Office Air Quality GuideWorkplace IAQ for Employers & Employees 2026
We spend 40+ hours weekly at work. Poor office air reduces productivity, increases sick days, and affects wellbeing. Here's how to improve it.
Office Air Quality Impact
The Business Case for Clean Air
The economic impact of poor office air quality is substantial:
- • Cognitive decline: 101% decrease in crisis response at high CO2
- • Absenteeism: Poor IAQ increases sick days by 35%
- • Presenteeism: Working while unwell costs more than absenteeism
- • Staff retention: 40% of employees consider air quality in job decisions
ROI: Studies show every £1 spent on IAQ improvements returns £6-14 in productivity gains.
Common Office Air Quality Issues
High CO2
Meeting rooms regularly hit 2,000+ ppm. Decision-making quality drops significantly. Open-plan offices with high occupancy also struggle.
Poor Ventilation
Sealed modern buildings often recirculate air without adequate fresh air intake. HVAC systems may be undersized or poorly maintained.
VOCs & Off-gassing
New furniture, carpets, and cleaning products release volatile organic compounds. These cause headaches and irritation.
Illness Transmission
Open-plan offices spread respiratory infections easily. Poor filtration means viruses recirculate through HVAC systems.
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For Employers: Practical Solutions
1. Monitor CO2 Levels
Install CO2 monitors in meeting rooms and open-plan areas. Set alerts at 1,000 ppm. This data drives ventilation improvements.
2. Upgrade HVAC Filtration
Install MERV 13+ filters in HVAC systems. This captures viruses, allergens, and fine particles. Ensure systems can handle increased pressure drop.
3. Add Portable HEPA Purifiers
Place HEPA purifiers in high-occupancy areas, meeting rooms, and spaces with poor ventilation. Size them for adequate air changes per hour.
4. Increase Fresh Air
Adjust HVAC to maximize outdoor air intake. Open windows where possible. Schedule "flush" ventilation before occupancy.
For Employees: What You Can Do
1. Request Air Quality Data
Ask your facilities team about CO2 levels and ventilation. If data doesn't exist, suggest installing monitors.
2. Use a Personal Air Purifier
Desk-sized HEPA purifiers can clean your immediate workspace. Especially useful in open-plan offices and near high-traffic areas.
3. Ventilate Meeting Rooms
Open windows after meetings to flush out CO2. Request breaks in long meetings to allow room air to refresh.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does office air quality affect productivity?
Yes, Harvard research shows poor air quality reduces cognitive function by 20-50%. Well-ventilated offices with low CO2 and pollutants see measurably better decision-making, fewer sick days, and higher employee satisfaction.
What is sick building syndrome?
Sick building syndrome describes symptoms (headaches, fatigue, eye irritation, difficulty concentrating) that occur in specific buildings. It's often caused by poor ventilation, high CO2, VOCs from materials, and inadequate air filtration.
What CO2 level is too high for offices?
Cognitive function declines above 1,000 ppm. UK HSE recommends keeping CO2 below 1,500 ppm. Well-ventilated offices maintain 600-800 ppm. Open-plan offices often exceed 1,500 ppm, especially in meetings.
Should offices have air purifiers?
HEPA air purifiers reduce airborne particles, allergens, and viruses. They're especially valuable in open-plan offices, meeting rooms, and buildings with poor HVAC. They supplement but don't replace proper ventilation.
Can I bring my own air purifier to work?
Many employers allow personal air purifiers, especially post-COVID. A desk-sized HEPA purifier can clean your immediate workspace air. Check with your manager and ensure it doesn't create noise issues for colleagues.
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