7 ways to improve the air quality in your office

According to one study out of the United States, poor air quality is the cause of illness for 40% of all US office workers, with many reporting headaches, coughing, fevers, and respiratory problems as a result of their working environment. As a business owner, you have a legal and moral obligation to protect your employees from harm, and offer them a safe and comfortable space where they can perform at their best, every day.

The COVID-19 pandemic has only highlighted the importance of an effective cleaning regime and investing in health and safety, with poor air circulation singled out as one of the courses of increased coronavirus transmission rates. Although we’d always recommend speaking to a professional if you’re concerned about the air quality in your premises, we’ve put together some tips to help you create a cleaner, healthier environment for your staff… 

Double down on cleaning

Whether you employ five people or 500, it’s vital that you take cleaning seriously. Keeping your premises clean means that there’ll be fewer pollutants able to mix with the air in your office, so hire a commercial cleaning company (such as Precision Facilities Management) to help you keep on top of the day-to-day responsibilities.  From dusting and vacuuming to removing clutter and emptying bins, it’s so important you do not let your cleaning regime slip. Failing to keep on top of the basics could have a potentially dangerous effect on air quality.

Consider investing in house plants

Adding houseplants to your office is a great way to brighten up your space, inject some colour, and make employees feel more relaxed and productive. Research shows that some plants absorb toxins and chemicals and produce more oxygen, helping to improve your air quality naturally. Some of the top air-purifying plants, as featured in NASA’s Clean Air Study, include aloe vera, the spider plant, the dragon tree, and the broad lady palm. Add a couple to each floor of your office and encourage your employees to buy their own desktop plants.

Open the windows

Where possible, open the windows in your office to allow for some natural ventilation once per day. Weather-permitting, opening your windows allows you to circulate fresh air and remove stale air from your premises, so consider keeping them open during the summer and in the colder winter months, your cleaners can open them for half an hour on an evening.

Keep air vents open

When did you last review your air vents? It’s vital that they’re kept open and unblocked, even if they’re giving off a draught. Ensure that desks, filing cabinets and artwork aren’t blocking the path to your air vents, as this could make it harder for air to circulate properly. In some cases, you may need to reorganise your office to accommodate these air ventilation holes.

Replace air filters

If you have an air conditioning unit in your business premises, make sure that your filters are checked and changed regularly. Filters are designed to trap dust and other airborne irritants and stop them from recirculating, but their effectiveness will suffer as dirt and debris build upon them. Experts recommend replacing air filters every six months, though you may need to do so more often if you’re using your air conditioning unit frequently for cooling or heating.

Don’t let spills sit

Make sure that any spills – whether knocked cups of tea or leaks from the roof – are dealt with promptly. Excess moisture can encourage the growth of mould and mildew, which pose serious health risks to employees. As soon as you spot a spill or a leak, bring out the mop!

Avoid air fresheners

Air fresheners and candles may smell great and help to give off a good first impression, but they’re bad news for your air quality, exposing your staff to pollutants which could lead to conditions such as migraines, headaches, asthma attacks, and breathing and respiratory difficulties. Avoid them where possible and instead look for ways to remove the source of the odour, increase ventilation in your premises, or consider an air purification system instead.

Good air quality starts with an effective cleaning regime. Let the team at Precision Facilities Management help. Call 0116 366 6508 today to find out more and arrange a consultation.