How Poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Affects Employee Health and Productivity

Did you know that poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in your workplace can have a major impact on both the health and productivity of your employees? Here’s why it matters and how you can improve it.

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The Impact of Poor Indoor Air Quality on Health

Indoor air quality plays a vital role in your employees’ well-being. Poor IAQ can lead to:

• Respiratory Problems: Inadequate ventilation or airborne pollutants can cause symptoms like coughing, asthma, and allergic reactions.

• Fatigue and Headaches: High levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can cause fatigue, headaches, and brain fog which can leave employees feeling drained and less productive.

• Increased Illness: Inadequate ventilation allows airborne viruses and bacteria to circulate, increasing the spread of respiratory infections.

• Long-Term Health Risks: Prolonged exposure to indoor pollutants has been associated with chronic respiratory disease, cardiovascular problems, and increased cancer risk.
  

How Poor IAQ Affects Workplace Productivity

When air quality is compromised, employee performance can take a hit. Here's how:

• Reduced Cognitive Performance: Studies show that poor IAQ can impair focus, decision-making, and overall mental clarity, negatively affecting workplace productivity.

• Increased Absenteeism: Employees are more likely to call in sick or take medical leave due to health issues triggered by allergens, dust, or irritants in the air.

  
  

  

  (Freepik, 2026)

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality for a Healthier, More Productive Workspace

Improving your workplace's IAQ will lead to a healthier and more productive environment. Here are a few key strategies:

1. Invest in Proper Ventilation: Ensure your office has adequate air exchange systems to circulate fresh air and reduce pollutants.

2. Use High-Efficiency Air Purifiers: Air purifiers can help remove dust, allergens, and harmful gases like VOCs, improving overall air quality. For VOC reduction specifically, consider purifiers equipped with activated carbon or alumina-permanganate filters, which are designed to adsorb and neutralize these gases.

3. Regular Workplace Cleaning: Clean the workspace regularly to minimize the buildup of dust, mold, and other irritants that can affect air quality.

   
   

By taking steps to improve indoor air quality, businesses can create a healthier, more productive workplace, reduce absenteeism, and boost overall employee well-being.

References

Environmental Protection Agency. (2024a, July 8). Indoor Air Quality. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/indoor-air-quality#:~:text=or%20air%20conditioning.-,Effects%20on%20Human%20Health,%2C%20heart%20disease%2C%20and%20cancer.

Environmental Protection Agency. (2024b, August 13). Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2021, September 9). Impacts of indoor air quality on cognitive function. Healthy Buildings. https://healthybuildings.hsph.harvard.edu/impacts-of-indoor-air-quality-on-cognitive-function/

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Indoor Air Quality. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/indoor-air

World Health Organization. (2025, December 16). Household air pollution. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/household-air-pollution-and-health#:~:text=The%20combined%20effects%20of%20ambient,(COPD)%20and%20lung%20cancer.