As people return to shared spaces, questions about air quality will emerge. What will be your answer?
Whether building occupants return to their jobs for only part of each work week or attempt to return to a “new normal” of being there daily, the question of air quality is likely to arise soon after reopening.
Considering that the Coronavirus can be spread through the air—as well as other viruses—the emphasis on air filtration is a bigger conversation now than ever before. And for good reason. Apart from Coronavirus risk, poor indoor air quality has been linked to:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Sinus congestion
- Coughing and wheezing
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
- Headache
- Allergies
Because these conditions so closely mimic Coronavirus symptoms, it’s likely that anxiety—already at a high level about being in shared spaces—could get even more problematic with air quality concerns.
Addressing the Air
Putting services, checks, and equipment into place that focus on air quality specifically are an essential part of facilities operation. Air quality isn’t just about changing filters on a regular basis, although that’s crucial. It also involves:
- HVAC maintenance and repair of all systems, including equipment
- Upgrading and maintaining clean-room facilities
- Ensuring on-site staff are trained in the latest maintenance issues
- Testing systems to eliminate any potential problems like stagnant water
Now more than ever, there’s a need for a comprehensive, proactive approach to air quality. That can be especially true in older buildings that have systems requiring upgrading and improved maintenance.
Reducing Anxiety
As these services get put into place, it’s crucial to communicate with building occupants know about the air safety measures that are in progress. Even if they find this info overly technical and irrelevant to their jobs, the emphasis from building management on keeping them informed can go a long way toward reducing stress and anxiety levels. Some ideas for communicating with tenants and employees include:
- Having maintenance professionals be visible in their work, and available for questions if needed
- Regular written communication about the improvements that have been done
- Specifics about how viral contaminants can live inside an HVAC air stream, and how you’ve addressed the issue
- Having maintenance and facility services personnel address employees directly at an all-hands meeting, or through a brief appearance on a Zoom call
The fact is that most of your workforce likely won’t be asking about the Minimum Efficiency Rating of your filters, or whether the facilities services team has done cooling coil cleaning and water filter cartridge changeouts. Yet, implementing strategies to address concerns and communicating those actions can be incredibly helpful when it comes to lowering anxiety levels about returning to shared spaces.