A generational shift is redefining what employees expect from their workplace, and clean indoor air is moving from a “nice to have” to a non-negotiable. Clean air now influences not only health and performance but also how an organization is perceived as an employer. 

The U.S. findings from the 2025 International Day of Clean Air Survey by Fellowes, released in recognition of the United Nations’ International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, show that 45% of Millennial and Gen Z workers would consider leaving their employer over poor indoor air quality (IAQ), compared with just 18% of Baby Boomers. Younger employees are also more likely to have at least one workplace IAQ concern and more than twice as likely to worry about long-term health effects of low-quality air (68% vs. 28%). 

Clean Air Drives Performance but Confidence Lags 

In the U.S., nearly all workers (94%) say clean indoor air helps them perform their best. Yet only 61% believe their employer is taking the right steps to ensure it. 

When asked what would make them more confident in workplace air quality, U.S. workers pointed to: 

• Air purification units (49%) 

• Updated HVAC systems (45%) 

• Visible IAQ monitors that show data is being collected (36%) 

If employees cannot see the steps you are taking, they may not believe you are taking them at all. Make IAQ improvements visible and verifiable. 

Responsibility Is Clear but Action Is Not Consistent 

From the U.S. data, 68% of indoor workers believe it is their employer’s responsibility to ensure clean air. This far outweighs those naming building owners, government agencies, or employees themselves. Yet 36% say they have noticed no significant IAQ improvements in the last 12 months. 

In the U.S., more than half of employees (53%) have taken matters into their own hands by bringing in personal purifiers, opening windows, or adding plants to improve IAQ. Among Millennials and Gen Z, that figure climbs to 59%. 

Act before employees feel they have to bring their own solutions. Assess your current IAQ strategy and close the gaps before they impact morale or retention. 

Communication Gaps Are Fueling Concerns 

From the U.S. results, 78% of indoor workers say it is important their employer shares IAQ data. Yet 31%report that data is not shared at all. Lack of transparency may be contributing to ongoing symptoms employees attribute to poor IAQ including headaches (36%), eye irritation (30%), nose irritation (28%), and fatigue (25%). Many also worry about the potential long-term health effects of breathing low-quality air at work. 

Sharing air quality data builds trust and shows accountability. If you monitor IAQ, communicate the results and your improvement plans clearly and often. 

Winning Over the Next-Gen Workforce with IAQ Action 

Millennials and Gen Z already make up 54% of the U.S. workforce (U.S. Department of Labor, 2024) and their influence will only grow.  

These employees expect to experience visible, transparent, and values-driven IAQ action. Here’s how to meet them where they are: 

1. Show Visible Improvements 

• Install high-performance air purification units in shared spaces. 

• Upgrade HVAC systems with advanced filtration. 

• Place real-time IAQ monitors in common areas so air quality can be checked at a glance. 

2. Be Transparent with Data 

• Publish quarterly IAQ reports for the entire team. 

• Provide a live IAQ dashboard accessible via mobile or intranet. 

• Host open Q&A sessions with facilities or EHS teams about IAQ initiatives. 

3. Link IAQ to Wellbeing 

• Make IAQ part of the company wellness program. 

• Offer education on healthy work environments, including air quality, lighting, and ergonomics. 

• Invite employee feedback and incorporate it into IAQ planning. 

4. Align with Sustainability Values 

• Use low-waste filter replacement programs to reduce landfill impact. 

• Highlight IAQ upgrades that also improve energy efficiency. 

• Participate in International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies with measurable workplace commitments. 

Building Resilient, Future-Proof Indoor Air Quality Plans 

Indoor air quality expectations will only rise in the years ahead, driven by stricter regulations, better public understanding of air health, and the continued influence of younger workers in the job market. Employers who get ahead now can avoid costly reactive fixes later. 

To future-proof your workplace IAQ: 

• Integrate IAQ monitoring with building management systems so you can adapt ventilation and filtration dynamically. 

• Design flexible IAQ plans that can scale with occupancy changes or respond to environmental events like wildfire smoke or urban pollution spikes. 

• Build IAQ into corporate ESG and wellness reporting, treating it as both an environmental and human capital metric. 

• Stay ahead of regulatory shifts by meeting or exceeding evolving indoor air standards before they become mandatory. 

The companies that will lead in the next decade will not just meet today’s air quality expectations. They will anticipate tomorrow’s and have the systems, communication, and culture in place to deliver them. 

Why Employers Should Act Now 

International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is more than a global awareness event. It is a call for employers to treat indoor air quality as a strategic priority that impacts health, productivity, and talent retention.  

By investing in visible improvements, committing to transparency, and building future-ready IAQ strategies, organizations can create workplaces where employees feel safe, supported, and inspired to do their best work. Act now to meet today’s expectations and stay ahead of tomorrow’s higher standards.