Though often overlooked, workplace air quality affects your employees’ productivity and wellbeing. Unfortunately, indoor air quality is worse than outdoor air, and many employees show health symptoms caused by poor indoor air quality.
When heavily polluted, either by toxic smells or dark smoke, outdoor air can be noticed easily. However, polluted indoor air is quite different, as it hides within the calm smell of air fresheners and comforting AC breeze.
Continuous exposure to poor workplace air quality often causes Sick Building Syndrome, a condition that affects employees only when inside the office buildings. You should suspect an indoor air issue if your employees complain of respiratory problems, coughing, headaches, and nausea only while at work.
Fortunately, you can improve indoor air quality and promote a healthy work environment in several ways.
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Replace air filters frequently
Most office or commercial building owners believe that air filters are enough to ensure quality indoor space ventilation. While this is true, even the best air filters of your HVAC units, such as the MERV 8, won’t provide smooth airflow into your building if they are clogged. Particles and debris accumulate over time and clog the filters, reducing your workplace air quality.
You should perform frequent HVAC testing and change air filters frequently to avoid a decline in air quality. While the frequency of cleaning air filters varies depending on the brand, you should typically clean yours after six months. Some air filter brands suggest monthly cleaning to eliminate all contaminants that threaten indoor air quality.
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Improve building ventilation
If your employees start reporting breathing difficulties while at work, their productivity will soon start declining. If possible, open your office windows and doors to allow the inflow of fresh air. This increases airflow in your workplace, reducing the amount of air pollutants. You should also rearrange office furniture, storage boxes, and cabinets to avoid blocking air vents.
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Keep your workplace clean
Depending on the nature of your business, you could be receiving huge traffic daily. If such is the case, you should prioritize keeping your workplace clean. However, office cleaning shouldn’t be limited to the floor. You should observe some cleaning measures to ensure that your office is free from dust and other air contaminants.
To keep your office air clean, dust, vacuum, sanitize, and clear clutter. This should be done extensively regularly. Lowering the amount of air pollutants in your workplace improves indoor air quality. Apart from regular cleaning, you should avoid some items that pick dust on surfaces, such as feather dusters.
Other tips that can improve your workplace air quality include:
- Maintain healthy office humidity levels – You should regulate your workplace humidity to between 30% and 50%. This hinders the growth of dust mites, mold, mildew, and other allergens. You can use air conditioners and dehumidifiers to control office humidity.
- Have some office plants – Office plants not only improve the appearance of your office but also absorb toxins and produce more oxygen.
- Test your air quality – Hire experts with the right tools and knowledge to test your workplace air quality.
Endnote
Indoor air quality should be a priority if you want to achieve a healthy and productive workplace. Poor indoor air quality can lead to several respiratory problems and affects employee productivity. It also affects occupants’ mental health. Follow the tips mentioned above to improve your workplace air quality.
