Poor Air Quality in the Workplace: Addressing Employee Concerns

It is not uncommon for poor air quality to trigger anxiety in the workplace. Indoor air pollution, such as airborne particles, gases, and vapors, can cause various health problems, including respiratory issues, headaches, and fatigue. These health problems can contribute to a sense of unease and anxiety in individuals, particularly those who may already be predisposed to anxiety.

There are several steps you can take to address air quality concerns in the workplace and reduce the risk of triggering anxiety:

1. Identify the source of the air quality problem: It is essential to identify the source of the problem before taking any corrective action. This could be due to a lack of ventilation, dirty air ducts or the presence of mold or other indoor pollutants.
2. Increase ventilation: Increasing ventilation in the workplace can help to reduce the concentration of pollutants in the air. This can be achieved through the use of mechanical ventilation systems, such as fans or air conditioning units, or by opening windows and doors to allow fresh air in.
3. Clean the air ducts: Hire a National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) certified company to perform a cleaning that meets the specifications outlay by NADCA. You can’t have clean air with dirty air ducts. 
4. Use air purifiers: Air purifiers can effectively remove pollutants from the air, particularly in enclosed spaces. Consider investing in a high-quality air purifier to improve air quality in the workplace.
5. Educate employees: Educate employees on the importance of good indoor air quality and the steps that can be taken to improve it. Encourage them to report any concerns or symptoms they may experience to management.

By addressing air quality concerns in the workplace, you can help reduce the risk of triggering anxiety and promote a healthier, more productive work environment.

info grid has released its annual air quality index report. The survey of more than 4,000 U.S. and U.K. respondents reveal employee concerns over the impact of workplace air quality on general

health and productivity and calls for employers to take action. “The pandemic has undoubtedly prompted greater awareness and concerns over air quality in the workplace — and employees are

finally speaking up,” said Ross Sheil, Senior Vice President at Infogrid. Our findings not only show that employees are worried about their health, they are calling for their employers and governments to act now. This is just the tip of the iceberg; indoor air quality (IAO) will be on the agenda for years to come. Check our the key findings from Ductales/Jan-Feb edition below. 

Key Findings By DUC TALES / JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2023

Younger employees are more likely to worry about IAO. In the U.S., 85% of respondents aged 18 to 34 were either fairly or very concerned, while in the U.K., 66% were concerned. Employees relate disease to air quality. A number of respondents — 29% in the U.S. and 21% in the U.K. — worry about catching COVID-19 and other illnesses due to poor ventilation. Employees know carbon dioxide (C02) hurts their productivity and health. The most surprising revelation from the survey is employees’ high awareness of the impact of carbon dioxide (C02) on workplace performance. In the U.S., 77% (and 61% in the U.K.) said they were aware that C02 levels impact productivity. A sizable minority do not trust workplace ventilation. Twenty percent in the

U.S. and 17% in the UK simply don’t believe that ventilation systems are adequate, an uncomfortable finding for facilities managers and architects. Employees want their organizations to do more about IAO. Roughly 40% say their company does enough to improve air quality, while 40% also say their employer does not. About 8% said their organization is doing nothing. There is widespread belief that improved IAO should be policy. Thirty-one percent of respondents in the U.S. and 29% in the U.K. say that providing clean air is “vitally important” for a healthy workplace.