Why Indoor Air Quality Affects Your Business’s Success
Clear Path Janitorial Solutions knows that clean, fresh air isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential for employee health, comfort, and productivity. Calgary’s long, harsh winters force offices to close windows and reduce natural ventilation, making it even more important to maintain high indoor air quality (IAQ). Without proper cleaning, pollutants and allergens accumulate, causing everything from respiratory issues to lower employee morale.
Why Does This Matter?
- Poor air quality leads to headaches, fatigue, and respiratory issues, which reduce productivity.
- A healthy workspace supports focus and efficiency, creating a more vibrant office.
- Calgary’s cold climate makes IAQ even more important, as offices rely on recirculated air for months at a time.
Quick Benefits of Improving IAQ in Your Calgary Office:
- Increased Employee Focus: Clean air supports mental clarity and concentration.
- Fewer Sick Days: Reducing allergens and pollutants leads to healthier employees.
- Better Health: Improved air quality means fewer respiratory problems like asthma and allergies.
- A Better Workplace Atmosphere: A healthier environment fosters higher morale.
- Strong Client Impressions: Fresh, clean air sets a positive tone for meetings and client visits.
The Hidden Dangers of Poor Indoor Air Quality
When the air in your office is filled with dust, allergens, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), it poses real health risks to employees. Since Calgary's winters can keep offices sealed tight for extended periods, these pollutants build up quickly.
Common Pollutants in Office Air:
- Dust and Allergens: Dust mites, pollen, and pet dander build up on carpets and furniture.
- VOCs: Emitted from office furniture, cleaning supplies, and paint, VOCs can irritate the lungs and contribute to conditions like asthma.
- Mold: Found in high-moisture areas, mold can cause respiratory issues and exacerbate existing conditions.
Research from the EPA confirms that poor indoor air quality is responsible for a 50% increase in asthma-related health issues among employees. Further studies by Lawrence Berkeley shows that poor ventilation and air quality reduce employee performance by up to 11%.
It’s clear that pollutants in office air can significantly impact your team's well-being, productivity, and overall satisfaction.
While the dangers of poor air quality are easy to understand, the solution for ensuring better air quality begins can be complex, which is why you should hire a professional cleaning company to help you.
How Regular Janitorial Services Improve IAQ
A clean by a professional janitorial company tackles air quality head-on by focusing on what’s floating around your office. The service should address dust, allergens, mold, and harmful VOCs to ensure your office breathes easy every day.
Our Approach to Improving IAQ:
- Dust and Allergen Removal: Our vacuum cleaners use HEPA filters to capture the smallest dust particles and allergens, making your air cleaner and safer to breathe.
- Mold Prevention: We clean high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms, stopping mold before it has a chance to grow.
- Surface Disinfection: Regular disinfection of door handles, light switches, and shared equipment helps to reduce airborne pathogens.
- Air Vent Cleaning: We make sure your HVAC system is free of dust and dirt, allowing fresh air to circulate throughout your office.
For example, a large office in Calgary experienced reduced absenteeism due to respiratory issues after incorporating a schedule of HVAC system cleaning and weekly carpet care, which resulted in a healthier workspace and improved productivity.
These cleaning efforts are only part of the equation; the products used also play a major role in ensuring the air you breathe stays clean and healthy.
The Role of Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products in IAQ
Traditional cleaning products often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can significantly lower indoor air quality by releasing harmful chemicals into the air. These products contribute to respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems in the workplace. To maintain a healthier environment, it’s essential to use eco-friendly, low-VOC cleaning products that ensure the air remains free from harmful toxins.
Examples of Eco-Friendly Products for Improved IAQ:
- Low-VOC Disinfectants: These products effectively kill germs without emitting toxic fumes into the air, improving both cleanliness and air quality.
- Plant-Based Cleaners: These non-toxic, biodegradable solutions clean surfaces without introducing harmful chemicals into the workspace.
- Microfiber Cloths and Mops: These tools trap dust, allergens, and bacteria more efficiently than traditional materials, reducing the number of airborne particles.
- Green Glass and Surface Cleaners: These products provide a streak-free shine without releasing pollutants that compromise indoor air quality.
Using green cleaning products helps create a safer work environment, reduces exposure to harmful chemicals, and supports sustainability initiatives in the workplace. This shift not only improves air quality but also benefits employee health and well-being.
The Business Benefits of Cleaner Air
Cleaner air doesn’t just keep employees healthy—it boosts overall business performance. Studies have shown that offices with better air quality experience higher productivity levels, fewer sick days, and improved workplace morale. When employees feel better, they work better.
How Better Air Helps Your Business:
- Improved Focus and Efficiency: Cleaner air helps employees concentrate better, leading to a 10-15% improvement in productivity.
- Reduced Absenteeism: With fewer respiratory problems, employees take fewer sick days, keeping your business running smoothly.
- Positive Client Impressions: When clients visit your office, they’ll notice the fresh, clean air, which reflects well on your company’s professionalism.
According to data from the World Green Building Council, improving IAQ can result in productivity gains worth up to $6,500 per employee annually.
Now that we’ve explored the benefits of cleaner air, let’s dive into how to maintain these standards with professional janitorial services.
Practical Steps to Improve IAQ with Janitorial Services
Maintaining excellent air quality is a long-term commitment. With professional janitorial services, you can keep your office’s air clean and safe year-round.
Steps to Take:
- Deep Clean Carpets, Upholstery, and Air Vents Regularly: Dust and allergens love to hide in carpets and furniture. Schedule deep cleaning at least quarterly.
- Vacuum Frequently with HEPA Filters: These vacuums capture smaller particles than standard vacuums, significantly improving IAQ.
- Use Green Cleaning Products: Reduce VOCs by choosing janitorial services that prioritize eco-friendly cleaning solutions.
- Clean HVAC Systems and Replace Filters: Fresh air depends on clean ducts and filters. Make this a regular part of your cleaning routine.
- Encourage Employee Participation: A clean desk policy can help minimize dust and clutter that lower air quality.
Clear Path Janitorial Solutions Keeps Your Air Fresh
We do more than clean your office — we help create healthier, more productive work environments. With our focus on eco-friendly products, regular cleaning schedules, and a dedication to improving air quality, we help Calgary businesses do better, even during those long winters when air circulation is low. Our services are designed to keep your air fresh, your employees healthy, and your business at 100% productivity.
Need help getting the air in your office cleaned? Visit our office cleaning service page and learn more about our services.
The Author
Michael Bell is the founder of Clear Path Janitorial Solutions, a Calgary-based company with over 20 years of experience in delivering professional cleaning services. Michael is dedicated to shaping office environments that prioritize cleanliness and air quality, helping teams stay healthy both physically and mentally. His commitment to eco-friendly practices has made Clear Path a trusted name for businesses looking to maintain healthier, more organized workspaces.