Indoor air quality (IAQ) is an increasingly significant concern for employees and employers alike, with the latest research from Fellowes highlighting just how essential clean air is to workplace well-being. The 2024 Annual International Day of Clean Air Survey, conducted by workplace product manufacturer Fellowes, gathered responses from 1,994 adults across six major countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, France, Italy, and Germany. This research sheds light on how workers perceive IAQ and the measures they expect from their employers to ensure a healthier, cleaner work environment.
A global gap in perceived indoor air quality
The survey found that workers’ satisfaction with indoor air quality is low globally, with only 35% of respondents across all countries describing their workplace air as “very clean.” In the U.S., where satisfaction was highest, just over half (52%) of respondents felt that their workplace air quality met their expectations.
In countries such as Italy, Germany, and the U.K., workers expressed even greater concerns, with over 60% stating that air purification measures would increase their confidence in the air they breathe at work. Previous research found that 64% of British workers worry about how their health is impacted by indoor air quality.
The data highlights a clear divide between employees’ expectations of clean air and the reality of their work environments. This gap underscores the urgent need for more focus on workplace air purification strategies, particularly as workers return to office spaces in the wake of the global pandemic.
The role of air purification and certifications in building trust
For many employees, visible efforts to improve IAQ, such as installing air purification units or providing access to real-time air quality data, can be critical in building trust. The survey found that among those who rated their workplace air quality as “very clean,” a majority credited their confidence to visible measures. In the U.S., 71% of respondents linked their satisfaction to access to IAQ data, while certifications such as LEED, Fitwel, and WELL also played a significant role, with 57% highlighting these as confidence-boosting measures.
These findings point to a growing expectation that employers should not only address IAQ concerns but also communicate their efforts transparently. According to the survey, 82% of respondents agreed that it is important for employers to share information about the quality of indoor air. This demand for transparency was particularly high in Canada (87%) and the U.S. (84%), indicating a strong desire for ongoing updates and visible evidence of IAQ improvements.
Clean air: A workplace necessity and employee retention concern
The survey also revealed the impact that poor air quality can have on employee well-being and productivity. An overwhelming 90% of all respondents affirmed that clean indoor air is essential for delivering their best performance at work. In Canada, this sentiment was even stronger, with 93% of workers highlighting the connection between clean air and their ability to perform well.
Perhaps most concerning for employers is the link between IAQ and employee retention. In the U.S., 64% of workers reported that they would consider leaving their current employer due to poor air quality, nearly doubling the previous year’s figure of 34%. This growing dissatisfaction indicates that IAQ is no longer just a health issue but also a business priority that can influence employee loyalty and retention.
The path forward: Investing in clean air for healthier workplaces
The 2024 Fellowes survey clearly shows that clean indoor air is a fundamental expectation for today’s workforce. As more employees recognise the connection between IAQ and their health, productivity, and job satisfaction, employers must prioritize air purification and transparency about air quality. Implementing visible purification units, offering real-time IAQ data, and obtaining recognised building certifications can significantly improve perceptions of workplace air quality and, by extension, employee satisfaction and retention.
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.
