Indoor air quality should be a major concern for any companies, building managers, and employees in offices. Because poor air quality can affect health, well-being, and productivity in the office.

Maintaining air quality in office buildings is very important because it directly affects the health, comfort and productivity of the occupants. Here are some of the impacts that can happen, if the indoor air quality in office buildings is not properly maintained.

  • Bad air in office buildings can cause health problems such as eye, nose and throat irritation, allergies, coughs, colds, headaches and respiratory problems.  Dust particles, pollutants, smoke and chemicals present in the air can cause respiratory problems and serious illnesses, including chronic respiratory diseases.
  • Poor air quality can have a negative impact on employee productivity.  Exposure to air pollutants can cause fatigue, poor concentration, decreased cognitive performance and increased error rates. Clean and fresh air can help employees stay focused, energized and work more efficiently.
  • Clean and fresh air creates a comfortable working environment. Poor quality air can cause bad odors, excess humidity, or uncomfortable temperatures. This can interfere with the comfort and well-being of employees at work.
  • A crowded work environment and frequent interaction between employees can facilitate the spread of disease. Polluted air can accelerate the spread of viruses, bacteria and other pathogens.  Maintaining good air quality with proper ventilation can help reduce the risk of spreading infectious diseases within an office building.
  • Regulatory compliance can also be a good reason why maintaining indoor air is important. In many countries, there are regulations and standards governing air quality in office buildings.  Maintaining good air quality is an obligation that must be complied with, to ensure the safety and health of employees.

How to Maintain Air Quality in the Office

Most people spend more than half of their day indoors, especially in an office environment. The problem is, various studies have stated that the level of pollution inside the office can be higher than outside the office. Various pollutants that contaminate the air in the office environment can increase the risk of disease. As a result, productivity decreases and many people lose their effective working day due to illness.

One of the symptoms that arise due to poor air quality in office buildings is sick building syndrome (SBS).  Headaches, breathing problems, coughs, or fevers experienced by office occupants can be caused by poor air quality problems in office spaces.  Fortunately, there are several easy ways to improve overall office air quality that will help reduce the risk of illness in employees. Try some of the tips below to keep the air clean when you're at the office!

  • Good Air Ventilation

Make sure the office space has proper air ventilation.  Avoid placing furniture or objects that block air ventilation in the office.  With good ventilation, the air in the office can circulate efficiently and thus help to avoid health problems. If your office has windows, open them and let fresh air into the room.

  • Replace the Air Filter as Often as Possible

If the air filter used is clogged or dirty, the airflow will be inefficient.  Dust and dirt will accumulate on the filter and settle in the office air ducts, which can create a risk of disease. As a general rule, replace the filter in the air conditioner every 6-12 months. Aside from only changing the air filter, your HVAC system should also be thoroughly cleaned and inspected by a company that specializes in aircon services Singapore to ensure that it is in good condition and can work optimally.

  • Maintain Humidity Levels

Humidity levels between 30-50% can help reduce the number of dust mites, mold, and other allergens in the air.  Use a dehumidifier and air conditioner to control humidity levels in the office.  In addition, make sure there are no leaks or standing water in the office.  Leaks can cause excess moisture which promotes the growth of mold and mildew.

  • Office sanitation

Clean the office regularly with a vacuum cleaner, and sweep and clean up the messy things around the office.  If possible, use professional cleaning services to thoroughly clean the office area.  By keeping the office clean, you can avoid air contamination from various dust and dirt pollutants.

  • Test the Air Quality in the Office

You can test the air quality in your office to get a precise air quality measurement.  Through a professional inspection, you can determine the exact level of air circulation to the level of humidity, leaks, water damage, mold growth, and many others.  By knowing all of these things, you can take appropriate steps to improve or improve office air quality going forward!