As employers navigate the fallout of a global COVID-19 pandemic, positive steps toward increased employee engagement and wellness are a top priority. While we cannot fully prevent ourselves and our employees from becoming ill, one of the most responsible steps small business owners can implement is creating a clean indoor air strategy to greatly reduce risk of transmission. Proactive mitigation steps toward a safe environment will yield a long-term benefit in protecting and sustaining their workforce, their customers, and their future.
COVID-19 is one of many respiratory viruses transmitted through tiny aerosol droplets that can remain suspended in the air, so investing in an in-space, portable air purification system is a smart move on several levels:
First, help employees breathe easier by bringing clean air to your business. Choose a medical-grade commercial purification unit engineered with unmatched components, such as ISO-Aire. Our models feature proven technology to capture and destroy 99.99% of pathogens, as well as mold, dust, VOCs, smoke, and toxins known to trigger allergies, asthma, migraines, and other physical and psychological complications.
A 2000 Harvard study examined PTO data collected on a group of 3,000 employees working throughout 40 buildings and looked specifically how cleaner air impacted employee sick leave. Researchers concluded that those who were officed in moderately ventilated spaces were 53% more likely than those in highly ventilated sections to take sick days. The bottom line: an estimated $480 per employee could be saved through preventive measures totaling as much as $22.8 billion annually.
Finally, healthier and happier employees lead to increased productivity. A 2015 Centers for Disease Control Foundation (CDC) study revealed the financial burden of employee absenteeism adds up to $1,685 per employee per year, or $225.8 billion annually. For smaller businesses, this impact has a ripple effect given an ill employee away from work represents a larger percentage of the overall workforce. This often requires team members to fill the gap and assume additional responsibilities, or managers may have to place a hold on workflow.
A return to normalcy at work is appealing. In fact, 41% of workers say they’d prefer to return to their workplace once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. That is what prompted Bill Lee, President of MRL Companies, to install two ISO-Aire units in his St. Paul, Minn. office equipped with HEPA filtration and ozone-free bipolar ionization.
“When our employees are ready to return to the office, we want to give them that option,” he explained. “We’re prepared to offer a safe space where they don’t have to worry.”
Clean air is a long-term investment. Providing a safe and healthy workplace of course is a legal obligation during COVID-19; but do not lose sight of the long-term impact through improved wellness, increased productivity, fewer lost workdays, and a positive workplace culture.
Contact us for an assessment of your workspace. Our HVAC and indoor air quality professionals have expertise in installing clean air technology systems in small businesses, fitness centers, schools, places of worship, and more. Email us at info@ductsandcleats.com or call 651-265-0605.