5 reasons to invest in Indoor Air Quality in offices

MarĂ­a Figols
January 2025

With the return to hybrid and in‑person work, indoor air quality (IAQ) in offices has become a strategic priority for organizations focused on employee health, productivity, and sustainability.

Indoor air quality is directly linked to cognitive performance, well‑being, and operational efficiency. Poor ventilation, high CO₂ levels, and airborne particulate matter can negatively affect how people feel and perform at work. For this reason, investing in IAQ should be understood as a long‑term workplace strategy, not a short‑term reaction to past health crises.

Below, we explore five key reasons why organizations should actively monitor and improve air quality in office environments.

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1. Increased productivity and cognitive performance

Office environments often host many people in enclosed spaces, sometimes with insufficient or poorly controlled ventilation. This can cause CO₂ concentrations to rise above recommended thresholds, leading to drowsiness, reduced concentration, and lower decision‑making performance.

Multiple scientific studies show a clear correlation between elevated CO₂ and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and a decline in cognitive accuracy, response time, and problem‑solving ability. Scientific research has shown that higher indoor CO₂ concentrations are associated with measurable reductions in human decision‑making performance and cognitive outcomes, reinforcing the importance of well‑ventilated indoor environments for optimal work performance.

Improving indoor air quality in offices therefore contributes directly to higher productivity, better focus, and improved employee performance.

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2. Better employee health and reduced absenteeism

On average, office workers spend around 30% of their time indoors at the workplace. Common sources of indoor air pollution include office equipment, building materials, furniture, cleaning products, and inadequate ventilation.

Long‑term exposure to these pollutants is associated with symptoms commonly grouped under what is known as Sick Building Syndrome, such as eye and throat irritation, headaches, fatigue, and respiratory discomfort.

Maintaining good indoor air quality helps reduce the risk of these symptoms, supports respiratory health, and contributes to lower absenteeism and improved overall well‑being. Well‑ventilated offices with controlled IAQ parameters are healthier, more comfortable environments for daily work.

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3. Increased trust, comfort, and employee engagement

Today’s employees increasingly expect transparency and data‑driven workplace policies. Access to clear and understandable indoor air quality information helps people feel safer and more comfortable in their working environment.

Workplace and facility management insights indicate that that transparent communication about environmental conditions, including air quality, has a positive impact on employee trust and engagement. When organizations measure IAQ and share insights internally, employees perceive a stronger commitment to their well‑being.

This sense of care and responsibility can improve employee retention, satisfaction, and employer attractiveness, especially in competitive talent markets.

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4. Alignment with ESG and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals

Indoor air quality plays a growing role within Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategies and Corporate Social Responsibility policies. Occupational health, well‑being, and sustainable building management are increasingly considered key indicators of responsible business practices.

Organizations that monitor and improve IAQ demonstrate a tangible commitment to healthy buildings, social responsibility, and user‑centric design. These actions align with international building standards and certifications focused on health and sustainability, such as WELL, LEED, or BREEAM.

Sharing aggregated or anonymized air quality data within offices can also reinforce trust among employees, visitors, and stakeholders, strengthening corporate reputation.
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MICA plus in a corporate office

5. Optimised energy use and lower operating costs

Monitoring indoor air quality enables demand‑controlled ventilation strategies, where ventilation, heating, and cooling systems adapt to real occupancy levels and environmental conditions.

By ventilating only when and where it is needed, buildings can significantly reduce energy consumption and operating costs without compromising comfort. In naturally ventilated offices, IAQ monitoring helps identify the optimal moments to open windows, avoiding unnecessary heat loss or cooling demand.

As a result, indoor air quality monitoring supports both cost efficiency and sustainability objectives.

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Indoor air quality management starts with measurement

Effective indoor air quality management begins with reliable data. Continuous monitoring of key IAQ parameters allows facility managers and organizations to make informed decisions and implement targeted improvements.

Our MICA devices continuously and reliably measure the main parameters that condition indoor air quality. From our cloud platform My inBiot you can consult, analyse and share data in real time, in a simple and intuitive way and with recommendations for improvement to promote health and well-being.

If you are interested in managing and improving the air quality in your office, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team will be happy to support you.


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