7 Best Practices For Better Air Quality In The Workplace

Given the high-traffic nature of the modern workplace – with its occupants constantly bringing in dust, dirt, and debris from outside, the air quality is bound to degrade quickly without continuous maintenance. Poor air quality in the office is not just disruptive to employees – it can also result in Sick Building Syndrome, causing an unwanted increase in absenteeism and a noticeable drop in productivity.

When employees increasingly show symptoms of respiratory problems, fevers, and headaches while on the job, it is a sign that certain measures should be implemented to improve your workplace’s air quality.

Below are some of the best practices for maintaining a high level of air quality in the office.

1. Regularly replace air filters and keep air events unblocked

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems employ numerous air filters that keep dust, dirt, and other particulates outside from entering offices and degrading indoor air quality. Over time, they will get clogged up by the buildup of these airborne contaminants, reducing their effectiveness and airflow significantly.

Therefore, the rule of thumb is to regularly replace these filters every six to twelve months to maintain a high level of filtration. In addition, air vents around the office sometimes get blocked by furnishings, boxes, and other items that prevent proper air circulation and contribute to poorer air quality.

2. Clean as you go

Besides engaging regular commercial cleaning services, promoting a “clean as you go” culture is also recommended, where employees pick up after themselves throughout the workday. By having employees leave things as pristine as they found them, the workplace can stay cleaner for longer and ensures fewer pollutants can mix with the air.

3. Wipe off spills immediately

Excess residual dampness or moisture promotes the growth of mould and mildew, which can result in severe health risks among the workforce. Since fixing mould damage is far more expensive than preventing it, it is in the business’s best interest to reduce the risk of their growth and spread by cleaning up spills or patching leaks as soon as possible.

4. Use fresh air as much as possible

If your workplace has windows and is situated in an area that is relatively free of air pollution, consider opening them during work hours and letting in the fresh air. This grants a significant boost to air quality as stale air is replaced with fresh air and helps cut down on the business’s energy costs.

5. Have indoor plants around the office

Plants are a natural solution to absorbing toxins in the air, so consider having some around the office so they can work in conjunction with the office’s air filters to boost air quality. Moreover, they also add a peaceful and pleasing aesthetic that contributes to employee productivity, as observed in many studies.

6. Maintain good humidity

A 30-50% humidity level helps keep mould, dust mites, and other common office allergens under control. One of the best ways to eliminate allergens in your workplace is to place dehumidifiers and configure air conditioners to the right setting to maintain the desired humidity level.

7. Inspect and clean out the air ducts periodically

If there are noticeable signs that the HVAC air ducts are affecting air quality or air circulation in the office due to an unexpected issue and need impromptu cleaning or maintenance, call the experts as soon as possible. With their help, they can quickly determine and address the issue before it compromises the health of your employees.

Conclusion

When it comes to a tidy office, good air quality is just as important as well-maintained and clean floors, furnishings, and rooms. For cleaning services in Tanjong Pagar that cover everything from top to bottom with no stone left unturned, look no further than Abba!

Apart from our comprehensive and satisfaction-guaranteed office cleaning solutions, we also provide other related services for your workspace’s upkeep, such as office disinfection, carpet cleaning, aircon maintenance, and more.

Give us a call now or send in an enquiry for a free quote!