The impact of improved indoor air quality on employee wellbeing and productivity

In our fast-paced, modern world, the air we breathe is full of thousands of substances, and both outdoor and indoor factors can affect indoor air quality. Buildings, such as offices, schools and leisure facilities, face challenges due to minuscule particles or aerosols from outdoor sources making their way indoors. These sources include power plants, factories, vehicles, farming, mining and natural sources. Additionally, there are elements indoors that add to the challenge of sustaining optimal air quality, including carpets, paints, cleaning products, human activities and laser printers. 

The importance of good outdoor air quality has long been recognised and addressed by governmental policies globally. There are also dedicated awareness days about air pollution – one being the UK’s National Clear Air Day on 20 June. It raises awareness about air pollution and the need for clean air to protect our health and our planet. This year at Initial, we’re focusing on how the air we breathe in closed spaces is just as crucial to our wellbeing as the air outside. After all, we spend 87% of our lives indoors and a third of our time in the workplace. Clean indoor air is considered so important that 60% of office workers would leave their jobs if an employer failed to address indoor air quality issues. 

Research into the impact of indoor air quality on physical wellbeing and cognitive performance shows that good air quality does, in fact, have a positive effect. In a workplace, it can even help reduce presenteeism (when employees come to work despite being unwell, resulting in reduced productivity) and absenteeism (employees being consistently absent from work due to illness or other health-related issues). 

At Initial, we wanted to know the business and economic impact of improving indoor air quality. So, we commissioned CBI Economics, an independent body, to delve into the impact (in office-based environments) and what they found was truly insightful, particularly for the five cities they based the core research around. That is Barcelona, Sydney, Singapore, Los Angeles and London. The report studied the impact a 95% reduction in particulate matter could have on office workers, office-based businesses and the wider economic impact.

The impact of poor air quality

The last thing you want is your employees feeling lethargic, tired and sluggish. When the air feels heavy and stale with a combination of pathogens and pollutants, your employees are more likely to experience headaches and frequently sneeze and cough. Their eyes, skin and noses could be irritated as they try to navigate their tasks. As a result, energy and enthusiasm could be lessened and employees could struggle to concentrate, with businesses and their reputations feeling the consequences. 

Enhancing employee productivity

Improved indoor air quality could be the answer. By taking steps to reduce the spread of pathogens, allergens and pollutants (such as VOCs and particulate matter), you can enhance wellbeing and boost productivity. This will help create an environment where your employees suffer fewer symptoms related to poor air quality and find it easier to focus. As a result, you could see improved physical and mental health and increased problem-solving capabilities and productivity. It's so impactful that the modelling undertaken as part of the report Initial commissioned showed that a 95% reduction in particulate matter could increase productivity by as much as 15.3% or even 19.4% in some cities. 

The link between air quality and presenteeism and absenteeism

Just because employees turn up for work, doesn't mean they’re operating at their peak, and the symptoms of poor indoor air quality can prevent them from reaching their potential.

It might be assumed that one or two employees not operating on top form won’t have much impact, however, at a country level, all-cause presenteeism is responsible for an estimated US$93bn worth of productivity losses annually in the US and £21.2bn in the UK. These are staggering numbers with significant ramifications, and businesses should seek opportunities to address this productivity drainer.

The effects of poor indoor air quality don’t end there. While some employees continue to turn up to work, others take time off due to the symptoms caused by poor indoor air quality. 

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (the UK's largest independent producer of official statistics) show that the number of working days lost because of sickness or injury was an estimated 185.6 million working days in 2022 – a new record high.

While this statistic is a result of various health issues in the workplace, poor indoor air quality is likely to be a contributing factor to respiratory problems and allergies among employees.

However, improving indoor air quality can help address absenteeism and presenteeism so employees can experience better health, wellbeing and productivity in their work environment. 

Economic benefits of improved indoor air quality

By improving IAQ, not only can employees benefit from better, healthier workspaces, but businesses can also reap the benefits of a happier, more productive working environment. The business impact of improving air quality saw economic improvements of as much as €3.8bn in Barcelona and £38bn in London (based on 2019 data). While this looks at the city as a whole, the potential for financial reward for businesses is clear.

But how does something we can't even see, like air, have such a significant economic impact? It's because the impact of improved indoor air quality, such as reduced absenteeism and presenteeism and enhanced employee wellbeing, is visible and results in revenue for businesses and economies. 

Steps you can take to help improve indoor air quality

It's not simply just that improved indoor air quality improves employee wellbeing and productivity – there’s now increasing demand for it from employees themselves. This is an opportunity to further demonstrate to employees that their welfare matters and that they’re a valued part of the business. And it can start now with a few simple steps. 

Kick off your journey to better indoor air quality with a thorough investigation and analysis of your building's air by contacting a hygiene business with experienced air quality experts. They can conduct a comprehensive assessment for you by deploying indoor air quality monitors to provide visibility of key air parameters, including pollutants and humidity.

The data gathered from IAQ sensors, together with the specialist’s expertise, means the expert can make the invisible visible and pinpoint sources of air contaminants in your building, their impact and how best to combat them.  The specialist will then work with you to develop a tailored strategy that works best for you and your employees.

The strategy could be introducing air purification systems that clean air by removing airborne particles, or it could be giving advice on improvements for areas with poor air change per hour or spaces with uncomfortable temperature and/or humidity control. No matter the measure, the air care specialist will help create healthier working environments, so your business can reap the benefits of having a more productive workforce.

This Clean Air Day, explore the full impact of cleaner indoor air on employee productivity, including its economic impact, download the report here.

¹ Dymond A, Mealing S, Mcmaster J, et al (2021), Indoor Air Quality at Home—An Economic Analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18. 1679. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041679. 

² Honeywell (2022) Building Occupant Survey Report