ResearchPoor office air quality is cause of illness for 40% of US office workers

A new study has revealed that poor indoor air quality has serious consequences on US office workers’ wellbeing, including lack of focus and feeling ill.
Content Team5 years ago4 min

Despite employers not always considering indoor air quality as a direct cause of their employee absence, the findings suggest that 1 in 2 office workers in the US experienced lack of focus due to poor air quality. Meanwhile, a staggering 40% needed to take sick leave.

Undertaken by Ambius, North America’s largest interior landscape organisation, the study concludes that the most commonly experienced indicators of poor indoor air quality by office workers in North America include poor air circulation, excessive dust and smell of chemicals. These conditions are entirely preventable and can be altered by reviewing key elements in the building.

Ambius believes that the responsibility of securing healthy working environment lies with the employers. Four out of five respondents in North America agreed that it is important for employers to take the initiative to improve air quality in offices. However, over a quarter of US office workers are unaware if employers are doing so.

With increasing outdoor air quality concerns due to pollution and climate change, workers are spending more and more time indoors. The research suggests that two out of three workers in the US have chosen to have their lunch inside due to air pollution surrounding their office.

According to Kenneth Freeman, Head of Innovation at Ambius, “It is imperative that businesses are aware of ways to create indoor environments that can positively impact the health and wellbeing of employees – and that includes air quality. Bringing elements of nature into the workplace has positive effects on performance, including increases in productivity, job satisfaction, creativity, and a greater sense of wellbeing.”

The overarching message in the report is that creating a pleasant, healthy air environment for workers not only improves workers’ health – it leads to a more successful business performance too.

To find more content on office air quality, click here


To view the Ambius study click here

Ambius is the world’s leading provider of plants and scenting for commercial spaces. With a deep understanding of the ambient environment’s impact on brand reputation, Ambius takes a consultative approach to design, install, and service a broad range of services for interior landscapes including green walls, holiday décor, and blooming programs. 

Content Team

Work in Mind is a content platform designed to give a voice to thinkers, businesses, journalists and regulatory bodies in the field of healthy buildings.

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