What is the true nature of the vague feeling that it's difficult to work?

In the afternoon, my head feels heavy. I can't concentrate. I feel sleepy.

But I get enough sleep and I don't hate my job. --Have you ever had that experience?

In fact, that "feeling uneasy at work" may be due to the air. Although invisible, the air in the workplace definitely affects our physical condition and mental ability. Multiple studies have shown that high CO₂ (carbon dioxide) concentrations in particular slow brain function and impair judgment and concentration. For example, a study at Harvard University found that when CO₂ concentrations exceed 1,000 ppm, decision-making ability declines by up to 50% (*1). This phenomenon can easily occur in spaces with insufficient ventilation, such as conference rooms and offices.

Air is "invisible, but it definitely has an effect"

We breathe approximately 15,000 liters of air every day, most of which comes from indoor spaces such as our homes and workplaces. Despite this, we rarely give much thought to the quality of our air. While we are sensitive to the safety of our water and food, we tend to treat air as something that is simply there.

However, indoor air quality (IAQ) is Health, comfort and productivity For example, the following air components affect our physical condition and mood:

・ CO₂ (carbon dioxide): High concentrations reduce concentration and judgment
・ PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) Harmful to the respiratory system, causes allergies
・ TVOC (volatile organic compounds): Causes headaches, fatigue, and sick building syndrome
・ temperature and humidity: Affects comfort and virus activity

These are all invisible but definite factors that affect the way we work. Poor air quality can make you feel unwell and reduce your work performance. Conversely, good air quality can help you maintain concentration, improve your mood, and improve the atmosphere at work—these are real changes that occur.

Science shows the relationship between air quality and performance

Air quality affects our ability to concentrate, make decisions, and even our productivity - this isn't just a matter of feeling, it's a scientific fact.

For example, a study at Harvard University reported that cognitive ability scores decreased by 15% at CO₂ concentrations of 950 ppm, and by up to 50% at 1400 ppm. This level affects abilities directly related to work, such as strategic thinking and the ability to use information. Furthermore, fine particles and chemicals in the air, such as PM2.5 and TVOCs (volatile organic compounds), can cause allergies, headaches, fatigue, and even sick building syndrome.

These symptoms can lead to increased absenteeism and increased risk of employee turnover. Temperature and humidity are also important factors. For example, research has shown that work efficiency drops significantly when room temperatures exceed 28°C. Air quality is directly linked not only to "comfort" but also to "performance."

Air element	Impact details	Examples of scientific findings
CO₂ concentration	Decreased judgment and concentration	15% reduction at 950 ppm, up to 50% reduction at 1400 ppm (Harvard University)
PM2.5	Harmful to the respiratory system, allergies	Exceeding WHO standards increases health risks
TVOC	Headache, fatigue, decreased concentration	Substances that cause sick building syndrome
temperature and humidity	Affects comfort and work efficiency	Work efficiency drops significantly above 28°C (Architectural Environmental Engineering)

Table: Relationship between air quality and performance

The option to "visualize" air quality

Air is invisible.

That's why it's often overlooked as the cause of a "vague feeling of discomfort." However, if we could "visualize" the air quality numerically, we could pinpoint the cause of the discomfort and make improvements.

Air quality monitoring measures air components such as CO₂, PM2.5, TVOC, temperature, and humidity in real time, and the data can be used to improve the workplace environment. This changes air quality from something that is "something to be concerned about" to an indicator of a workplace environment that can be improved. Improving air quality can have a positive impact not only on employee health and concentration, but also on the workplace atmosphere and the company's image.

Changing the atmosphere will change the workplace

A good workplace is not just about having good facilities.

Human relationships, work structures, and even air quality are important factors that influence the ease of working. In a workplace with good air quality, employees are able to maintain their concentration and absences due to poor health are reduced, which in turn has a positive impact on productivity and team atmosphere. Furthermore, attention to air quality is increasingly being evaluated as a corporate stance. We are now in an era where air quality is seen as part of corporate value, with initiatives such as health management, ESG, and WELL certification.

Summary: Air is an “invisible asset”

Air is invisible.

However, it is precisely because it is invisible that being aware of it makes a difference. And by making the air you are conscious of "visible," you can take a step toward improvement. Improving air quality is an investment in the health and work environment of employees,
It is an "invisible asset" that supports the future of a company.

Why not start by "looking" at the air?

Finally, as a means of visualizing air quality, Macnica offers AiryQonnect, which can measure CO₂, PM2.5, TVOC, temperature, humidity, and more in real time. By visualizing the air in the workplace, you can scientifically support a comfortable workplace. If you're interested, please see "Return to service overview page" at the bottom of the page for more details.

■Reference materials:
(*1) Allen, JG, MacNaughton, P., Satish, U., Santanam, S., Vallarino, J., & Spengler, JD (2016).
Associations of Cognitive Function Scores with Carbon Dioxide, Ventilation, and Volatile Organic Compound Exposures in Office Workers:
A Controlled Exposure Study of Green and Conventional Office Environments. Environmental Health Perspectives, 124(6), 805–812.
DOI: https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.1510037

Inquiry

If you are interested in this article or would like more information about AiryQonnect, please feel free to contact us.

Contact Us

AiryQonnect service overview page

To return to the AiryQonnect service overview page, please click below.

Return to service overview page