Every business owner looks for ways to increase employee productivity from time to time, and one method is to redesign the office space. Because every employee has a different working style, providing areas within the office that accommodate different work styles is critical. Creating an accessible office keeps employees motivated and focused.

Here are some of the steps you can take to boost productivity and creativity at the workplace: 

A Clean Office Space 

Cleanliness reduces the likelihood of your employees becoming ill. Bacteria thrive in office settings because people spend so much time there. Keeping your workplace clean can help to reduce sickness and, as a result, lost work days. Cleanliness can help drive employee motivation and morale, creating a feeling of connectedness in their organisation.

Improve the Lighting

Insufficient lighting can cause eye strain, headaches, stress, and malaise. In contrast, too much light can cause health and safety issues such as “glare” symptoms and stress. Both can lead to work inconsistencies, poor quality, and lower productivity. As a result, making the workplace well-lit is essential for employee wellbeing.

Allocate Appropriate Office Space 

Employees require varying amounts of space to perform optimally. In general, it is advisable to give people sufficient space to do their jobs without interfering with the work of others. Crowded conditions can affect employee moods, which can lower productivity and willingness to come to work. 

Control and Regulate the Temperature

Employers should keep the thermostat set between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius. According to the Laboratory for Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning at Helsinki University of Technology, the ideal temperature for a typical office is around 22 degrees Celsius. Employee productivity can deteriorate if the working environment is too hot or too cold, so employers must ensure that the temperature is suitable for everyone.

Adequate and Clean Air Circulation

When only a small amount of fresh air is circulated throughout the workplace, indoor air pollution is a problem. Poor air quality can harm our health without our knowledge. It can develop over time due to insufficient air circulation, dirty air filtration, or a lack of proper ventilation. It can cause various side effects such as headaches, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. 

Workplace productivity is essential. Well-managed and regularly maintained office spaces and buildings enable organisations to operate effectively, allowing employees and employers to work collaboratively. A productive workplace can enhance the customer experience while lowering operations and maintenance costs and increasing revenues. Facility management can increase workplace productivity in a variety of ways, including building safety and comfort, as well as employee satisfaction.

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Just when we thought the cases were going down, they rose again with new worries in our minds. The Omicron BA.5 sub-variant. The first case of Omicron in Malaysia came to surface over seven months ago, in December 2021. While the symptoms may be mild in some, it is highly transmissible, causing them to spread faster than in the previous delta variant. With the new sub-variant recently discovered in Malaysia, does BA.5 cause more severe symptoms than earlier Omicron sub-variants?

What Are the Symptoms of Omicron?

While the latest coronavirus strain differs slightly from previous ones, the symptoms of infection are very similar. Patients infected with the Omicron variant frequently report severe headaches, night sweats, fatigue, sore throat, dry cough, and chills.

The initial Omicron strain has a milder version of the virus, causing less severe disease and death than the Delta strain that came before it. While scientists continue to learn about BA.5, data show that hospital admissions are low in comparison to earlier cases. 

Omicron BA.5 

In February 2022, a strain known as BA.5—the most contagious so far—was discovered in Africa along with another subvariant, BA.4. Omicron BA.5 stands out as the most easily transmissible Covid variant discovered to date, according to several researchers. According to reports, the variants’ ability to mitigate immune defence vaccines may increase infections. It has since become the dominant variant, igniting an increase in COVID-19 cases in the US and most of Europe.

Omicron BA.5 in Malaysia

According to Malaysian Health Minister YB Khairy Jamaluddin on Friday, 8 July 2022, there has been an increase in COVID-19 cases in the last week. The BA.5 Omicron subvariant is said to be widespread. He claims that compared to the same period a week ago, the number of cases has increased by 31% in the last five days.

What Can You Do?

The most important thing you can do is reduce your infection risk. After two years of battling against COVID-19, the following methods are and have been the best ways to help you reduce the chances of contracting the virus. Wear masks, practise good hygiene, DISINFECT, DISINFECT, DISINFECT and keep a safe distance from one another.

Did You Know…

ENVIRO Group was named as the Best Rated Disinfection Services in Malaysia for the year 2022 by Best in Malaysia? This honour comes as we continue to protect people and secure assets. It is a great honour to receive this acclaim, and we strive to improve and provide the finest solutions to clients constantly. With that in mind, our rapid disinfection service is one of the best you can get to protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of COVID-19. Enviro Group Asia is the industry leader in Rapid Disinfection Service. Disinfection is one of the most effective COVID-19 virus prevention strategies. Here are a few reasons why you should consider using our Rapid Disinfection Service:

• Kills 99.99% of Bacteria and Viruses 
• Disinfectant sprayed using Patented Electrostatic Technology 
• Protects surfaces for up to 90 days 
• Non-toxic and non-corrosive 

Contact a professional disinfection service like EVIRO Group Asia. With us, you will be guaranteed to have some peace of mind knowing that you are keeping your loved ones safe! 

For more information, don’t hesitate to contact support@envirogroup.asia or visit www.envirogroup.asia, and our technical specialists will be happy to assist. The ENVIRO Group’s hotline is 1-800-88-7900.

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In the era of Covid-19 and most recently, rising cases in HFMD and influenza, people are looking for answers to their indoor air quality concerns more than ever. Why? As we spend a hefty of our time indoors, it is causing building occupants and owners to look for solutions to some of today’s most dangerous indoor threats – fine particles that are invisible to the naked eye. What is the answer to this problem? Technology is known as a Disinfecting Filtration System or DFS!

DFS vs. HEPA

HEPA, or High-Efficiency Particulate Air, is a type of filter that can trap 99.97 % of 0.3-micron particles. HEPA air filters are extremely good at capturing contaminants like dander, dust, and more. The HEPA air filter is one of the essential elements of an air purifier.

On the other hand, the patented Disinfecting Filtration System (DFS) technology can capture up to 99.99 % of all particles as small as.007 microns in size. It is 40 times more powerful than HEPA filters. DFS technology can capture and remove harmful viruses, mould, fungi, bacteria, and minuscule contaminants from your space. Without a doubt, DFS technology will leave your space with nothing but clean and healthy air.

The air purifier that uses this system is HealthWay, a medical-grade air purification system that is one of the most effective air purifiers on the market. You can own a unit (or more) from ENVIRO Group as part of our motto: Protecting People (from viruses and more), Securing Assets!

DFS and Covid-19 Virus

People must take extra precautions to improve indoor air quality as concerns about COVID-19 and influenza cases grow. The transmission of influenza strongly relates to air pollution. The virus can also spread in poorly insulated or crowded indoor spaces, where people spend more time. It is crucial to take one step further in improving indoor air quality to stop these viruses spread.

HEPA air purifiers can filter dirty air and provide clean air, but they can’t keep the filter clean or prevent pathogens from growing. DFS prevents organisms from escaping back into the air by avoiding growth. This technology improves your air and protects yourself or others from harmful bacteria growth.

Conclusion

While we all know that air purifiers cannot completely eradicate the spread of viruses, using the best air purifier with DFS technology can significantly minimise these indoor air quality concerns. DFS technology, combined with other recommendable hygiene habits, can assist you in keeping your indoor areas clean and protected.

We trust that HealthWay air purifiers with DFS technology are the most effective. The HealthWay air purifier has a 99.97 percent efficiency rating of 0.3 microns. The HealthWay air purifier removes even the suspended particles, and each unit is individually and thoroughly tested for optimal quality.

Contact Us…

We currently have three different models of HealthWay air purifiers under ENVIRO Group, which cater to any setting – whether residential or commercial – any industry can utilise HealthWay air purifiers to improve the livelihood of everyone.

To purchase one, don’t hesitate to contact us at 1800 888 7900. We are happy to help you feel confident that you breathe the cleanest indoor air possible.

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In order to preserve its efficiency, it is crucial to maintain your HVAC unit by requesting professional services. For companies who have undergone major renovations, have experienced a recent infestation, or the presence of mould in the ducts, air duct cleaning might just be the answer. 

A service that entails cleaning an HVAC unit’s passageways, this is an optional service many HVAC business owners choose to take advantage of. In this blog post, we will discuss duct cleaning and identify the service’s potential benefits. 

Let’s Talk About Air Duct Cleaning

It’s important to know what ducts are to understand duct cleaning. Ducts are the passages in your HVAC system that provide warm or cool air circulation. HVAC systems would not serve their purpose without ducts. There are two main categories of ductwork: Rigid Ductwork and Flexible Ductwork. 

Now that you know what ducts are, air duct cleaning is the process of cleaning the unit’s supply, intake, and return vents using professional cleaning equipment. While some people may choose to clean their HVAC ducts independently, we do not advise it. If we clean the air ducts incorrectly, debris, allergens, and other contaminants may be spread throughout the home and cause many complications. 

The Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Malaysia (JKKP) recommends calling a professional to clean your HVAC air ducts if the ducts are:

• Infested with rodents or insects
• Clogged by excessive amounts of dust and debris
• Growing mould

More research is still needed to determine the specific benefits of duct cleaning, which is very important to note. If you have an HVAC service making outlandish claims about the perks of duct cleaning, it can be a warning sign about their services. It is absolutely essential that you consult a certified HVAC professional regarding the status of your HVAC system before making any decisions.

Enviroverks (M) Sdn. Bhd. is one of the few companies in Malaysia with a NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) certification. This ensures that systems are cleaned professionally. We clean the entire air duct system following the American standard ACR 2021. We strictly adhere to NADCA and ACCA standards in carrying out procedural requirements. The procedures include assessing, decontamination, and restoring Air Ducts and Air Conditioning systems. 

Our highly trained and certified professionals perform each remediation exercise to the highest standards. We use advanced techniques, tools, and equipment to achieve desired standards. 

Do you have questions, want us to help keep your environment safe, or need specifics? 

Let’s connect and discover what you can do for your air ducts today!

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Employers! This is a post for you. In case you didn’t know, improving the ventilation system at the workplace could help you save money? In a tweet on February 11, 2022, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin declared that businesses that upgrade their office ventilation systems qualify for tax relief under Budget 2022. The government extended the eligible period for tax relief to cover the cost of renovating and repairing commercial premises to meet ventilation and client seating criteria until December 31, 2022, in November of last year. The Malaysian government will grant tax credit of up to RM300,000 on business premises renovation and refurbishment charges incurred between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022.

If you didn’t already know, good ventilation is critical in the workplace. Ventilation in the workplace helps to control exposure to airborne contaminants. Ventilation removes contaminants such as fumes, dust and vapour, and as a result can offer a healthy and safe working environment. Poor workplace ventilation systems can endanger the safety and health of employees and clients that visit the company.

Workplace ventilation can have both beneficial and adverse effects on building occupants. Proper ventilation systems promote productive workplaces by helping employees to stay alert, efficient, and focused on their jobs. On the other hand, poor ventilation systems might lead to potential health issues, which consequently results in lost production and increased absenteeism.

Benefits of good workplace ventilation systems

• Eliminate pollutants, bacteria, dampness, and unpleasant odours, including body odours, which can help to minimise the transmission of airborne viruses
• Control the movement of air into and out of the building or workplace to regulate airflow.
• Maintain humidity and decrease moisture to reduce mould growth in the workplace

Impacts of poor workplace ventilation systems

• Fatigue
• Dizziness or headaches
• Respiratory infection, shortness of breath, coughing, and sneezing
• Inflammation and allergies
• Dry or irritated throat, eyes, nose, as well as skin

What documentation is necessary for this tax deduction?

Employers must preserve all supporting documentation for deduction claims. These documents will be utilised for auditing and when the IRBM requires them. The following are among the supporting documents:

• Business Registration Certificate
• Proof of ownership of business premises or a valid rental agreement between the tenant and the landlord/lessor
• Invoices and receipts for associated R&R spending 
• External auditors’ certified confirmation of R&R expenditures

Not sure how to apply for this tax deduction? Find out how you can claim this in three easy steps

• Contact our Indoor Hygiene Experts at 1 800 88 7900 for guidance on how to optimise your workplace’s ventilation systems.
• Keep your receipts after making your purchases to aid in your claims with hasil.gov.my. We strongly advise you to follow the terms and conditions mentioned on the website.
• Visit hasil.gov.my to apply for a tax exemption.

In conclusion, ventilation is undoubtedly an important aspect that employers need to upkeep in an organisation. The air we breathe is essential, and everyone has the right to breathing safe and clean air. Employers can improve employee comfort, productivity, reduce absenteeism, save energy, and control humidity using optimum ventilation. These advantages can subsequently assist you in improving many elements of your organisation. Don’t hesitate to contact us to see whether your ventilation system is operating at peak efficiency.

Are you curious about how you can improve ventilation and indoor air quality in the workplace? Stay tuned for our next post! 

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Online, T. S. (2022, February 11). Covid-19: Improve office ventilation and get a tax deduction, Khairy tells employers. The Star. Retrieved May 31, 2022, from https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/02/11/covid-19-improve-office-ventilation-and-get-a-tax-deduction-khairy-tells-employers 

After the government approved the PICKids vaccination programme for children aged 5 to 17, we felt more at peace about the safety of our children. We know that the advantages of immunisation exceed the dangers and adverse effects. Even if children contract the coronavirus, they are unlikely to suffer more severe symptoms than if they did not receive vaccinations. Every day children must arrive at school breathing clean air. With 20 pupils in one room, one can only imagine how polluted the air is in school buildings. Adequate ventilation is critical in the times of the pandemic as it will improve the air quality and enhance students’ productivity. Covid-19’s presence in the air is essential in protecting the health and well-being of the students and teachers.

Proper Ventilation in School Buildings

Ventilation is the process of introducing fresh air into indoor spaces while eradicating stale air. Allowing fresh air into enclosed spaces can aid in the removal of virus particles from the air and prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Particles containing the virus that causes COVID-19 are released when a person with COVID-19 breathes, speaks, coughs, or sneezes. Infection with COVID-19 can develop if another person inhales viral particles released into the air.

Why Should School Buildings Prioritise Proper Ventilation?

• Improves learning environment
• Improves focus and attention 
• Aids in preventing the spread of other diseases
• Makes the learning environment safe and healthy

In this situation, sufficient ventilation and good air filtration are necessary for schools to reduce illness transmission among teachers and students. A suitable ventilation system may help manage the air while maintaining the essential health and safety regulations and removing pollutants from the air. Indoor air pollution paired with inadequate Ventilation can cause various health issues, including headaches, allergies, and asthma, among others. By having a solid ventilation system, school management can avoid having this problem. In addition to improving school ventilation systems, a filtration system can reduce dangerous airborne particles, allowing for better indoor air quality.

Ensure that the management maintain the ventilation systems according to the current qualifications. Management must ensure to configure the ventilation systems to use a fresh air source rather than the same indoor air. Some buildings’ ventilation systems may not be constructed to satisfy current regulations, necessitating additional improvements. 

School air filtration is critical because school children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution. They are particularly exposed to air contamination due to their rapid breathing rate and developing lungs. Good indoor air quality in the classroom boosts students’ ability to perform, which requires concentration and memory. Air filtration systems that are cost-effective are the ideal solution for ensuring clean air in schools, and HealthWay specialises in identifying the optimum solution for each school’s air filtration needs.

Best Air Purifier for Schools in Addition to Ventilation 

ENVIRO Group offers high-quality air purifiers, HealthWay. In addition to HEPA filters, Healthway employs Disinfection Filtration System (DFS) Technology, 40 times more effective than HEPA technology. DFS Technology collects 99.99% of all particles as small as 0.007 microns. This DFS Technology may eradicate viruses in the air and remove odours, dust, and smoke, something a HEPA filter is unable to do.

With an airborne infection present, Ventilation is more vital than before. Covid has interrupted our lives, but we can re-establish safety within school buildings through Ventilation and air filtration. Due to their developing bodies, children are significantly more vulnerable to infections. Together we can take the precautionary steps to minimise and, in the long run, prevent other illnesses among students. 

Speak to us today to find out how you can improve the ventilation and overall indoor air quality in school buildings today! The children deserve better air. The ENVIRO Group’s toll-free number is 1-800-88-7900.

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Indoor Air Quality Management Checklist is critical in protecting the health of building occupants, such as employees, particularly after the emergence of the COVID-19 virus. Employers must carry additional responsibility for employees’ overall health by managing indoor air quality in workplace facilities. Indoor air systems are no longer merely for heating and cooling; they also play an essential role in ventilation and virus control.

Benefits of Indoor Air Quality Management

Managing indoor air quality in the workplace poses plenty of benefits to the employees and employers. Effective indoor air quality management can improve employee comfort and productivity. There is a link between health and productivity, as people can perform at their best mentally and physically with a better health foundation.

Good indoor air quality management in the office decreases employee absenteeism, saving costs significantly on hospital visits.

Indoor Air Quality Checklist for Employers and Building Owners

In-office spaces, the employer is often in charge of keeping the indoor air quality inside the building safe and conducive for employees. Some of the things that the management can follow to improve indoor air include:

• Look for apparent pollutant sources such as furniture, photocopiers, papers or rugs, water stains, and mould.
• Inspect the diffusers, fans, and air conditioners to ensure they are clean and functional.
• Inspection and maintenance of HVAC systems should be done regularly. Ensure that such operations are conducted when workers are not present to reduce their exposure to chemicals and other pollutants.
• Monitor the level of contaminants in your environment. Imbalances may contribute to the build-up of viruses and bacteria.
• Frequently clean and vacuum your office to remove dust and allergens.
• Stick to the recommended air filter change schedule.

While employers are responsible for ensuring the environment is safe and healthy for the employees, the employees, on the other hand, play just an equally important part in this. Below is the checklist for employees to produce the most conducive workplace:

Indoor Air Quality Checklist for Employees: 

• Clean your workplace regularly to avoid the accumulation of dust and other contaminants.
• Dispose of any garbage properly to avoid unpleasant smells and odours.
• Maintain proper hygiene and take precautions to eliminate odours.
• Inform management of any concerns related to indoor air quality as soon as possible.

Everyone spends much time inside, sharing spaces with others which in fact can make the indoor air quality decreases even more. Employees should have the highest indoor air quality possible to remain productive and avoid illness.

Combined with the indoor air quality checklist mentioned above, you can monitor the air quality by purchasing an indoor air quality sensor such as the ENVIRO IntelIAQ Pro. ENVIRO IntelIAQ Pro can successfully act as a guide to evaluate the state of indoor air quality and identify probable sources of pollution. The device can monitor up to 13 distinct factors that affect your health and well-being. The best part is that you can monitor from your computer, iPad, or even your mobile phone too! Even if you are not in the office, you can keep updated on the workplace’s indoor air quality. As a result, you can easily tackle the problem and significantly improve the indoor air quality.

Speak to us today to find out how you can purchase ENVIRO IntelIAQ Pro for your workplace today! The ENVIRO Group’s toll-free number is 1-800-88-7900.

In addition to the IntelIAQ Pro, ENVIRO Group also carries ENVIRO IntelIAQ, which is suitable for household usage, head to our website to find out more : https://envirogroup.asia/inteliaq-indoor-air-quality-monitor/

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