Why indoor air quality needs to be a priority in your workplace
When you think of what makes a workplace great, things like salary, culture, and flexibility probably come to mind. But increasingly, one less visible factor is becoming just as important: the quality of the air people breathe.
The recent 2025 Fellowes International Day of Clean Air Survey reveals that poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is not just a comfort issue – it’s a serious business issue.
It’s why our Air Steril air purification solutions are becoming an increasingly popular choice for businesses looking to enhance productivity, reduce work absences and improve employee retention.
Key findings that illustrate the problem
Here are some striking facts from the survey:
- Nearly 40% of US employees said they would seriously consider quitting a job because of poor indoor air quality.
- Among younger workers (Millennials and Gen Z), that number rises dramatically: 45% say they might leave their employer over air quality concerns.
- These younger groups are more than twice as likely as Baby Boomers to be worried about the long‑term health effects of bad workplace air. The survey shows 68% of Millennials/Gen Z express such concern – compared to 28% among Baby Boomers.
- Also, 77% of younger workers report having experienced at least one air quality concern at work. By contrast, 60% of Baby Boomers say the same
Yet there’s a gap: only 61% believe their employer is taking the necessary steps to ensure decent indoor air quality. That leaves nearly 4 in 10 who think their employer could be doing more.
What this means for businesses
These stats aren’t just numbers – they show shifting expectations, especially among younger workers. Here’s what companies need to think about:
- Employee retention and attraction As younger generations enter leadership roles and shape workforce norms, clean air is becoming non‑negotiable. If IAQ is poor, a significant portion of the workforce may just walk.
- Health & wellbeing are performance drivers Good air supports better cognition, fewer illnesses, better mood, fewer distractions. Neglecting it may cost more than just sick days – it can erode trust, morale, and productivity.
- Transparency & visible action matter According to the survey, many workers want employers to share IAQ data, use visible IAQ monitors, install air purification units, or upgrade HVAC systems. People want to see you taking action.
- Leadership has responsibility A large majority of workers believe that it’s employers – not building owners, government, or individuals – who bear responsibility for ensuring clean indoor air. If companies don’t step up, someone else will.
Practical Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Here are some ideas organisations can adopt:
- Audit current air quality: measure pollutants, CO₂ levels, humidity, ventilation effectiveness.
- Upgrade or properly maintain HVAC systems.
- Introduce or increase air purification/sterilisation where possible.
- Use IAQ monitors in visible spots so staff can see data in real time.
- Adopt policies for regular servicing of filters, ensuring ventilation systems are optimised especially during colder months when windows are shut.
- Educate employees: encourage plants, good habits (e.g. not blocking vents), letting fresh air in where feasible.
The Fellowes survey underscores a clear message: clean air is no longer a “perk” – it’s becoming a baseline expectation, especially for younger workers. Organisations that prioritise indoor air quality are not just doing the right thing from a wellness perspective – they’re also protecting their most valuable asset: their people.
If you’re reading this and thinking about steps you can take – even small ones – it’s worth doing. Because what feels invisible now can have very visible consequences down the line.
For more information about our air purification units, contact info@simplywashrooms.com