing in a HEPA air purifier that’s large enough to clean and regularly cycle your office air.
- Adding leafy plants to your office may support air quality (plus many other benefits).
- Schedule regular cleaning and maintenance.
- Use allergen-friendly cleaning products and building supplies with low emissions.
- Position any outdoor air intake away from potential pollutants such as roads.
- Maintain optimal humidity levels to prevent dampness and mould growth.
- Install air quality monitors in different parts of your building to monitor air quality .
Support Your Employees With Better Air Today
Improving your building’s air quality is a necessity. Employees are the cornerstone of every business, so it’s vital that they perform at their best. Plus, healthy employees are happy employees.
