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 aspects 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 unaware of the return on investment (ROI) for IAQ monitoring.??

In this blog, we delve into the ROI of investing in an IAQ monitoring system and why organizations should consider this investment as a strategic and 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. Numerous research reports 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 inside offices is no longer optional but essential.??

A global healthy buildings survey from 2022 states that 89% of employees agree that the air they breathe in offices directly impacts their health and well-being. ?

In India alone, around 55% of surveyed employees have expressed strong concern about the quality of indoor air that they breathe in offices.?

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

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

? Reduced absenteeism in the workplace?

Poor IAQ has a direct correlation with the number of sick leaves. 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 study in 2017, which highlighted that the quality of indoor air impacts the cognitive function of employees. It was observed that employees working in healthy IAQ environments saw an increase of 26.4% in test scores.??

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 for building managers & FM leaders who are responsible for compliance and risk management.

While there are several regulations around IAQ that buildings need to adhere to in the current times, many more regulations are coming up in the near future.??

Some of these new upcoming regulations include:?

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recommended the 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 mandate the 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 the 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. In recent times, several developments have taken place in the Middle East, especially in Dubai.??

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

• Monitoring: Referred to measurement of air pollution and related parameters both indoor and outdoor.??
• Mitigation: Involved a range of required actions to mitigate any anomalies related to air pollution.???
• 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 with 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 standards, but also mitigate the risk of legal repercussions.?

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? 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.??

The Healthy Buildings Survey from 2022 provides us with some post-COVID 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 said that real-time information on building's IAQ levels is very or extremely important ?
• Another survey on workforce perspectives 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 who prioritize their health and well-being.?

? Adherence to healthy building standards??

Investing in IAQ monitoring systems is crucial for businesses aiming to meet and exceed healthy building standards like the WELL V2 by IWBI, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) and other recognized healthy building certifications.??

These standards emphasize the importance of indoor environmental quality, including indoor air, to promote health and well-being in workplaces.?

IAQ monitoring is integral to meeting these healthy building standards, ensuring compliance, enhancing employee well-being, and positioning the organization as a leader in workplace health and sustainability.?

Conclusion:??

Indoor air quality monitoring is not merely a compliance measure—it's a strategic investment that offers substantial returns. From reducing absenteeism and healthcare costs to enhancing cognitive function and productivity, the benefits of improved IAQ are clear and compelling.??