Although you may not realize it, the quality of your office air directly affects your team’s health, happiness, and even their brain power. In fact, employees in well-ventilated buildings with clean indoor air scored 61% higher on cognitive performance tests than employees in regular offices, a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives reveals. Toxic cleaning products, mold growth, and poorly-maintained HVAC systems are common sources of office air pollution, which makes employees sick and keeps them from their full potential. Fortunately, simple yet effective office maintenance can help create the healthy, clean, and productive office environment your team needs to thrive.
Avoid toxic commercial cleaners
Although your office should be cleaned without fail on a regular basis, commercial cleaning products are often a source of airborne toxic chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs). Prolonged inhalation of these chemicals can cause throat irritation and asthma, among other health issues. In fact, work-related asthma results in 8.7 million lost-work days in the U.S., which collectively costs businesses at least $3 billion annually.
So, talk with building management to facilitate a switch to non-toxic cleaning products that help maintain healthy air. In particular, fragrance-free multipurpose and glass cleaners have been found to contain roughly about eight times less VOCs than regular products. And, if you’re concerned that green cleaning products don’t work as well as conventional one’s, you needn’t be. Any product that carries the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice label has been proven to be just as effective as its conventional (yet toxic) counterpart.
Prevent water leaks
Water can also pose a hazard to indoor air quality. If leaks and spills aren’t addressed promptly, mold and fungi soon starts to grow. Both these microorganisms release airborne spores that, when inhaled, can cause allergy-like symptoms like congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes. So, to prevent this, schedule regular plumbing inspections (at least once a year). A professional plumber can spot water leaks and fix minor issues before they spiral into bigger, more expensive problems. Also, encourage employees to mop up spills immediately, and report water leaks if they see them.
Water leaks are more common than you may think. The average office has about two per month, which wastes hundreds of gallons of water a day on average. Fortunately, if you contact a plumber to fix any leaks around your building, you can consequently slash your company’s water bills by around 10%. Keep in mind plumbers have an average response time of ten hours, so it pays to compile a list of emergency plumbers who can help immediately in case you have a major leak. Talk with building management to check they have reliable emergency contacts in place.
Don’t neglect your HVAC system
Although the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) doesn’t (yet) set indoor air quality standards for the workplace, they do have guidelines for HVAC systems. If your office’s HVAC system is inefficient or poorly maintained, it can actually become a source of air pollution. OSHA therefore recommends businesses stick to a preventative HVAC maintenance schedule as advised by the manufacturer or your HVAC technician. In most cases, the system should be serviced twice annually—although this can vary based on the system, size of the building, and climate you’re based in.
Also, arrange office furniture and equipment so as not to interfere with your HVAC system. For example, don’t block air vents. These need to be kept clear to allow for adequate air flow. Thermostats should also be installed away from computers, printers, or any office equipment that generates heat. Otherwise, they’ll think the room’s temperature is higher than it actually is, and the HVAC system will consequently cool the space down far more than what’s needed.
Your team can only be as good as the building they work in—and indoor air quality plays a key role in the creation of a safe, healthy, and uplifting office space that boosts productivity. So, if you take steps to avoid commercial cleaners, prevent water leaks, and prioritize HVAC maintenance, you’ll successfully create a functional, welcoming environment that helps your team thrive.
Nina S. Blake is a writer with a research journalism background, who is always eager to explore new niches and tackle diverse subjects.
