Environmental Concerns in the Workplace for 2023

Editor’s note: this article was first written and published on our website in February 2020. We have now updated this to reflect current information in 2023.

Environmental concerns in the workplace are fast becoming a watchword for employers, with many raising issues over issues such as air quality, recycling and travel. Specialist industries will have additional concerns such as impact on wildlife and climate change.

As 2023 gets underway, we continue to look at ways to address these concerns; not only for the good of the world around us but also the wellbeing of employees to provide a healthier and more productive working environment.

Air Quality & Pollution

Air quality is a concern no matter where you work, but different solutions will be viable dependent on the environment of the workplace. No matter the location, air quality matters, as studies have proven that adequate ventilation results in higher cognitive function during work hours. Poor air quality can lead to lower cognitive function, allergic reactions, fatigue, throat irritation and headaches.

Offices

IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) in an office does depend on a number of factors:

1. If there are open windows and doors that let irritants and lower quality air in from outside.
2. Indoor heating and time of year; fan heaters, for example, will circulate irritants in the air (especially if escape routes such as doors and windows are closed).
3. Closed doors and windows may not have a good seal, so still let in outdoor air.
4. The environment outside of the office; those on a building site or in the middle of a busy industrial estate are more likely to have lower IAQ than those who are situated in a rural area with little passing traffic.

Improving IAQ in an office

There are a number of ways to improve IAQ in an office environment including:

• Keeping doors and windows shut during peak rush hour times to avoid excessive intake of fumes.
• Conversely, opening doors and windows to allow for good ventilation also improves air quality.
• Products that work to improve air and moisture quality are also a good idea, such as damp catchers, humidifiers and ozone generators.
• It is also worth asking workers to allow adequate ventilation in kitchen areas, so damp does not have a chance to build up – this also allows for cooking odours to dissipate.
• Introducing greenery into an office aids air quality; certain plants actually act as a filter to indoor pollution including the Peace Lily, Areca Palm, Aloe Vera and Spider Plants. They have the added bonus of looking nice and welcoming for guests and workers alike.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, ventilation has been a core requirement for many workplaces, as well as other areas such as educational establishments, medical settings and even within the home. During the pandemic, it was felt that allowing for good fresh air circulation was instrumental to keeping the rates of COVID as low as possible, and this is something that still applies today.