The Importance of Air Quality in Office Design: Creating a Healthier Workspace
Poor air quality in your office can make employees feel unwell, leading to more sick days, less productive work, and general grumbling about the workspace.
Keeping the air clean in your workspace can boost everyone’s performance and reduce sick leave, creating a happier and more efficient office atmosphere.
Join us below for insight into office air quality and creating a healthy workplace.
Know your pollutant sources
Determining whether indoor or outdoor pollution is the greatest contributor to low-quality air in your office is crucial to finding the right solutions.
Traffic emissions, pollen and dust, chemical cleaning products, and foods are the significant air quality pollutants your office likely faces.
Inadequate moisture and humidity control through air conditioning can also lead to dry air, respiratory discomfort, and increased susceptibility to airborne illnesses.
Strategies for air quality
Removing or isolating potential contaminants through physical barriers and air pressure relationships can significantly improve air quality. For example, separate areas for printers and copiers will help contain chemical emissions.
Diluting and removing pollutants through proper ventilation further enhances your indoor environment, creating a fresh, pleasant workspace.
HVAC systems role
Your HVAC system filters the air and controls its temperature, humidity, and circulation, turning stale office air into fresh air.
The next best thing to HVAC is an air purifier with a HEPA and activated carbon filter to remove nasties from the air – your unit needs to be sized for the space, and if you have an open-plan office, you’ll probably need more than one.
Dehumidifiers are another good option for removing moisture from the air and making your office feel cooler.
Space planning importance
The arrangement of your office furniture, equipment, and partitions significantly impacts indoor air quality in your workspace.
Something as simple as moving furniture away from vents and return grilles could significantly enhance air circulation.
If you’re buying new office furniture, you can also consider what it’s made from and its size to ensure it doesn’t adversely affect air quality.
Managing contaminants
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and pollen can affect your office’s air quality adversely.
Adequate maintenance, proper humidity control, and prompt water spill cleaning help prevent the growth and spread of these contaminants.
Chemical pollutants from office equipment, cleaning products, and building materials also require careful management to minimise their impact – for example, you could replace chemical cleaning products with natural ones.
Occupant involvement
Promote compliance with smoking policies, proper rubbish disposal, and prompt reporting of air quality concerns.
A collaborative effort with employees will help ensure that your policies are followed and satisfy everyone in your office.
Renovation considerations
Your remodelling projects – whether knocking down walls or painting them – should consider the potential impacts on indoor air quality.
Work with contractors who understand air pollution to control pollutant exposure during construction activities. Follow their advice and select materials with low chemical emissions to help prevent air quality issues before they arise.