If you’re developing a corporate wellness programme, you might be focusing heavily on exercise and diet to improve office productivity. But have you ever thought about the office air quality? Research from Harvard and Syracuse Universities shows that the air circulating in most workspaces may actually be hindering worker performance.
The Average Office vs. The Office with Cleaner Air
In this study, workers conducted their regular office duties in a typical office building workspace. The same workers on other days repeated their daily tasks but in a workspace with improved ventilation and a reduction of indoor pollutants.
Results showed that employees in the clean air environment performed 61% better on cognitive tasks than in the standard office conditions. Further, by doubling the ventilation in the clean air office, cognitive performance increased by more than 100%.
Clean Air Initiatives That Help Employees Be at Their Best
Take these three steps to improve your indoor air quality in any commercial location. The best equipment, some careful observation, and a disciplined inspection routine will improve the air wherever you work.
Implement an Air Treatment System in Your Workspace
Adding an air purifier not only continuously cleans the air, but also shows employees you have their wellness in mind. To ensure you have the best air cleaning system, look for an air purifier that meets hospital-grade filtration. The best commercial air purifiers include:
• A True HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter that captures 99.97% of airborne contaminants including viruses and allergens
• Activated carbon filter that reduces odours and VOCs (Volatile organic compounds)
• Automated features that adjust to changing indoor pollutant levels for optimized clean air efficiency
Focus on ventilation
• Maintain ventilation systems through scheduled cleanings
• Check for damage in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems where VOC’s and other airborne pollutants may be recirculating into workspaces
• Check the entire HVAC system for mould and test the air for CO2 emissions
Stop Air Pollutants at the Source
• Check for common sources of indoor air pollution including paint fumes in newly painted offices or mould and mildew in carpeted areas
• Ensure chemical and other maintenance supply storage is not impacting indoor air
• Evaluate traffic areas that may introduce auto fumes from parking areas into workspaces
With these simple steps, you can boost the well-being and performance of employees, reduce absenteeism, and add a new benefit to your wellness program that is clearly refreshing.
