As Covid has gripped the world, discussions among facility managers have turned to how workplaces can be made as safe as possible if and when employees return to them again.  Much of this discussion has centered on the flow of fresh air and how a ready circulation can help to ensure that the virus isn’t given a fertile environment to spread.

Research from Harvard illustrates how the quality of air in our workplaces can also influence how productive we are, especially when engaging in mentally challenging work.  The study was conducted over the course of one year and involved employees in offices across a multitude of sectors, including architecture, real estate, and engineering, in six different countries.  It found that when concentrations of fine particulate matter were higher and ventilation rates were lower, the response times of workers dropped significantly alongside reduced performance in various cognitive tests.

“Our study adds to the emerging evidence that air pollution has an impact on our brain. The findings show that increases in PM2.5 levels were associated with acute reductions in cognitive function. It’s the first time we’ve seen these short-term effects among younger adults,” the researchers say. “The study also confirmed how low ventilation rates negatively impact cognitive function. Overall, the study suggests that poor indoor air quality affects health and productivity significantly more than we previously understood.”

Diminished capabilities

The researchers highlight previous research into the impact of air pollution on our cognitive function, with pollutants such as PM2.5 particularly common in indoor environments. They wanted to better understand what role this pollutant plays in the cognitive function of those exposed to it, especially in areas with poor air ventilation rates.

All of the employees in the study worked at least three days per week in an office environment, with each having a permanent workstation in the building.  The workspace was equipped with a sensor to monitor concentrations of both PM2.5 and CO2 in real-time, as well as relative humidity and temperature.  The participants also used a mobile app whereby they could complete various surveys and cognitive tests.

The tests were administered according to either a set schedule or when PM2.5 and CO2 levels exceeded or fell below certain thresholds.  One of the tests required participants to identify the color of a word, with the test used to measure the cognitive speed and inhibitory control of the user.  Another test involved basic arithmetic, which was designed to assess the working memory and cognitive speed of the participants.

The results reveal that response times were poorer on the tests when PM2.5 and CO2 were higher, both in terms of the response times and accuracy.  Participants also suffered in terms of productivity, with fewer correct answers provided in the allotted time for the test.

“The world is rightly focused on COVID-19, and strategies like better ventilation and filtration are key to slowing infectious disease transmission indoors,” the authors conclude. “Our research consistently finds that the value proposition of these strategies extends to cognitive function and productivity of workers, making healthy buildings foundational to public health and business strategy moving forward.”