Several studies show not only environmental benefits but also direct financial benefits of “greening” one’s offices, such as having a positive impact on worker productivity. One study showed a 1% increase in sick days costs a business about $2,000 per employee per year. Losing an employee could cost a business even more between finding a replacement, hoping he/she is as good as the one that left, and training.

Here are seven key areas where green features in offices and work places have been shown to improve occupant productivity or health: 

1. Indoor Air Quality. The quality of workplace air is a significant driver of productivity, given the cocophony of compounds that workers are potentially breathing in, between off-gases from carpeting, furniture, walls, and operating equipment. Studies show that improved ventilation can increase productivity by as much as 11%. 

2. Thermal Comfort. Thermal comfort is also crucial to productivity, with performance dropping 4% when the room is too cool and 6% when it’s too warm. An issue of concern is how to get workers with different temperature preferences to agree on a thermostat setting. Studies have also shown that by giving occupants some control over workspace temperature results in a greater willingness to accept a wider temperature range.

3. Windows. Windows are the worst part of the building envelope when it comes to insulation and energy efficiency. On the other hand, studies have found that worker satisfaction increases when they have access to windows. Therefore, it is important to balance out these factors in designing office space.

4.  Plants. Offices that install and maintain plants near workspaces and even views of nature from windows results in higher productivity than depriving workers of a connection to nature. 

5. Noise. Possibly the greatest driver of productivity is noise and acoustics, with studies showing up to a 66% drop in productivity when workers are exposed to various types of distracting background noise. Installing physical design features and providing reminders to building occupants can be effective at reducing background noise in workplaces. In addition, consider window film or additions which better block the noise from outside the workplace, such as traffic.

6. Exercise. This appears quite difficult. How can a company get people to move or exercise when they are doing a job that involves sitting or standing by machines? There are ways. One – for multi-level businesses – is to do away with elevators and require workers to go up and down stairs to meet with each other. Another is to put the kitchenette or other places to meet a certain distance away from worker’s desks, making them do a little more walking to get that coffee. Or have fewer general printers and place them strategically to make workers travel to get their printouts. This is all for the sake of getting people out of their seats and to move a little every day. 

7. Location. What’s the old joke about the three most important factors for a facility is “location, location, location.” Well, that’s true for productivity, too. The presence of convenient amenities such as childcare centers, shops, gyms, and drug stores have an impact on occupant productivity.

CCES has the experts to help your facility maximize your indoor air quality and amenities to improve comfort and productivity. Contact us today at 914-584-6720 or at karell@CCESworld.com.