Last month, as COVID-19 cases reached record-highs in many states, companies put their back-to-work plans on hold. However, in recent weeks, we have seen a significant drop in numbers, which has prompted many employers to prepare for a return to the office.

But the big question is, how can we do this safely?

Questions To Ask Before Heading Back to The Office

As an employer or employee, there are a few points to consider if you’re heading back to the office.

  • What measures have been taken to improve indoor air quality? Opening a window, running the HVAC, and even using a desktop fan will help to improve airflow. However, to ensure the removal of airborne contaminants, effective air filtration is recommended.
  • Don’t waste money on the wrong air purifier. Various technologies claim to clean the air, but some air purifiers can actually do more harm than good. The CDC recommends using portable HEPA air purifiers. HEPA air filtration is guaranteed to remove up to 99% of all particles larger than 0.1 microns; this includes COVID-19.
  • Is your state offering assistance to businesses? In New York, tax credits are available for small businesses with COVID-related expenses; this includes air purifiers that are needed to keep staff and customers safe.

Clean Air in The Workplace Boosts Performance

For many people, their main concern is COVID-19, but the benefits of clean air at work go far beyond the pandemic. Several studies have shown that good air quality helps boost performance at work (1) and reduces the number of staff absences (2).

Better working conditions, where staff feel safe and supported, help to increase staff retention and improve productivity, which benefits the company as a whole.

How We Work Has Changed

Perhaps one of the most significant side effects of COVID-19 has been the way we view our working life. According to one Gallop poll (3), post-pandemic, we can expect to see around 37% reduction in the number of days workers spend in the office. If you are one of the millions of Americans who will continue to work from home, it may be time to think about improving the air quality in your home workspace too.

Choose Austin Air for Your Workspace

Over the years, we have been involved in a number of clinical trials with some of the country’s leading institutions, such as Johns Hopkins and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Our Medical Grade HEPA air purifiers are clinically proven to remove a wide range of contaminants, including chemicals, VOCs, allergens, dust, viruses, and bacteria. Our long filter life and durable build make Austin Air purifiers the number one choice for any workspace. No maintenance, no costly filter changes. Just plugin and leave your Austin to run 24/7.

If you’d like to learn more about our HEPA air purifiers and how they can help keep you safe at work, visit our SHOP page today. We are also offering significant discounts on volume orders. To place your volume order, call one of the team today on (800) 724-8403. We’d love to hear from you.

References.

(1) Associations of Cognitive Function Scores with Carbon Dioxide, Ventilation, and Volatile Organic Compound Exposures in Office Workers: A Controlled Exposure Study of Green and Conventional Office Environments | Environmental Health Perspectives | Vol. 124, No. 6 (nih.gov)

(2) Changing ventilation rates in U.S. offices: Implications for health, work performance, energy, and associated economics – ScienceDirect

(3) Bet on It: 37% of Desks Will Be Empty (gallup.com)

 

Austin Team
Austin Team