Hong Kong is facing a rocketing absenteeism - and your business will foot the bill

In Hong Kong, absenteeism has drastically increased in recent month due to the peak of seasonal flu and the resurgence of COVID-19.

Flu Express, a government publication which monitors and compiles the latest regional and global flu activity, said the peak winter flu season has been postponed from April to May 2023, according to the latest data from the Centers for Health Protection (CHP). indicates that an increasing number of positive cases are being detected in private and public hospitals.

This violent wave of influenza infections left its mark in early March and is growing rapidly, with cases reaching more than 20 times her number by mid-April.

The number of cases appears to have peaked in early May, but the severity of this wave seems to have surpassed previous waves and continues to grow. As you observe in the office, with more employees taking sick leave and a spike in absenteeism, your company is certainly at risk of labour shortages and, most importantly, productivity pressure.

Having witnessed the damage of air-borne diseases, it is more and more concerned by employers now to enhance the indoor air quality and to make their venue clean for both employees and clients.

With new studies revealing indoor air to be 3.5 times more polluted than outdoor air, it is no surprise that public interest in air pollution is growing. In fact, 79% of people now consider the presence or absence of clean air as an important factor when deciding to visit an indoor space.

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Why indoor air quality matters?

New research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reveals that the air quality in an office can profoundly affect employee cognitive function, productivity, and overall well-being. According to the study, high concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and poor ventilation can slow response times and reduce accuracy on cognitive tests.

These findings are particularly concerning as the concentrations of PM2.5 and CO2 impair cognitive function and are not uncommon in indoor environments. Thus, employers should take note and make sure that they are providing the best possible air quality for their employees. In this article, we will explain how an air purifier can increase your workplace productivity and hygiene.

Causes of poor indoor air quality

Many factors can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Controlling the source of these factors can significantly improve IAQ situation of your site.

One common cause is mould and dampness. Mould is a fungus that grows in damp or humid environments, releasing spores into the air that can cause allergic reactions and other health problems. Dampness can also lead to the growth of different types of fungi, such as mildew, which can release spores into the air and cause similar health problems.

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Another factor contributing to poor indoor air quality is the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals are released into the air from certain products, such as paints, cleaning supplies, and furniture. They can have a strong, unpleasant smell and cause various health problems, including headaches, dizziness, and eye, nose, and throat irritation.

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Particulate matter is another type of air pollution that can contribute to poor indoor air quality. It consists of tiny particles suspended in the air, such as dust, pollen, and smoke. These particles can be inhaled into the lungs and cause respiratory problems, such as asthma, and have been linked to heart disease and stroke.

Finally, biological contaminants are living organisms that can cause illness, such as bacteria, viruses, and pet dander. They can be introduced into the air through various sources, such as pets, plants, and dirty air ducts. These contaminants can lead to poor indoor air quality and health problems if not properly controlled.

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Clean air boosts productivity.

There is a strong link between clean air and productivity in the workplace. When the air quality is poor, it can lead to various health problems that can impact an employee's ability to work effectively—for example, allergies and asthma. Poor air quality can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms, which can cause difficulty breathing, sneezing, coughing, and other distractions. These symptoms can make it difficult for employees to concentrate and complete tasks efficiently.

Besides that, fatigue. Breathing in polluted air can cause fatigue and drowsiness, affecting an employee's energy levels and motivation. Poor air quality can also lead to respiratory infections and other illnesses, resulting in absenteeism and decreased productivity.

On the other hand, when the air quality is clean and fresh, employees tend to be more alert and focused, leading to increased productivity. Investing in air purifiers and other measures to improve air quality in the workplace is essential.

Employers who provide a clean and healthy environment for their employees stand to benefit in several ways:

1. Increased productivity: A clean and healthy workplace can help improve employees’ overall well-being, leading to increased productivity. Employees can work more efficiently and effectively when they are healthy and comfortable.
2. Decreased costs associated with sick days: When employees are frequently absent due to illness, it can result in decreased productivity and increased costs for the business. Providing a clean and healthy environment can help to reduce the incidence of disease, leading to fewer sick days and lower absenteeism costs.
3. Increased employee satisfaction: A clean and healthy workplace can create a more pleasant and comfortable environment for employees, leading to increased job satisfaction. This can result in lower employee turnover and a more positive company culture.

A critical aspect of keeping your workplace clean is ensuring the air quality is up to par. Poor air quality can cause various health problems, including allergies, asthma, and respiratory infections. This is where air purifiers come in.

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What is an Air Purifier

Air purifiers filter out harmful contaminants and pollutants from the air, leaving it clean and fresh. Various air purifiers are available on the market, each designed to target specific contaminants. Some purifiers use HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters to trap small particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander, while others use activated carbon filters to absorb odours and chemicals.

What does an Air Purifier do?

HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) purifiers are some of the most effective at removing particles from the air. They can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, which includes most allergens and contaminants. Carbon-based air purifiers effectively remove odours and gases from the air, making them a good choice for environments with strong odours or chemical fumes. While effective at removing odours, Ozone generators should be used with caution as they can also produce potentially harmful by-products.

How Air purifiers keep your workplace productive and healthy

Air purifiers are beneficial in open-plan offices for several reasons:

1. Improved air quality: Open-plan offices often have many people in a small space, which can lead to poor air quality due to the accumulation of dust, fumes, and other contaminants. Air purifiers can help to remove these contaminants from the air, resulting in improved air quality.
2. Better control of indoor climate: In an open-plan office, it can be challenging to control the indoor environment of individual rooms due to the need for more walls and doors. Air purification systems can help maintain optimal humidity levels, preventing mould and other problems associated with high humidity.
3. Increased comfort: Air purifiers can help to create a more comfortable environment in an open-plan office by removing allergens and other irritants from the air. This can help reduce the incidence of allergies and other respiratory problems, leading to increased employee comfort.

How does Initial's VIRUSKILLERS? improve your workplace air quality?

As employees return to the office, their expectations for a healthy and safe indoor environment are higher than ever. Employers can meet these expectations by choosing a top-of-the-line air purification system like Initial's VIRUSKILLERS?. This revolutionary technology uses UV-C Reactor Chamber technology to deactivate airborne viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The purified air then passes through UV-C lamps encased in titanium dioxide (TiO2) tube filters, creating hydroxyl radicals (OH) that break down harmful organic compounds. The result? Clean, safe air for employees to breathe in real-time.

Investing in cleaner air for the workplace is a smart move for any business. Not only will it improve the health and well-being of employees, leading to increased productivity and lower absenteeism, but it can also be a financial boon for the company. A healthy and productive workforce is essential for growth and success. Cleaner air can also attract and retain top talent. Make the smart choice and opt for Initial's VIRUSKILLERS? for unparalleled indoor air protection.

Finally, demonstrating a commitment to the environment and sustainability can enhance a company's reputation and brand image, which can be beneficial for attracting customers and business partners. Investing in cleaner air in the workplace is a wise choice for any business looking to improve its employees' and operations' health and success.

If you’re unsure about your building’s air quality, contact Initial’s air hygiene experts who can help with auditing your building’s air quality based on RESET??standard.

Learn more about? Initial's VIRUSKILLERS? air purifier and boost your working space productivity.