Why measuring the air quality in the office is important

If the air quality in the office is unsatisfactory, it usually shows up in a variety of ways. Some people get respiratory problems, such as colds and sore throats. Others get headaches or even migraines. Dizziness and feeling lethargic are also common complaints. In short: if not enough clean air is flowing, it inevitably affects the air quality in the office - and therefore the well-being of the people working there.

The Working Conditions Act describes how workers can perform work safely and healthily. It also stipulates what requirements apply to the air quality in an office. There are clear standards for air ventilation, which vary depending on the type of work being carried out. If you want to know more about the legal principles, read our blog article on office ventilation requirements.

A pleasant working environment should also be a healthy one. Office air quality affects both the performance, as well as the absenteeism of the people working there. So there is every reason to measure the air quality in the office. And in this case, the sooner the better. Many business owners wait until they receive complaints from employees before starting to measure air quality in the office. A missed opportunity, because prevention is always better than cure. If you do not have any visibility of the air quality in the office at present, then we recommend measuring the air quality anyway. Should it become apparent that action is needed, then you can implement a ventilation solution before your employees start struggling with problems. Ultimately, this benefits your business.

Start by using your senses. For example, if there is a musty smell, it is a clear indication of a lack of fresh air. Mould is also a clear indication that something really needs to be done. Also be alert to complaints, vague or otherwise, from employees: nobody claims to suffer from an "unhealthy indoor climate", but they do have problems with concentration, irritated eyes or fatigue. In fact, unhealthy air can also cause Sick Building syndrome, which causes such symptoms as headaches, sore throats and dizziness. To know how things really stand, you obviously need to start by measuring, and up to a point you can do that yourself. With a professional air quality meter, for example, it is possible to monitor CO2 concentration.

With some minor changes, you can target your efforts to improve air quality in the office. The following actions are easy to apply internally:

• Place some plants in the office as they convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. Plants also provide moisture in dry environments.

• Move printers that are near workstations into another room. The same obviously applies for any chemicals.

• Ensure adequate ventilation. Opening a window once in a while is sadly not enough, the air has to flow. You can install mechanical ventilation to automate it. Don't think only about the office area, but also, for example, the toilet air extraction.

At Interduct, we like to highlight the importance of ventilation. We welcome it when our customers start working on clean air for themselves. But we would still like to point out that ventilation is a profession in its own right. A good ventilation solution requires input from experts. If you want to structurally improve and optimise office air quality, get Interduct involved. Do you doubt whether it is necessary? A professional air measurement will give you a full and reliable picture of the air quality.

Does the air quality in your office need a breath of fresh air? Interduct is happy to implement a ventilation solution tailored to your needs. After identifying the requirements and options, we design a suitable system for ventilating the office. Interduct is brand-independent and therefore has the freedom to select the best solution for every situation. And because we also provide installation and maintenance, you are assured of a long-term solution.

Most employees spend many hours in their work environment. You cannot be overestimate the impact that the quality of that environment has, and this applies equally to the air quality in the office. People who feel comfortable perform better. Good ventilation is an important basic requirement for this. If you would like to know more about the options Interduct can offer you, please contact us.

Tip! Interduct is a learning organisation. We continuously develop ourselves and enjoy sharing that knowledge. Follow our blog and discover the multi-faceted world of ventilation technology.