Discussions of the benefits of cleaner air often highlight the impact that indoor and outdoor pollutants can have on general health. However, these benefits extend well beyond this. An important but frequently overlooked advantage of good air quality at work is its positive impact on corporate productivity.
Depending on the size and layout of your office building or business structure, you may find Alen air purifiers for the office to be sufficient enough to maintain high air quality levels for all employees. Alternatively, bigger spaces with increased foot traffic or large open areas would benefit more from an air purification device built into the HVAC system.
The Impact of Poor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality contributes to a wide range of debilitating health issues that dramatically lower workplace productivity and efficiency. Employees breathing polluted air are more likely to experience headaches, asthma attacks, allergies, and chemical sensitivities. Fatigue, coughing, and increased sick leave are also common side effects of poor air quality.
A recent study revealed that staff members working in offices with poor ventilation were at an increased risk of developing upper respiratory symptoms. Beyond its physical impacts, low air quality can also reduce cognitive function, emotional well-being, and general focus and create an environment plagued by low morale.
Improves General Wellness and Health
Health and wellness are crucial aspects of staff management that need to be prioritized. This was more evident than ever during the global COVID pandemic, where non-essential workers were ordered to work from home to reduce the spread of this contagious and dangerous virus.
While the pandemic is mainly behind us, it did highlight the speed at which viruses and diseases can spread through workplaces, a process that is only increased with poor ventilation and circulation. Multiple studies have shown that these illnesses can lead to dizziness, headaches, asthma, nausea, and, in more serious cases, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and even death. Ensuring good air quality will go a long way in protecting the health and wellness of all staff and saving money on healthcare costs and insurance claims.
Increases Productivity & Focus
Indoor air pollution reduces the cognitive function and performance of all workers. Multiple studies show a common link between poor ventilation and air quality, impaired focus, and lower mental alertness. People working in companies with cleaner air display high concentration levels, better decision-making skills, improved creativity, and better information retention.
High levels of CO2 and other airborne pollutants can make it more difficult for staff to stay focused for longer periods of time without experiencing episodes of fatigue, leading to more work errors. Employees working in indoor environments with good air quality can complete tasks faster and more efficiently, resulting in improved output and productivity.
The Customer Experience
Poor air quality does not only impact employees. Depending on the type of company or business establishment, it can significantly affect the experience of the customer or visiting clients, creating a negative perception of the overall business. Research shows that customers in spaces with cleaner air report more positive staff encounters and are more likely to return in the future compared to locations with lowered air quality.
In addition, establishments with better ventilation and air circulation help keep customers more alert and comfortable, encouraging them to stay longer while shopping. They are also more likely to recommend your business to friends and family, expanding your potential customer base and increasing sales.
Minimizes Absence Rates
High absence rates in the workplace are typically a result of sickness or burnout. An office building or workspace that has poor air quality will only aggravate this issue. Depending on the size of the company and the number of employees, workers will often share large, open workspaces with multiple other people, creating the ideal breeding ground for airborne illnesses to thrive should the room lack proper air filtration and circulation. This could lead to numerous staff members calling out sick at one time, temporarily crippling the workforce.
Furthermore, while burnout is a common consequence of becoming extremely busy and overwhelmed during critical periods of work throughout the year, it can also result from working in an uncomfortable environment. It is the responsibility of the company to ensure its employees are happy, healthy, and comfortable. In return, the absence rate in the workplace will likely decrease as there are fewer health-related issues or burnout episodes to contend with.
Higher Job Satisfaction
Job satisfaction is one of the most essential factors dictating productivity, employee motivation, and staff turnover rates. After all, there is nothing more satisfying and motivating than working in a comfortable, supportive, and healthy environment.
If a building has poor air quality and low ventilation, employees will be more conscious of the potential health risk their environment poses, which could lead to resignations as they prioritize their own well-being. An unhealthy workspace can also lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety, further lowering morale and productivity and exacerbating the issue.
Culture of Care
A company that prioritizes good air quality within its establishment not only ensures a safer and cleaner working environment but also reflects a culture of care and concern for its employees and customer base. This can be a strong selling point for future hires when comparing your company to your closest competitors.
It can also indirectly improve other areas of your organization, like improved communication between staff and more efficient working collaborations, as your employees are generally happier and more productive. When employees feel valued, they are more likely to experience job satisfaction and more willing to go the extra mile.
