This is much focus at present within the professional world
on general health and well-being, with intuitive initiatives and creations
emerging almost daily aimed at boosting productivity and motivation via the
provision of a better working environment. Better lighting, the addition of greenery,
and access to outdoor areas are all well-known and widely-discussed methods of promoting well-being
in an office environment, however a new study has revealed that the true cause
of a downturn of productivity in your office may actually be a result of the
unseen, as poor air quality negatively affects your workforce.
The study, conducted by teams from the Harvard and Syracuse
Universities, involved the simulation of environments with differing levels of ventilation,
carbon dioxide, and emissions from common office products. Employees were then
tested as they performed their regular duties under two different environmental
conditions; one which replicated as closely as possible typical office building
conditions, and one described as ‘green condition’, in which ventilation was
improved and carbon dioxide and other emissions were substantially reduced.
The comparison between the two sets of results certainly
makes for interesting reading, as it emerged that employees performed 61%
better on cognitive tasks when working in green conditions, as compared to the
standard office environment. When the ventilation in the green environment was
doubled, this figure further rose to more than 100%. Undeniably, air quality
does have a definite impact on productivity.
Another study conducted at Harvard focused on 10
green-certified buildings and found that employees working within such offices
suffered from 30% fewer headaches and respiratory complaints. These employees
also performed 27% better on cognitive tasks and were able to get a better
night’s sleep.
With the aforementioned points in mind, it does appear that
the argument for the provision of clean air in offices is, well, airtight. As ‘presenteeism’
culture becomes ever more prevalent and damaging, such research is of great importance
and will surely continue, revealing further insights which we will try to
document here at 1850 Thoughts. For now, think about how you can take steps
towards a more health-conscious working environment.
Sam Bonson
Sam
is an aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He is currently
working as a content writer, journalist & editor in an attempt to expand
his horizons.
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