Survey Finds US Workers Still Uneasy About Workplace Germs

A recently released survey by biosafety tech company R-Zero has found that most Americans are still concerned about the spread of germs within their workplace, despite the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indoor Air Impact, a survey of more than 2,000 of U.S. adults, reveals their concerns around indoor air quality (IAQ), including their feelings about workplace IAQ and its impacts on their physical and mental health.

Most surveyed (52%) still feel uneasy about being in crowded, indoor spaces due to the potential spread of germs, while 46% frequently worry about catching illnesses from co-workers sharing their workspace.

A little more than half (51%) said their mental health has been negatively impacted due to staying indoors for extended periods of time. Nearly half (44%) believed that their physical health has been adversely affected for the same reason.

Respondents reported experiencing the following physical symptoms:

• Headaches: 39%
• Nose or throat irritation: 33%
• Fatigue: 32%
• Decreased productivity: 25%
• Dizziness: 18%.

“Not only are people demanding healthier indoor spaces, but it has become mission critical for businesses to protect their workforce while maintaining sustainability goals and creating spaces that optimize productivity,” said Jennifer Nuckles, R-Zero CEO. “While we are seeing some movement through recently enhanced guidelines for air quality and ventilation, there is much more work to be done to ensure that healthy air is prioritized in every indoor space.”