Surprising Reasons Why Office Air Quality Matters

The World Bank and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) found a huge loss of $225 billion each year in lost labor income due to air pollution¹. Poor air quality in offices also harms employees’ thinking and work performance¹. Sources of indoor pollution include dust, carbon dioxide, and harmful chemicals from things like cleaning products and furniture. Making office air cleaner is key to cutting down on sick days, improving work decisions, and keeping employees happy.

Contents

Key Takeaways

Poor indoor air quality in offices can lead to a workforce with significant mental and physical health risks.
A 10-unit increase in the Air Quality Index (AQI) can result in a 0.35% decline in employee productivity¹.
Employees working in certified green buildings reported 30% fewer headache and respiratory complaints¹.
A 400-ppm increase in CO2 levels can cause a 21% drop in cognitive scores¹.
93% of tech industry employees would stay longer at a company that offers a healthier workplace¹.

Introduction

We often forget about the air quality inside, even though we’re in it most of the day. This is especially true for offices, where people work for many hours². Good indoor air quality (IAQ) is key for our health, comfort, and well-being³. Bad IAQ can cause “sick building syndrome”, leading to headaches, breathing problems, and other health issues³.

The Impact of Poor Air Quality on Employees and Businesses

Poor indoor air quality affects both employees and businesses a lot³. It’s linked to sick building syndrome, breathing problems, less productivity, and less learning in schools³. Being exposed to pollutants like secondhand smoke, indoor smoke, radon, mold, and chemicals can harm our health³.

The COVID-19 pandemic showed us how important good ventilation and air filters are for stopping diseases². Making office air quality better is key for a healthy, productive work place and keeping employees well².

“Indoor air quality is crucial in offices, where people spend most of their day. Bad air quality can cause ‘sick building syndrome’, leading to headaches, breathing problems, and health issues that affect work and keeping employees.”

Common Sources of Indoor Air Pollution in Offices

Office spaces are meant to be comfortable and productive. But, they can also be filled with indoor air pollutants that affect employees’ health⁴. These pollutants come from office materials, equipment, and what people do in the office.

Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10)

Dust, cleaning products, and furniture can release fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10) particles in offices⁴. These particles can cause breathing problems, like asthma.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

CO2 levels go up in offices because of people breathing, especially in spaces that don’t get enough air⁴. High CO2 levels can make it hard to think clearly and make decisions.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Many office items, like building materials and cleaning products, release VOCs⁴. These can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat and can cause long-term health issues.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde, a substance linked to cancer, is in furniture, carpets, and building materials in offices⁵. Being exposed to it can cause breathing problems and cancer.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

CO, a dangerous gas, can get into offices from parking garages or cooking areas⁵. High CO levels can make you feel tired, give you headaches, and can be deadly.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

NO2 comes from welding or broken appliances and can build up in offices⁴. Being around NO2 a lot can make breathing hard and make asthma worse.

Poor cleaning, bad ventilation, and not keeping things maintained can make these pollutants worse⁴. It’s important to deal with these issues to keep offices healthy and productive.

Indoor air pollutants

The Consequences of Poor Office Air Quality

Keeping the air clean in offices is key for both worker comfort and business success. Being exposed to pollutants like dust, chemicals, and too much carbon dioxide can cause health problems. These problems can affect how well employees work and how often they miss work.⁶

A 10-unit rise in the Air Quality Index (AQI) can make employees 0.35% less productive⁶. Workers do better when air pollution is rated as “good” instead of “unhealthy”⁶. This means they feel more tired and less focused because of the air they breathe⁶.

Increased Sick Leaves and Absenteeism

Poor air quality in offices leads to more sick leaves and missing work. The EPA says tens of billions of dollars are lost yearly because of health issues from bad office air.⁷ Being around pollutants can make breathing problems like asthma worse, causing more days off⁶. A World Green Building report found 35% fewer absences in healthy air spaces, adding $6,500 in revenue per employee yearly.⁷

Reduced Productivity

More fine dust and less fresh air make people slower and less accurate in tests.⁸ As CO2 and dust go up, people answer slower and get fewer questions right on math tests.⁸ This shows how bad air quality can hurt how well employees do their jobs and the success of the business.

“Companies are placing more importance on office air quality monitoring as they plan to safely re-enter offices during the COVID-19 pandemic.”⁷

Poor air quality in offices has big effects on health, work performance, and missing work. Companies that focus on clean air see big wins like fewer sick days, better worker performance, and a healthier team.

The Impact on Decision-Making and Risk-Taking

Recent studies show a strong link between air pollution and its harm to our thinking skills, decision-making, and how we take risks. A study at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found Wall Street traders were less likely to take risks on polluted days. They chose safer investments instead⁹. Another study by the Harvard Chan School of Public Health showed that a small increase in carbon dioxide levels made people’s thinking skills drop by 21%. This means they made poorer decisions and had trouble solving problems⁹.

Poor air quality inside doesn’t just affect financial traders. It can cause brain inflammation and Alzheimer’s-like changes, and hurt thinking skills in older people⁹. Ventilation and mold exposure can also harm both the brain and lungs⁹.

A study in the journal Indoor Air found that how well a building is ventilated affects how people feel about the air, their health, and their decisions⁹. This shows how important good air quality is in offices. It helps employees work better, stay healthy, and make smart choices.

Poor air quality in offices can hurt not just health but also how well businesses do¹⁰. By focusing on good air quality, employers can help their workers do their best. This creates a place where smart, careful decisions are made¹⁰.

Challenges in Improving Indoor Air Quality

Setting clear air quality standards in offices is tough. The American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) says “acceptable” air has no harmful contaminants. But, experts say this standard is not enough to fight COVID-19 and other diseases¹¹.

People have gotten used to bad air inside, which harms their health¹². Spaces can become toxic slowly without people noticing¹². The COVID-19 pandemic showed how crucial good indoor air is for health and work¹². Even with better air filters, making air quality better is hard¹².

Creating the right air quality standards is tough. Current standards mainly focus on harmful substances, not airborne pathogens¹³. The White House started the Clean Air in Buildings Challenge to push for better air quality¹².

“Improving ventilation could reduce long-range aerosol transmission of diseases by about 50%.”¹¹

The 1970s energy crisis made buildings tighter, hurting air quality¹². Things like VOCs and dust make indoor air dirty and can make people sick¹². After the 1990s lawsuits, US buildings got better at keeping air clean¹². Studies show indoor pollution can cause heart disease, breathing problems, cancers, and more¹².

Strategies for Improving Office Air Quality

Keeping the air clean in the office is key for the health and work performance of employees. There are many ways to make the air better, like source control, ventilation, and air filtration.

Source Control

One top way to clean up office air is to tackle pollutants where they start. This means using electric stoves instead of gas ones¹⁴. It also means having employees with COVID-19 wear good masks to stop spreading germs¹⁴. This way, you can really cut down on air pollution in the office.

Ventilation

Good air flow is key to getting rid of indoor pollutants and bringing in fresh air. By opening windows or tweaking HVAC systems, you can make sure the air moves well¹⁴. Plus, experts suggest checking and cleaning HVAC ducts yearly, cleaning filters every six months, and doing regular maintenance¹⁵.

Filtration

Switching to air filters with a MERV rating of 13 or higher can really clean up the air by catching dust and other bad stuff¹⁴¹⁵. Keeping filters clean is also important. They should be changed every 6-12 months to stop dust from building up in the ducts¹⁴.

Using these strategies together can make the office a healthier and more productive place for everyone.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” – Benjamin Franklin¹⁵

Strategy	Description	Benefits
Source Control	Limiting potential pollutants at the source, such as using electric stoves and having employees with COVID-19 exposure wear masks.	Proactive approach to enhance overall air quality in the office.
Ventilation	Increasing the amount of fresh outdoor air by opening windows or adjusting HVAC systems, along with regular ductwork maintenance.	Dilutes indoor air pollutants and ensures a steady supply of fresh air.
Filtration	Upgrading to high-efficiency air filters (MERV 13 or higher) or using portable air cleaners with HEPA filters, with regular filter replacement.	Removes particulate matter and other contaminants from the air, improving indoor air quality.

By using a mix of source control, ventilation, and air filtration, office managers can make a healthier and more productive work space for their teams¹⁴¹⁵.

Office Air Quality and Employee Retention

Today, employees value good indoor air quality and look for workplaces that are comfortable and healthy. A survey in the tech industry showed that 93% of employees would choose to stay at a company that values their health¹⁶. Clean and well-ventilated air is key for professionals when picking a job¹⁶. Improving office air quality helps attract and keep top talent as they seek healthy workplaces.

Research shows that employees in offices with good air quality do better mentally¹⁷. Companies that focus on indoor air quality see benefits like fewer sick days and higher productivity¹⁷. Bad air can cause headaches and breathing problems, leading to more absences¹⁷.

Key Factors Indicating Poor Indoor Air Quality	Percentage of Employees Citing the Factor
Stagnant air or inadequate circulation	35%
Humidity levels	33%
Manifestations of mold, stains, dust, and airborne particulates	25%
Perceptible odors	25%

¹⁶ Most employees think clean air is a basic right at work, and 89% link it to better performance¹⁶. But only 37% saw their employers improve air quality, with air purifiers being the main change¹⁶. Companies should invest in better air quality to help their workers do their best and stay¹⁶.

ByoPlanet’s applicator and chemistry system, recommended by GBAC, cleans the air by removing bad smells, particles, and disinfecting surfaces¹⁷. ByoPlanet uses electrostatic technology and a charged cloud to spread hypochlorous acid (HOCL) particles, cleaning surfaces and air well¹⁷.

In summary, office air quality is key to keeping top talent. Companies that focus on clean air see big wins in productivity, health, and keeping employees. By improving air quality, businesses can stand out and build a dedicated team.

Office Cleaning Best Practices

Keeping your office clean and well-ventilated is key for good indoor air quality. Regularly change air filters and control humidity levels are some top tips. These steps help make your workspace healthier and more productive¹⁸.

Maintaining Air Vents and Filters

It’s important to keep air vents and filters clean. This helps improve air flow and stops dust and pollutants from building up¹⁹. Experts say to change air filters every 6 to 12 months for best results²⁰.

Controlling Humidity Levels

Keeping humidity between 30-50% is good for the office. It stops allergens from growing and makes the air better²⁰. By keeping an eye on humidity, you can make your workplace more comfortable and healthy for everyone.

Prompt Spill Cleanup

Quickly cleaning up spills is key to stopping mold and mildew. This keeps the air quality good²⁰. Using eco-friendly cleaners and acting fast keeps your office clean and healthy.

Incorporating Office Plants

Adding plants to the office helps clean the air. They take in toxins and make oxygen, making the air fresher²⁰. Experts suggest having one plant for every 100 square feet to get the most benefits.

Utilizing Fresh Air

Opening windows to let in fresh air is a simple way to improve air quality. It also cuts down on HVAC costs²⁰. This can make employees feel better and work more efficiently.

Regular Professional Cleaning

Getting regular professional cleaning keeps your office clean and healthy. This includes carpet and upholstery cleaning, and deep cleans to make sure everything is spotless¹⁹.

Air Duct Inspection and Cleaning

Checking and cleaning air ducts is important for clean air. Not doing this can lead to dust and mold spreading around the office²⁰. Experts say to check and clean air ducts every few years for the best air quality.

Air Quality Testing

Testing the air quality often can spot problems early. This includes checking for dust, chemicals, and other pollutants²⁰. Fixing these issues makes your workplace healthier and more productive for your team.

Best Practices	Benefits
Maintain air vents and filters	Improve air circulation and reduce pollutant buildup
Control humidity levels	Prevent allergen growth and improve air quality
Prompt spill cleanup	Prevent mold and mildew growth
Incorporate office plants	Absorb toxins and produce oxygen
Utilize fresh air	Enhance air quality and reduce HVAC costs
Regular professional cleaning	Maintain a clean and healthy workspace
Air duct inspection and cleaning	Prevent dust, debris, and mold buildup
Air quality testing	Identify and address indoor air quality issues

“Maintaining a clean and well-ventilated office environment is essential for ensuring optimal indoor air quality and promoting a healthy, productive workspace for employees.”

The Role of Green Building Certifications

Green building certifications, like LEED, are key to ensuring clean air in offices²¹. They check on ventilation, filtration, and the choice of materials that don’t emit much pollution. This makes workspaces healthier and more eco-friendly²¹. Workers in green buildings have fewer headaches and breathing problems, and they sleep better. This shows how good design can improve air quality and well-being²¹.

Green building certifications do more than just improve air quality²¹. They can make a building worth 10% more and cut maintenance costs by almost 20%²¹. Also, making buildings greener can save up to 10% on costs in just one year²¹. These savings make green certifications a smart choice for businesses looking to upgrade their spaces and profits.

Green buildings help more than just office spaces²¹. In the U.S., green construction added $167.4 billion to the economy from 2011-2014²¹. Texas alone had over 720,000 jobs in green construction during that time²¹. By choosing green buildings, companies can better their air quality, worker health, and help the economy grow²¹.

Investing in green building certifications costs more upfront, but the long-term gains in energy savings and lower upkeep costs are big²¹. These benefits, along with better health and productivity for workers, make them a smart choice for businesses²¹. As more people want green buildings, these certifications will be key in designing the future of offices²¹.

Office Air Quality Monitoring and Sensors

Keeping the air in offices clean is key for workers’ health and productivity. Thanks to technology, we now have tools to check and improve air quality. These tools give us the info we need to make offices healthier and more comfortable for everyone.

CO2 monitors are great for checking how well the air is moving around. If CO2 levels are under 800 parts per million, the air is flowing well²². Other sensors can track dust, chemicals, and pollutants. This helps managers find and fix problems quickly²². Testing the air often and using these tools ensures offices are healthy places to work.

Using air quality monitors has big benefits²². They help save money and increase property value. They also show where maintenance is needed, saving energy²². Plus, they can help get buildings certified, making them more attractive and valuable.

Parameter	Importance
Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10)	Can reduce productivity by 5% to 6% in the workplace²². Exposure to dust makes people more cautious and hurts their thinking skills²².
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)	A 500 μg/m³ increase in VOC concentration can lower cognitive scores by 13%²².
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)	Can serve as a proxy for ventilation, with levels below 800 parts per million indicating adequate air exchange²².
Temperature and Relative Humidity	Key parameters to monitor for overall indoor air quality and occupant comfort.

Choosing the right air quality monitor is important for the office and its people²². There are different types of monitors for different needs and budgets²². It’s important to know what certifications are needed and how to handle the data²². Keeping the monitors in good shape is also key for accurate readings.

By using air quality monitoring and sensors, employers can make better workspaces for their teams²². Working with building systems can make things even better, and setting up the right number of monitors is important for good data²². Using air quality info to make changes can make offices better for everyone and help the business do well²².

“Regular monitoring and maintenance of indoor air quality can significantly improve employee health, productivity, and overall satisfaction in the workplace.”

Improving office air quality is a smart move and essential for a healthy workplace. By using air quality monitoring and sensors, businesses can focus on their employees’ health. This leads to a more productive and happy workforce²²²³.

Conclusion

Making the air in offices better is key to keeping employees healthy, productive, and happy. By tackling indoor air pollution, like dust, carbon dioxide, and harmful chemicals, companies can make safer workspaces. This helps protect their most important asset – their workers²⁴.

Using better air filters and ventilation, and keeping offices clean, can make the air much healthier. Going for green building standards and using the latest air quality monitoring technologies helps too. This shows a strong care for employee health and makes the company a top place to work²⁵.

Putting money into improving office air quality is smart for both the company and its workers. By focusing on employee health and productivity, companies see fewer sick days, better decisions, and happier employees. This leads to success for the business²⁵²⁶.,

FAQ

What are the common sources of indoor air pollution in offices?

Offices often face air pollution from dust, cleaning products, and furniture. Carbon dioxide comes from people breathing and not enough air flow. Volatile organic compounds come from building materials, cleaning supplies, and office gear.

Formaldehyde is found in furniture and building materials. Carbon monoxide comes from parking garages and cooking spots. Nitrogen dioxide comes from welding and broken appliances.

How does poor indoor air quality impact employee health and productivity?

Bad air quality can make people sick and lead to more days off. Studies show a 10-unit AQI increase can cut employee productivity by 0.35%. Workers do better when air pollution is rated “good” instead of “unhealthy.”

High carbon dioxide levels can make people feel tired and unfocused. This lowers productivity even more.

How does air pollution affect decision-making and risk-taking?

Air pollution can hurt how well people think and make decisions. A study found Wall Street traders were less likely to take risks on polluted days. They chose safer options instead.

Another study showed cognitive scores dropped 21% with higher carbon dioxide levels. This means people had trouble making decisions and solving problems.

What are the key strategies for improving office air quality?

To improve air quality, focus on source control, ventilation, and filtration. Use electric stoves instead of gas ones and masks for employees with COVID-19 exposure. Open windows or adjust HVAC systems for fresh air.

Change air filters to a MERV 13 or higher, or use portable air cleaners with HEPA filters. These steps can greatly improve air quality.

How can green building certifications contribute to improving indoor air quality?

Green building certifications like LEED help ensure good indoor air quality. They check ventilation, filtration, and low-emitting materials. This creates healthier workspaces.

Employees in green buildings have fewer headaches and breathing problems. They also sleep better, showing the benefits of these standards on air quality and health.

How can office air quality monitoring and sensors help improve the indoor environment?

Using sensors and meters to monitor air quality gives valuable insights. CO2 monitors check ventilation, showing if air is flowing well. Other sensors track pollutants like dust and chemicals.

This helps managers find and fix air quality issues. Regular testing and monitoring keep offices healthy and productive for everyone.