There's been talk in recent years that indoor air quality is an important part of healthy buildings and productive workplaces, but it can also directly impact your workforce and the future of your business. Company culture has changed and health and wellbeing has become a priority for today's younger candidates. As baby boomers retire and exit the workforce, companies must examine what new employees value from their employers in order to compete in the crowded hiring market.
A recent Fellowes survey shows that clean air is important to employees and highlights the following findings that can impact the future of business operations:
- 68 percent of Gen Z and Millennial workers are concerned about the long-term effects of poor air quality, compared to 28 percent of older workers.
- 45 percent of Millennials and Generation Z said they would consider leaving their employer because of poor IAQ, while 34 percent of Generation X and just 18 percent of Baby Boomers agree.
- On the positive side, 52 percent of employees would rate their workplaces as “very clean” and 61 percent believe their employers are taking the necessary steps to ensure healthy indoor air quality.
- What steps signal that a company is making an effort? Respondents prioritized air purification devices (49 percent), updated HVAC systems (45 percent), visible use of IAQ monitors (45 percent), and access to real-time IAQ data (36 percent).
Given today's workforce challenges, creating a culture of care and communication is one way for employers to stand out in a crowded environment, and knowing that indoor air quality is important to employees can help companies prioritize goals and budgets.
Statistics Canada reports that as of July 1, 2023, 7.6 million Canadians (nearly 19 percent of the population) were 65 years of age or older and that number is expected to increase to 21 to 23 percent by 2030. As the younger population values transparency, ESG focus and health and wellbeing, many companies may need to change their priorities, communication strategies and budget allocations to remain an attractive option for the younger generation.