Every day, more people are heading back into the office – whether on either on a hybrid or full-time schedule. By the end of 2023, it’s anticipated that only 9% of the global workforce will work remotely full time[i].

Occupants want to work in buildings that support their well-being – this includes the indoor air quality (IAQ) of the spaces where they work. A recent Honeywell survey found an overwhelming majority (93%) of surveyed global office employees have greater expectations for their building's IAQ than they did three years ago[ii]. Prioritizing building improvements that focus on creating a better occupant experience can potentially yield benefits.

Support occupant well-being: People spend a majority of their time indoors, so prioritizing IAQ is essential. It’s long been noted the impact of poor IAQ – it can contribute to headaches, fatigue, irritation of eyes, nose and throat and even respiratory issues[iii]. Adjusting your building systems to support better IAQ can not only help support occupant well-being but also help improve the building experience, potentially reducing comfort calls for your facilities team.

Help improve productivity: A healthier building looks at the overall indoor environmental quality of a space to provide a better building experience. This includes IAQ, occupant comfort, lighting and even noise levels – all of which can potentially impact productivity. A Harvard study even showed that workers in spaces with improved IAQ performed better on cognitive function tests as well as experienced better decision making[iv].

Attract and retain talent: In a competitive hiring market, creating an advantage like investing in buildings help may also help to attract and retain talent – as well as tenants. The recent Honeywell survey showed one in five queried global workers would look for another job if their employer didn't maintain a healthy indoor environment[v].

Demonstrate commitment to ESG goals: Health and well-being are a part of many companies’ Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks. Companies don’t just have to say that they’re committed to creating a healthier workplace, they also must demonstrate the results of their actions. For companies operating in the European Union, efforts to improve IAQ in the workplace may be required as part of corporate sustainability reporting requirements[vi].

Honeywell’s ready now Healthy Buildings solutions can help improve occupant well-being, meet energy efficiency goals, and change how occupants experience a building. Talk to one of our experts today to learn more.

[i] Gartner, Gartner Forecasts 39% of Global Knowledge Workers Will Work Hybrid by the End of 2023, March 1, 2023 [Accessed April 20, 2023]

[ii] Honeywell, Gartner Forecasts 39% of Global Knowledge Workers Will Work Hybrid by the End of 2023, Feb. 22, [Accessed April 19, 2023]

[iii] Environmental Protection Agency, Indoor Air Quality, What are the trends in indoor air quality and their effects on human health?, Updated September 7, 2021 [Accessed May 8, 2023]

[iv] Harvard Business Review, , Research: Stale Office Air Is Making You Less Productive, March 21, 2017 [Accessed May 8, 2023]

[v] European Commission, Corporate Sustainability Reporting [Accessed May 8, 2023]