The Importance of Maintaining Good Air Quality in the Office

The average American takes about 20,000 breaths each day. That's a lot of air that gets circulated into your lungs! 

One of the places you do a lot of breathing in is the office where you work. Although you may not think too much about the air here, it's not something you should ignore. 

The air quality in your office can impact your productivity and your health. It's vital to have good air quality in an office because of how close you are to others and how much time you spend inside. 

If you are wondering about the importance of office air quality, you've come to the right place. We cover everything you need to know about air quality in the workplace in this handy guide. 

Causes of Poor Office Air Quality 

Poor office air quality can have a serious impact on employees' health. There are ways to improve office air quality, but it's important to identify the problem first. Here are a few of the most common causes of poor office air quality. 

Poor Ventilation

One of the most common causes of poor office air quality is bad ventilation. When office buildings are not properly ventilated, air can't circulate the right way. This allows airborne toxins to build up and cause health problems for employees.

Toxic Chemicals

Another common cause of poor office air quality is the presence of toxic chemicals. Common office products can contain chemicals that can make employees sick. Things like cleaning supplies and printer ink can contaminate the air.

Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew can also cause poor office air quality. If an office isn't cleaned the correct way, mold and mildew can get into the air supply. Mold and mildew can release spores into the air, causing respiratory issues. 

Dust

Dust can also be a problem in office environments. Dust mites, which are tiny creatures that live in dust, are the culprit here. They can cause breathing problems for people who are allergic to them.

Benefits of Good Air Quality 

Good air quality in the workplace is essential for employee health and productivity. Here are a few of the benefits of good air quality in the office:

Improved Respiratory Health

When the air quality is good, there are fewer airborne toxins and irritants in the air. This means that there will be less of a chance for employee respiratory issues. This is especially beneficial for employees who have asthma or other health conditions.

Less Sick Time 

Poor air quality can cause a build-up of bacteria and viruses in the air. Buildings with poor ventilation increase the amount of illness spreading around. When the air is clean, employees will have less of a chance of getting sick. 

Employees need to be at work to do their job. When they are calling out sick often, it's much harder for a job to get done the right way. Investing in cleaner air solutions will keep your employees at work. 

Improved Concentration and Productivity

Poor air quality is directly related to fatigue, infections, and headaches. When the air quality is good, employees can breathe easier. This leads to improved concentration and productivity in an office. 

Enhanced Comfort

Good air quality also promotes comfort for employees. Clean air can limit office temperature fluctuations and keep the air moist. This can help to keep employees focused on their work.

Keeping Office Air Quality Clean 

An office needs to ensure that they are doing everything they can to keep the air in the building clean. There are a few ways to keep the air clean and healthy. 

Invest in an Air Purifier

An air purifier can help remove contaminants from the air, making it healthier to breathe. Sometimes, a box or piece of furniture can push up against a vent. You'll want to make sure all air vents are open and not blocked to keep the air flowing. 

Keep the Office Clean

A clean office is a healthy office. Make sure to vacuum, sanitize, dust, and clean the office spaces daily. This will get rid of allergens and other contaminants that can get in the air. 

If there are spills in the office, clean them up fast! Too much moisture can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew. 

Hiring a cleaning company is a great way to get this task done. They come on schedule and maintain high cleaning standards. 

Keep the Air Fresh 

Add some plants to your office. These not only look great, but they can help purify the air. The more plants in your office, the cleaner the air your employees will breathe. 

If you have windows, keep them open. Open windows will keep fresh air flowing through the office. 

The humidity level of your office can help keep your air fresh. Keep the humidity between 30 to 50 percent for optimal conditions. This level of humidity helps prevent mold and dust mites. 

Check the Air Often 

Keep up with the maintenance of the air ducts and the air filter. If they start to look dirty, call a company to get them cleaned out. 

You'll also want to get your air quality tested. This step will ensure you know exactly how much air is flowing through your office. It will tell you if there are leaks, water damage, mold, and more. 

Good Air Quality Means Happier Employees 

When a company invests in the air quality of the offices, there are benefits for both the workers and the business. When you focus on having good air quality in the office, you'll have a healthier place for your employees to work.

If you're looking to get an air purifier for your office, Simplova can help! Our simple yet high-quality furniture is great for any workplace. Check out our collection today!