Improving indoor air quality (IAQ) in your office is crucial for the health and wellbeing of your employees. Poor IAQ has been linked to decreased productivity, increased sick days, and even long-term health issues if exposure is consistent. Implementing some simple strategies means you can enhance your office environment to support your staff’s ability to do their best work.
Controlling Airflow
One of the easiest ways to improve IAQ is by increasing natural airflow throughout your office space. Stale indoor air allows pollutants like mold, allergens, and chemicals to accumulate to higher concentrations. Strategically opening windows and doors creates air currents that help refresh the air. Consider installing ceiling fans or portable fans to keep the air moving as well. Just be mindful of outdoor air pollution levels if you work in an urban area.
Choosing Low-VOC Furnishings
Many common building materials and furnishings emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that reduce indoor air quality over time. VOCs are released as gases from items like carpeting, upholstery, paints, adhesives and more. When selecting furnishings and finishes, look for low-VOC and formaldehyde-free options whenever possible. Search out products made from natural materials like solid wood as an alternative to composite wood products.
Integrating Live Plants
Adding potted plants throughout your office is another simple way to clean the surrounding air. Plants naturally filter some pollutants and release oxygen through photosynthesis. Spider plants, English ivy, peace lilies, and philodendrons are excellent choices as they are easy to maintain. Be sure to strategically place plants to maximize their exposure to natural light. This allows them to photosynthesize optimally to purify the air.
Establishing Cleaning Protocols
Consistent cleaning goes a long way towards removing dust and other microscopic particles that degrade indoor air. Establish daily cleaning routines to address high-touch surfaces like counters, desks, and door handles. Seek Boston office cleaning services from a company like All Pro Cleaning Systems to perform deeper cleanings on a weekly or monthly basis as well. Professional cleaners use powerful equipment like HEPA filtered vacuums to thoroughly eliminate allergens and debris. They can fully sanitize spaces after hours to prevent disruptions.
Using Air Purifiers
Installing air purifiers provides active filtration to capture airborne particles that cleaning alone cannot address. HEPA purification systems force air through a tightly woven filter to trap extremely small contaminants like pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. Activated carbon filters also help mitigate VOC accumulation. Place air purifiers in common areas and spaces with high occupancy to maximize their effectiveness.
The Benefits of Improved IAQ
While upgrading your indoor environment does require some investment, there are major benefits for your office in return. Providing quality indoor air has been clinically demonstrated to reduce communicable illnesses like cold and flu viruses. Employees experience fewer headaches, allergies, and other irritation when airborne irritants are minimized as well.
Making your office space healthier and more comfortable builds loyalty amongst personnel. It shows employees you value their wellbeing and the quality of their work environment. This leads to greater job satisfaction, higher retention rates, and better morale overall.
Conclusion
Ensuring high indoor air quality should be a top priority for any productive, positive office setting. Though upgrading your space does require some investment upfront, there are measurable returns in the form of fewer sick days, greater efficiency, and increased loyalty amongst staff. Implementing consistent cleaning procedures, adding live plants, using air purifiers, and selecting low VOC furnishings means you can dramatically enhance your indoor environment. Your employees will be healthier, happier, and able to deliver their very best efforts.
