ExclusivesThinkingAir conditioning and workplace air quality

No matter what the nature of your business, employee health and safety are paramount for keeping the company running successfully and retaining your staff. Not only does this ensure your employees are satisfied and productive, but there are also a number of laws and regulations in place regarding safety precautions.

A large part of health and well-being within a workplace is the comfortability provided, with air conditioning and air quality being a huge factor. If an employee is too hot or too cold at work, this can impact their productivity levels, attendance and general happiness. Similarly, poor air quality can also impact the workforce and result in an inadequate environment which can lead to even more severe issues impacting both the employer and employee.

This article will unravel all you need to know about the use of air conditioning within a workplace and how having these systems in place can impact matters such as air quality and employee satisfaction.

Benefits of having good air quality within a workplace

Prioritising good air quality within a workplace can have a huge impact on employees’ physical and mental health which ultimately affects business performance. Some workplaces in particular will have an intense need for clean air, especially if there are a lot of chemicals, machinery and external exposures. For example, an engineering plant will be home to an array of toxic chemicals and will need additional help in creating good-quality air to keep occupants safe. However, even in offices and modern spaces, air can become dangerous, unpleasant or uncomfortable to work in. 

Here are some of the main benefits of having good quality air:

Employee health and wellbeing

The quality of the air at work can impact staff members’ mental and physical state. Not only is this an uncomfortable environment to work in, but it can also have physical effects such as respiratory issues, headaches, allergy reactions, flu-like systems and an increase in sick days. 

Improved productivity and efficiency

The environment an employee works in can have a huge impact on their work performance and output. Clean air promotes better cognitive function and concentration, whilst poor air can lead to them feeling distracted, confused and fatigued. This will then ultimately lead to a loss of productivity and quality of work.

Comfort and energy levels

Similar to the health side of things, having optimum comfort at work can ensure all staff members are comfortable in their environment and are feeling motivated on a day-to-day basis. Clean air will also increase energy levels and morale among teams, influencing a more positive workforce and improving morale.

Laws and regulations

With every workplace comes a set of laws and regulations that are put in place for a reason. There are a number of regulations that link directly to air safety at work and ensure that businesses are compliant and have the correct measures in place. By improving air quality, you are decreasing the risk of any complaints or legal issues from coming forward.

The link between air conditioning and air quality

One of the easiest ways to improve air quality is through installing air conditioning systems. These units will assist in removing any particles, humidity and toxicity throughout a property and leave the space clean, fresh and temperature controlled. Combining these units with regular cleaning, building and equipment maintenance and adequate ventilation, the space will have high-quality air and a comfortable feel. 

Air conditioning systems also come in a wide range of different shapes, sizes and features, meaning different industries can benefit from different units. This ensures that each property type is receiving optimum performance and benefits. 

How does air conditioning impact air quality

• Air filtration
• Humidity control 
• Ventilation
• Temperature control 
• Contamination and toxins removal
• Limited allergens

Benefits of having air conditioning at work

• Increased productivity and energy levels
• Mental and physical wellbeing of staff
• Improved air quality
• Improved energy efficiency
• Comfort
• Protecting business equipment and softwares

Other ways to improve workplace air quality

Depending on the property type, regulations, equipment and size of the unit, there will be different options for different businesses in terms of how to improve their air quality. For example, a small one-story office will find it much easier to improve air quality compared to a large manufacturing facility as they have more machinery and chemicals present. Taking these into consideration, here are some of the easiest and most common ways to improve air quality in a workplace:

• Improve and implement quality ventilation throughout a property using windows, doors, vents or fans.
• Keep the environment clean and hygienic. Large businesses should invest in facility management or external cleaning companies.
• Install an air conditioning system which covers your property type and requirements and is also set to a comfortable temperature.
• Control humidity and reduce the growth of mould and bacteria.
• Keep air systems clean and invest in maintenance plans or repair work.
• Use air purifiers and dehumidifiers
• Invest in building maintenance to ensure the building itself is in good condition and doesn’t have issues such as poor insulation. 

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Written by Lee Jackson, Managing Director of Lee Jackson Air Conditioning

Lee Jackson Air Conditioning is an air conditioning supplier based in Nottingham UK, specialising in both domestic and commercial solutions. Lee Jackson offers a range of services including installation, maintenance plans and repairs and has a reputation for their high standards and quality units. Stocking brands such as Samsung, Mitsubishi and Panasonic, Lee Jackson cover the whole of the UK including Nottingham, Leicester, Sheffield and beyond.