Poor air quality is a recurring feature in many offices. It’s even more noticeable in smaller spaces that constantly collect dust, dirt, and allergens. When air quality is poor, it can lead to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), a condition that affects employees anytime they’re inside, with some complaining of headaches, fatigue, fevers, and other symptoms.
The good news is you can turn this around if you want to. With a few smart changes and the support of specialized janitorial facility services, you can noticeably improve your office air and overall atmosphere.
We’ve listed five simple ways to get started and help everyone in your workspace breathe easier and feel better. Read on!
Why is Air Quality Important?
Air quality is important to the health and well-being of staff and clients. People should be able to breathe in clean, fresh air to feel energized and reinvigorated. Clean air quality also helps with productivity and cognitive functions, improving focus, concentration, and performance of staff members.
Further, it improves overall comfort and morale. This leads to job satisfaction, reduced stress, and even employee retention. Moreover, it’s an indicator of a properly run and maintained organization, showing customers and clients you mean business.
Tips to Improve Air Quality
Unblock Air Vents
Ensure your air vents are open and unblocked at all times. Sometimes, offices make the mistake of not providing adequate storage for boxes, items, and good placements for furniture. Such items can block the path of air vents, meaning the air inside your office doesn’t circulate properly.
When vents are blocked or clogged, the space can get stuffy and lead to ill health or SBS for staff. Arrangements are important and often determine how much you maximize your office space for good results.
Clean Spills Immediately
Spills can happen anywhere, ranging from the kitchen and conference halls to reception areas. It could be coffee, leaks, or unexpected events. Excess moisture or dampness in certain spots can support the growth of mold and mildew, leading to severe health risks.
Cleaning spills or leaks immediately solves a lot of problems and saves you money because remediating mold damage is more expensive than preventing it. Get dampness out of the way as soon as you see or notice it.
Replace Air Filters Frequently
Bad air filters can contribute to many health hazards and a terrible atmosphere in the office. The more it lingers, the more dust, debris, and allergens will build up and settle behind the filters and inside the air ducts. Everyone in the office, including visitors, will be at risk from the effects.
Have bad or faulty air filters replaced immediately. Generally, experts recommend replacing filters every 6-12 months. Get competent experts to help you do that to avoid potential problems.
Allow Fresh Air at Intervals
Air conditioners and other equipment used to regulate temperatures are excellent to have. However, if your office has windows, open them at different intervals to let the fresh, natural air in. You don’t have to do so every day.
Fresh air improves air circulation, essentially recycling the stale air out of the building through the opened windows. Besides, smells from some cleaning agents need to find their way out.
Maintain a Clean Office
This is the best way to have excellent air quality in your office. Regular vacuuming to deal with dust, dirt, and debris goes a long way to improve air quality. Besides, when you declutter items and promptly dispose of all garbage, you’d be promoting a healthy and safe environment.
If you’re not sure where or how often to clean, consider getting a professional commercial cleaning service. They’ll help you keep your environment clean and reduce indoor pollutants around your office, thereby improving the air quality. Your team will enjoy a workspace that prioritizes health and comfort. Alternate between routine maintenance and deep cleaning depending on the needs of each area.
Conclusion
There you go! Many offices ignore air quality, thinking it’s not an essential part of a healthy and hygienic environment. But as you’ve seen, an office boasting good air quality has many benefits. And the best part is that you can follow these tips to improve it.
Many janitorial facility companies offer specialized services targeted to maintaining a clean office and other services that instantly improve your office’s air quality. Along with the ones mentioned here, they can help you to operate at the highest levels of cleanliness.