Have you ever noticed how you are suddenly more energized and willing to do things when you step outside in the fresh air? Or remember how groggy you feel if you don’t open the window all day and the air gets a musky and closed-off feel. Believe it or not, the quality of the air affects your productivity quite a lot, which is why a productive office always needs to have some clean air going through. This article will take you through the why’s and how’s.
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Why Is Clean Air Important for Productivity?
When the air is clean and improved, it is no longer as packed with pollutants – and also has more oxygen. And when more oxygen is sent through your brain, you often feel a more superior cognitive performance. The opposite also happens when you get less oxygen: your cognitive functions decline.
Certain Harvard University studies also link higher productivity with fresh, clean air. Employers who were doing their job in a “greener” environment, where the quality of the air was improved, were 60% more efficient in their jobs compared to the ones that were working in a standard office environment. When the ventilation got doubled, cognitive functions increased even more – this time over 100%.
Alongside better cognitive functions, better air quality also improves overall health. You experience fewer headaches and no longer have as many problems when breathing – meaning that it will make it much easier for you to work. No one can be productive when they are constantly experiencing headaches, which is why investing in tools and techniques to improve household air quality is so convenient.
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Improving air quality in the room to give the occupants a productivity boost can be done as soon as it is determined that the place has an air problem. With that in mind, the solution is established based on the nature of the issue. Variable aspects may be the culprits here such as carbon dioxide emissions, airflow, as well as humidity.
Certain preventive measures can be taken to ensure the quality of the air does not drop. Buildings have become quite energy-efficient nowadays, but as a result, they are also more airtight – an issue for which you might want to find solutions. Here are some strategies that you can use to improve the quality of the air in order to give your productivity a boost:
1. Ensure a Clean Workplace
If the indoor environment is clean, it makes it less likely for allergens such as dust or mold to gather around. In this regard, you might want to ensure that the rugs, carpets, and upholstery are vacuumed with a product using a HEPA filter. Curtains, drapes, windows also need to be regularly cleaned, and the desk clutter should be reduced as much as possible.
2. Use an Air Purifying Tool
There’s only so much that a good cleaning session can do, which is why you may want to invest in a good HVAC system. A good air conditioning system can keep the room temperature at appropriate levels while ensuring that the air is properly circulated.
You may also want to invest in an air purifier, as well as a dehumidifier to remove any excess moisture or allergens from the room. Brands such as QualityHomeAirCare can offer you the advice that is required, so remember to always seek the help of a professional.
3. Encourage Plant Use
Plants can be a valuable source of oxygen, which is why you may want to make full use of them. Leaving that aside, they can also make the place look more beautiful – possibly even reducing noise levels and echo. This will make it much easier for the inhabitants of the room to do their job. With that in mind, you must make sure that the plants in the room are properly taken care of (i.e., water them regularly and clean them of dust).
4. Ensure Proper Ventilation
When you have the possibility, you may want to check if the ventilation is working properly. Turn on the HVAC system from your office and open the windows from the space. This will allow clean air to enter the room.
While you are at it, you might also want to ensure that the air vents are not blocked. Bear in mind that if you place any storage boxes, furniture, cabinets, or chairs in front of the air vents, you may compromise the air circulation. This can cause the air to feel stuffy within the space.
5. Perform Air Tests Regularly
By regularly performing air tests, you will receive all the information that you need in order to come up with a better, more efficient plan. With the air test, you need to check airflow, humidity levels, ventilation, odors, mold growth, and water damage.
Depending on the result of the air test, you may want to ensure that you update your HVAC system accordingly. For example, if you did not have a problem with humidity before and you are suddenly facing high humidity levels, then you might want to get an air conditioner featuring a humidifier.
6. Regularly Change HVAC Filters
Last but not least, in order for the air quality to stay at peak levels at all times, you need to regularly change the HVAC filters. If the filters are left alone for too long, then they will gather dust and pollutants, which they will eventually circulate back into the room. A clogged filter can also disrupt the airflow and then speed up the spread of pollutants within the room.
The Bottom Line
Humankind was meant to breathe clean air – so, if you wish to maintain superior productivity levels, you must allow yourself to breathe some clean air.
Certain techniques may be used aside from opening the classic window – such as well-performing HVAC systems, the use of plants, and ensuring a clean environment overall. Nowadays, technology can help you keep the air clean, so you might want to consider the benefits of talking with a professional.
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