As a business owner, there are a number of prominent factors to consider when leasing a commercial property. The size, monthly rental costs and location are all likely to dominate your thoughts when you first enter the market, primarily because they have the most noticeable impact in terms of financial liability. While these factors are undoubtedly important, however, it is important not to lose sight of any additional and seemingly insignificant issues that may ultimately undermine the validity of your choice.
The Importance of Ventilation and it’s Impact on Health and Productivity
Take ventilation, for example, which can be easily defined as the supply of outdoor air to your commercial building. While this is unlikely to be high on your initial list of considerations as a commercial property owners, there is evidence to suggest that the quality of your ventilation will have a direct impact on the productivity and general well being of your employees. Consider the following facts: –
Work Place Performance
According to workplace studies, the speed and accuracy with which professional tasks are completed actually improves with an increased rate of ventilation. For initial ventilation rates between 14 and 30 cfm per person, for example, the typical workplace performance improves by an estimated 0.8%. This suggests that exposure to a higher volume of fresh and clean air is extremely conducive to enhanced mental performance, and this is something that can have significant financial benefits for your business.
Absence from the Workplace
In addition to enhancing workplace productivity, there is evidence to suggest that increased rates of ventilation also diminish the level of employee absence. In office spaces, the doubling of the ventilation rate from 25 to 50 cfm per employee triggered a 35% decrease in the number of short-term absences in the UK. A similar trend has been observed and recorded in British schools, meaning that scientists have been able to draw a definitive link between access to fresh air and an improvement in mental outlook and performance.
Heart Disease and Respiratory Illness
On an even more impressive note, increased rates of ventilation have also had a dramatic impact on the level of respiratory illness recorded by employees throughout Great Britain. This can be traced a fixed scientific principle, and poor ventilation is known to trigger a rise in the number of airborne bacteria and viruses active within the typical workplace. Although less studies have been performed in this field, it seems clear that excellent levels of ventilation will translate into an improved physical and respiratory condition.
The Bottom Line
Not only is good ventilation key to improving workplace productivity and the mental outlook of employees, but it is also necessary if businesses are to comply with evolving laws and health and safety regulations. To peruse a range of the latest commercial fans and ventilation tools, visit the cle-electrical website and take the initial steps towards driving your business into a new and exciting age of prosperity.