Ambius, an interior landscape organisation, conducted a study which revealed that poor indoor air quality has serious consequences on office workers’ well-being, including lack of focus and feeling ill.
Despite employers not always considering indoor air quality as a direct cause of their employee absence, the findings suggest that 1 in 2 office workers in the US experienced lack of focus due to poor air quality, while 40% needed to take sick leave.
The most commonly experienced indicators of poor indoor air quality by office workers in North America include poor air circulation, excessive dust and smell of chemicals.
These conditions are entirely preventable and can be altered by reviewing key elements in the building.
The responsibility of securing healthy working environment lies with the employers. Four out of five respondents in North America agreed that it is important for employers to take the initiative to improve air quality in offices. However, over a quarter of US office workers are unaware if employers are doing so.
With increasing outdoor air quality concerns due to pollution and climate change, workers are spending more and more time indoors. The research suggests that 2 out of 3 workers in the US have chosen to have their lunch inside due to air pollution surrounding their office.
Creating a pleasant, healthy air environment for workers not only improves workers’ health but it leads to a more successful business performance too.
Kenneth Freeman, Head of Innovation at Ambius said: ‘With workers spending so much time indoors, it is imperative that businesses are aware of ways to create indoor environments that can positively impact the health and well-being of employees – and that includes air quality. Bringing elements of nature into the workplace has positive effects on performance, including increases in productivity, job satisfaction, creativity, and a greater sense of well-being.’
To find out more about the study as well as the ways to improve workplace air quality, click here.
