Humidity in the office: what is an acceptable relative humidity level in the office?
According to the Swiss government secretary (SECO) maintaining a relative humidity range of 40 to 60% in summer and 30-50% in winter is an optimal range. This not only helps prevent respiratory diseases and allergies but also ensures a well-humidified office environment without the threat of mold. In this guide, we will talk about why humidity is important for your office and what to do if it is not in the optimal range.
Ensure year-round indoor comfort by maintaining controlled humidity levels, regardless of the season.
Seasonal variations, alongside the implementation of heating, air-conditioning, and other imperceptible air influencers, dynamically reshape the indoor environment. Maintaining an optimal humidity level is key, with the recommended range being 30-50% during winter (heating periods) and 40-60% during summer (cooling periods).
Too low or too high humidity can be a health concern in the office
Humidity plays a vital role in preventing health issues such as dry throat syndrome, allergies, and skin problems. The humidity level beyond 70% can foster the growth of bacteria and spores, triggering health concerns and a rise in seasonal illnesses. This situation leads to a shortage of workers in the office, increasing the workload for others. Keeping humidity in the recommended range leads up to a 30% reduction in sick leave. Humidity control is a fundamental aspect of creating a healthy and productive work atmosphere.
Improve your office productivity and elevate the team spirit
Keep an eye on the humidity in your office to make sure your employees are feeling good and mentally healthy. Think of it like having a behind-the-scenes look at what makes a workplace satisfying. Studies show that maintaining the right humidity can help reduce stress and improve focus, which are key to creating a positive work environment.
Facts replace gut feeling: Keep on track with your Indoor Air Quality and how they support the health of your employees
Harness the power of IAQ detectors and gain valuable IAQ insights to truly support your colleagues. Dive into a comprehensive analysis of humidity and temperature control, along with other critical data points that contribute to a healthier and more comfortable office environment.
Boost Productivity with Humidity Awareness
Elevate your team's focus and health with air quality sensors regulating optimal humidity levels. Scientifically proven to enhance cognitive scores by 61%, prioritizing humidity creates a healthier and more pleasant workspace for improved well-being.
How to increase the humidity level in the office? 4 Reasons why your office has too high or too low humidity
1
Boost office humidity by incorporating a humidifier into your HVAC system.
Enhance office humidity with a humidifier integrated into your HVAC system. While this can significantly improve comfort by addressing dry eyes and itchy skin, keep in mind that it may entail expenses and require some "off-office" working time due to the installation process.
2
Seal any cracks or gaps in your office to prevent air leakage, creating an environment where humidity is better retained.
This not only makes it more challenging to maintain moisture but also helps reduce drafts, enhancing overall office comfort. Check your office for gaps and seal them to contribute to a more stable humidity level.
3
Schedule work of electronic devices.
To schedule electronic devices to avoid drying the air indoors, be cautious with appliances like printers, heaters, and air conditioners. Plan their operation during specific times to minimize their impact on reducing humidity levels.
4
Increase indoor humidity naturally by incorporating indoor plants.
Plants release moisture through transpiration, improving the overall water vapour in the air. Get plants and place them strategically in your office to enjoy the benefits of enhanced humidity. It can be an additional responsibility to pick the right plants on your own and take care of them.
How can plants balance indoor humidity?
Plants create natural circle of water vapor in the air
Plants function as natural dehumidifiers by absorbing water from their surroundings through their leaves and subsequently releasing moisture through the process of transpiration.
Plants balance temperature and other air parameters
Plants strive to attain their ideal temperature, emphasizing the significance of maintaining a harmonious balance among air temperature, relative humidity, and light. Achieving a comfortable environment for plants not only enhances their well-being but also positively impacts the surrounding air quality, contributing to a more pleasant experience for people.
Plants reduce condensation
Mold and condensation often pose common challenges in living spaces, especially in seasons with elevated humidity levels. Specific indoor plants can play a role in mitigating these issues by effectively extracting surplus moisture from the air and minimizing the development of mold and mildew.
Plants reduce stress and improve state of mind
Elevate your team's focus and health with air quality sensors regulating optimal humidity levels. Scientifically proven to enhance cognitive scores by 61%, prioritizing humidity creates a healthier and more pleasant workspace for improved well-being.
Our employees and guests can now check the air quality during their meetings and experience the benefits of plants, such as reduced air pollution and optimal humidity, with all their senses.
Gerd Krohn, Co-founder and CEO of Smartvillage
About Oxygen at Work
Oxygen at Work specializes in enhancing office air quality through a combination of plant installations and comprehensive air analysis. Our plant concepts, grounded in scientific research and insights derived from over 500 successfully implemented projects, are tailored to create a healthier indoor environment. By strategically incorporating an appropriate selection of plants, we effectively boost oxygen levels, diminish air pollutant concentrations, and maintain ideal humidity levels in office spaces. This approach results in a workforce that is not only healthier and more productive but also experiences reduced sick leave, increased well-being, and contributes to a smaller ecological footprint.
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