Free coffee is something we’ve come to expect at work. Grabbing that caffeine fix is probably one of the first things you do on arrival at the office each morning, or reach for to help beat that post-lunch 3 PM slump. However, while coffee might give you a mental pick-me-up, did you know there’s something way more effective, but usually overlooked, than caffeine? It’s the air we breathe.
Indoor air quality (IAQ) can do way more for your performance, health, mental well-being, and engagement than any espresso shot.
Short-term perks vs long-term benefits of caffeine and clean air
Caffeine’s impact on alertness and mood is undeniable. But it’s a fine line. Caffeine can also cause a crash and, over-reliance or over-consumption, can cause jitters, digestive problems, and affect sleep. Not ideal when you need to focus.
Now, compare what we know about indoor air quality, especially how poor air quality can drastically impact our performance and concentration. Bad air quality, such as high CO2, PM2.5, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and general bad ventilation, can impact cognitive function and mood and, over time, cause serious health effects.
As Dr. Joe Allen, Director of the Healthy Buildings Program at Harvard, states:
“We spend 90% of our time indoors, and indoor air quality directly impacts how we think and feel. Cleaner air leads to sharper minds.”
Allen’s research found that better-ventilated offices, with lower levels of CO₂ and VOCs, were linked to cognitive scores 61% higher than those in typical office buildings.
IAQ monitoring: Key to long-term, sustainable workplace productivity
While caffeine helps give a short-term boost, it’s effective for one small part of well-being: alertness. Continuous IAQ monitoring, on the other hand, helps identify and tackle genuine air quality issues that can impact every employee in the workplace, all day, every day.
Keeping track of important indoor air quality parameters provides data that can then inform decisions about creating a workspace that supports long-term health, productivity, and comfort for the people working there.
Monitoring and improving indoor air quality in the workplace can help to:
- Reduce sick days: Well-ventilated spaces equipped with functioning HEPA filters, the right levels of humidity and heating, and plenty of fresh air help reduce exposure to allergens and airborne viruses
- Improve focus and decision-making: Lower CO₂ and pollutant levels, such as VOCs and PM, have significantly improved cognitive performance.
- Happier teams: Healthy indoor environments are linked to better mood, lower stress, and higher engagement.
- Higher retention: Employees are more likely to stay in workplaces where their well-being is prioritized. This can also help boost a company’s reputation and support recruitment.
Planning for RTO (return to office)
As the list of companies mandating a return to the office post-COVID grows (with many workers unhappy at the situation) there is a growing question: “How can we make the office a place people actually want to come back to?”
Monitoring IAQ is one of the most tangible, evidence-based ways that an employer can demonstrate a commitment to their employees’ well-being. Investing in an environment that enables employees to feel safe, comfortable, happy, and productive goes beyond token perks like free coffee or a ping-pong table.
Indoor air quality monitoring in the workplace has never been more accessible or effective. For example, Airthings’ wireless, battery-operated monitors can be placed across key spaces like meeting rooms or workspaces. There, they can continuously monitor the IAQ and send detailed insights to a centralized dashboard, enabling those responsible for the building’s performance and HVAC systems to make data-backed decisions.
The tech is already here. IAQ sensors now provide real-time data on everything from CO₂ levels to particulate matter, empowering facilities teams to take proactive steps, whether that’s improving ventilation, adjusting HVAC settings, or simply opening a window at the right time.
IAQ monitoring is a long-term, tangible investment
Sure, coffee might seem like the cheaper option. However, the hidden costs of poor air, such as absenteeism, sick days, low productivity, and high staff turnover, will ultimately have a far greater impact on your bottom line and your company’s reputation. IAQ monitoring, on the other hand, is a no-brainer for boosting productivity, cutting down on sick days, and helping teams thrive in healthier, more comfortable environments.
Great coffee might get people through the day, but good indoor air quality will keep them perky long past lunchtime. If you or your company wants to show serious commitment to your people’s well-being and performance, start investing in monitoring and improving the air they breathe.
Want to learn more about how to create a better workday for your employees that goes beyond a latte?
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