Unlocking ROI for indoor air quality monitoring in offices

In today’s evolving business landscape, organizations are constantly seeking ways to optimize operations and enhance employee well-being in workplaces. One of the most critical aspect of employee well-being is indoor air quality (IAQ).  

It is established that, indoor air significantly impacts employee productivity, health & wellness, and overall satisfaction levels. Investing in an IAQ monitoring system presents a compelling case for organizations but most organizations and decision makers are not aware of the return on investment (ROI) for IAQ monitoring.  

In this blog, we delve into the ROI for investing in an IAQ monitoring system and why organizations should consider this investment as a strategic and most imperative investment for the well-being of their employees. 

The growing importance of IAQ 

Indoor air quality has gained prominence with increasing awareness of its impact on human health and productivity. There are numerous research reports that link poor IAQ with various health issues such as allergies, asthma, and respiratory problems, which can lead to increased absenteeism and reduced employee performance.  

In the new era of workplaces, where employee well-being is paramount, ensuring clean and healthy indoor air in workplace is no longer optional but essential.  

89% of employees agree that the air they breathe in offices have a direct impact on their health and well-being (Honeywell Healthy Buildings Survey 2022). 

In India alone, 55% of surveyed employees have expressed a strong concern about the quality of indoor air that they breathe in offices (Honeywell Healthy Buildings Survey 2022). 

The trend remains the same for other geographical regions like Middle-east, ASEAN, US, and UK.   

Indoor air quality has now become a near-universal concern for the public at large. 

Reduced absenteeism in workplace 

Poor IAQ has a direct correlation with the number of sick leaves. A research by the World Green Building Council found that poor IAQ in workplaces can increase the rate of sick leaves by up to 35%.  

With the help of IAQ monitoring systems that help detect PM particles (PM 1, PM 2.5, PM 10) in real-time, organizations can take immediate and timely measures to improve indoor air, thereby, reducing the exposure to such harmful pollutants.  

This proactive approach minimizes the risk of illness among employees, leading to fewer sick days.  

Enhanced cognitive function 

Harvard T.H Chan, School of Public Health came up with a ground-breaking study in 2017, which highlighted that the quality of indoor air impacts the cognitive function of employees. The study also found a 26.4% higher test scores for employees working in green certified buildings that had better indoor air quality.  

Employees working in environments with good air quality exhibit better decision-making skills, improved concentration, and higher overall productivity. An investment in IAQ monitoring ensures that employees are working in an environment that allows them to perform at their best, thus boosting overall business performance. 

Regulatory compliances and risk management 

Adhering to indoor air quality standards and regulations is becoming increasingly important. While there are several regulations around IAQ that buildings need to adhere to in the current times, there are many more regulations coming up in the near-future.  

Some of these new upcoming regulations include: 

• National Green Tribunal (NGT) recommended Government of India to mandate monitoring and reporting of IAQ in all public buildings. The initiative was put in motion to work out appropriate standards and protocols for IAQ to safeguard public health under the Environmental Protection act.    
• Upcoming labor legislations in India to mandate categorization of workplaces as factories and monitoring of indoor environment parameters like IAQ, cleanliness, ventilation, temperature, dust particles, etc.  
• ESG disclosures made mandatory by SEBI for listed entities; SEBI in its advisory paper has made disclosure of ESG initiatives (including indoor air quality parameters) a part of reporting framework to stock exchanges. These disclosures are to be made public along with the financial reports of the listed entities. 

Formulation of new regulations & legislations around IAQ to safeguard public health is a Global phenomenon and is not limited to India.  

Dubai’s Ministry of Climate Changes and Environment introduced the National Air Quality Agenda 2031, the agenda proposed 3 pillars for: 

1. Monitoring: Referred to measurement of air pollution and related parameters both indoor and outdoor.  
2. Mitigation: Involved a range of required actions to mitigate any anomalies related to air pollution.   
3. Management: Related to measures that will allow for interventions and initiatives to be effectively implemented, tracked, and controlled to reach the overall goal of improved air quality.  

Apart from these, non-compliance to public health & safety regulations can lead to hefty fines and legal concerns for organizations. In this case, IAQ monitoring helps businesses to not just stay compliant with local and international air quality standards, but also mitigate the risk of legal repercussions. 

Enhanced employee satisfaction and retention 

Employees today value workplaces that prioritize their health and well-being. Organizations demonstrating their commitment to safeguard employee health & safety benefits from higher employee retention and engagement.  

Honeywell’s Healthy Buildings Survey, 2022 provides us with various statistics to establish this. The survey found that:  

• 73% of C-level executives would consider leaving their jobs over an unhealthy indoor environment 
• 65% of all employees surveyed, said that it’s very or extremely important to be informed about building’s IAQ levels 
• Another survey from Kimerbly Clark, highlighted that 71% of employees see workplace hygiene as a reflection of the management 

These data points provide enough evidence for organizations to take IAQ and overall quality of the indoor environment seriously. Investments towards IAQ monitoring & reporting will help organizations to ensure healthy indoor air and also establish their commitment by showcasing IAQ parameters in real-time to employees.  

This investment will enhance employee satisfaction, reduce turnover rates, and attract top talent who seek employers that prioritize their health and well-being.