A new survey reveals that 74% of North Americans feel anxious when entering poor indoor air quality spaces. This heightened anxiety has led to a shift in priorities for many adults who work, learn and operate in indoor spaces.
The survey of 3,000 US and Canadian adults discovered that 76% of North Americans would consider joining the great resignation if wellness factors such as work, life and health balance, indoor air quality, hygiene and cleanliness, mental health support and availability to green space or plants were not provided by their employers.
‘As we continue to struggle with consequences of Covid-19, and as employees gradually return to workplaces and general public spaces, it is clear priorities have shifted with health, safety and well-being at the forefront of concerns,’ said Matt Hayas, director of product and innovation at Ambius.
The survey, conducted by Ambius, the global leader in creating smarter, healthier spaces, found 69% of people said their workspaces need better investment in health, hygiene and safety. In comparison, 62% said the same about restaurants and retail. This increased emphasis on smarter, healthier public spaces is underlined because 73% would consider paying higher prices for products and services if the environment had better air quality and health and safety measures than the cheaper alternative.
The environment of public spaces plays a critical role in people’s mental health and wellness, with 57% of North Americans placing a higher value on work, life and health balance since the start of the pandemic.
One in two North Americans also noted feeling fogginess and tiredness at the end of their workday at present. Whether this is due to workload, general balance, or environmental factors, it demonstrates people’s increasing awareness of how their work impacts their overall mental health.
For those in physical workspaces, the survey results show how 70% think their workplace air quality certainly needs improving, and 39% describe their current condition as either average, poor or bad.
‘Based on our research, the data shows that people everywhere are keen for investment in smarter, healthier spaces in all walks of life,’ said Hayas. ‘They want better air quality, green space provision and overall support when it comes to mental and physical health. All of these areas will be essential for current and future employees, as well as everyone entering public or leisure spaces, with people wanting to feel safe and in healthy environments wherever they go.’
To find out more about the independent research study, as well as the ways to improve workplace air quality, visit the Ambius website.
