Poor indoor climate at work is more common than you might think

Poor indoor climate is a significant challenge for many employees in the Norwegian labour market, according to a new survey conducted for GK. From hospitals and schools to nurseries, cultural buildings and shopping centres: the problem is broad, and the consequences are many.

What actually causes the poor indoor climate, and how common is it? And not least – what can Norwegian workplaces do to ensure increased well-being and productivity?

The new indoor climate survey in brief
The survey was carried out by Respons Analyze for GK in May 2023, with the aim of surveying how satisfied Scandinavian employees are with the indoor climate at work. The survey is based on data collected from a total of 3,217 employees in the age group 18–66.

The participants were randomly selected, with an even distribution of geographical location, age, and gender. The numbers were also weighted according to population figures.

What are the causes of poor indoor climate at the workplace?
According to the survey, it is primarily poor or insufficient ventilation that is the cause of poor indoor climate at work. As many as 45% report this as the most important reason. At the same time, 29% report that high indoor temperatures are a challenge, while 24% believe the indoor temperature is too low.

Poor cleaning is also cited as a reason for poor indoor climate (20%), as well as exhaust and pollution from outside (13%). Untreated mould and moisture damage are also a challenge (9%), and the same applies to a lack of competence among staff responsible for operations (11%).

The indoor climate affects health and productivity
Among the Norwegian participants in the survey, a variety of health problems are reported as a result of poor indoor climate. A total of 49% of the participants experiencing health challenges report feeling heavy-headed. For 30%, headaches are involved.

Respectively, 36% and 34% are troubled by sweating/overheating or feeling cold, while 35% experience a decrease in their ability to concentrate. It is also not unusual to experience a dry and irritated throat, or a cough, which 20% report.

The physical symptoms may, not surprisingly, lead to a loss of productivity at work. 44% state that they become less productive as a result of the indoor climate. For 7% of the participants, indoor climate leads to increased sick leave, and 25% report a worsening of mood.

Remarkable figures
The results of the survey are unmistakable. A significant 25% state that the indoor climate at their workplace is poor or very poor, and only 1 participant in 3 is satisfied with the current situation. This is despite the fact that employers have a statutory responsibility to ensure a good indoor climate at the workplace.

As many as 28% of the participants believe that the employer has not carried out the measures necessary to improve the indoor climate. The numbers speak for themselves, according to Kjell Erik Oseberg, Sales Manager at Airmaster Norge AS:

- The fact that poor indoor climate is so widespread tells us that many workplaces still have room for improvement when it comes to indoor climate improvement measures. Today, there are good ventilation solutions and options for regulating CO2 levels and temperature.

Poor indoor climate in several industries
The survey reveals that a significant portion of Norwegian employees experience poor indoor climate across various sectors. Among employees in health and hospital buildings, as many as 40% suffer from poor indoor climate. In educational and daycare facilities, 37% report the same problem.

In cultural buildings, 35% of employees are dissatisfied with the indoor climate, while 21% of employees in shops/shopping centres experience dissatisfaction. In industrial/warehouse, office and hotel/restaurant buildings, 20%, 18% and 11%, respectively, are affected by the indoor climate.

In the public sector, the indoor climate is generally somewhat worse than in the private sector, and women report climate-related complaints more frequently than men.

Good ventilation is essential for a good indoor climate
There are a number of measures that can be taken to ensure a better indoor climate at the workplace. Considering that 45% report insufficient or poor ventilation as the primary cause of poor indoor climate, it is natural to assess whether current ventilation solutions are adequate.

Among companies that lack automatically controlled technical ventilation and heating solutions, 1/3 of employees state that they are bothered by the indoor climate.

– Implementing good ventilation solutions is a good and well-documented solution that will improve air quality at the workplace. Not only can this lead to employees concentrating better, but they will also feel better, Oseberg explains.

Decentralised air handling units tailored to company needs
When it comes to air handling units, there are various solutions that can be considered. We like to distinguish between centralized and decentralized facilities.

Airmaster has more than 30 years' experience in the field and has developed smart decentralized ventilation systems that ensure the best possible indoor climate. The solutions are forward-looking and designed to have minimal impact on the environment.

- With a decentralized ventilation solution, one can ensure optimal ventilation throughout the company building, as air handling units are installed in different rooms. This differs from centralized ventilation, where one joint system carries air into the building, explains Kjell Erik Oseberg.

- If the company ensures a healthier indoor climate, it is reasonable to believe that this will also affect employee productivity and well-being in a positive direction. At Airmaster, we are ready to assist businesses seeking expert advice for the way forward, he concludes.