Air quality inside the office can have a significant effect on concentration and productivity. Any indoor environment contains pollutants, from dust particles to carbon dioxide produced by humans, that affect the quality of the air we breathe. Stuffy air with too much carbon dioxide, for instance, may leave people more prone to skin irritation, fatigue and headaches.
From a legal standpoint, indoor air quality should be as good as, if not better than, the air quality outside. This article gives a broad overview of how to improve indoor air quality in offices.
Windows and Ventilation
One of the simplest ways to improve indoor air quality in an office is by opening the windows for periods during the working day to promote the circulation of fresh air and reduce carbon dioxide. Access to fresh air has proven benefits for office-based workers, such as decreased absenteeism and higher levels of job satisfaction.
Proper ventilation can also help maintain an optimal temperature in the office, especially in summer, which can improve focus and productivity. It also lessens the risk of events like heat stroke and exhaustion while at work. Generally, windows and appropriate ventilation are legal requirements in the UK, in line with the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
Plants and Indoor Air Quality
Studies have found that adding plants to an indoor space can help with indoor pollution, depending on the types of plants used. That’s because many plants ‘clean’ the air indoors by absorbing carbon dioxide. [Text moved up to here] Different types of plants can remove different toxins in the air; some can even help regulate the humidity in an office.
Bear in mind that plants have different needs. While some are low-maintenance and ideal for a busier office where they might be watered infrequently, others need more attention in terms of both water, feeding and sunlight.
Humidity and Indoor Air Quality
Humidity is a significant factor in terms of how to improve indoor air quality in an office. If the level of humidity is too low, it can cause people to have difficulties with dry eyes, which can be made worse if they’re also looking at a screen all day. Low humidity can also affect people’s breathing and overall level of comfort.
When humidity is too high, the added moisture can cause electronic equipment to develop problems. It can also make people feel tired.
The optimal level of humidity for an indoor space like an office is between 40% and 70%. If the humidity in your office falls below 40%, electric humidifiers can help to increase it. Humidity over 70% can lead to issues with mould and condensation. In this case, dehumidifier units can be useful to reduce air moisture.
Air Vents & Indoor Air Quality
Like windows, air vents are essential to maintain indoor air quality in offices. When it’s too cold outside, or not physically possible, to open the windows in your office, air vents allow fresh air to circulate around the workspace.
Without the help of air vents, the air inside offices can quickly become stale and polluted. Some people may already have allergies or health conditions that make breathing in stale air more hazardous.
This is why it’s essential to have fully functioning air vents in your office to improve the overall air quality. When considering how to improve indoor air quality, it’s paramount to set up consistent schedule for inspecting and cleaning air vents.
Cleaning for Indoor Air Quality
Another aspect of maintaining a good air quality that’s easy to overlook is general office cleaning. The quality of air in a space can very much depend on how clean that space is overall. For example, dust and mould tend to accumulate when cleaning isn’t done regularly or thoroughly enough, which can negatively impact the air quality in an office.
Many people have allergies, which could flare up due to a drop in air quality and gathering dust in their office. Bacteria and mould can affect people with breathing difficulties and compromised immune systems. Establishing a regular and rigorous office cleaning routine, including regular steps to eliminate allergens, will go a long way to preventing such problems and keeping office users and visitors healthy and comfortable.
Maintenance
Alongside cleaning routines, a clearly articulated office maintenance plan is also critical to promote good indoor air quality. This should specify regular inspections of fixtures and fittings plus any resulting steps. For instance, carpeting will need to be deep cleaned at regular intervals to deal with trapped odours, dust or dirt, and at some point may require replacing.
In addition, maintaining office kitchens can play a big role in air quality and general hygiene in an office. This includes keeping fridges and cooking equipment clean day to day.
As mentioned above, air vents also need to be checked regularly or they could lose functionality, leading to stale air in the office.
Need Support to Improve Indoor Air Quality?
There are multiple factors that can affect the quality of air inside the office. So much so, it can be difficult to stay on top of all these cleaning and maintenance demands. Professional office cleaning services, like The Clean Network, are here to help you rise to the challenge of improving indoor air quality.
We have both the specialist expertise and powerful tools necessary to identify and effectively cleanse your office of dirt and allergens, leaving the air feeling purer and the environment more comfortable.
Simply click the link to get a free quote. Or if you prefer, contact us to discuss how we can deliver consistent, thorough cleaning and a fresh, hygienic office space.