As temperatures rise, pollen levels increase and humidity climbs, many workplaces begin to notice the familiar signs of hay fever season. Sneezing, headaches, fatigue and reduced concentration often become part of the working day. What is less obvious is how much of this discomfort is driven by declining indoor air quality.
A recent international article highlighted a growing indoor air quality issue affecting workplaces during warmer months. While the focus was offshore, the same conditions apply right here in Aotearoa. In Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and beyond, airborne allergens, settled dust, mold spores and humidity are very much a Kiwi reality.
The challenge is that poor indoor air quality is often invisible. Surfaces may look clean, yet pollutants can linger in carpets, upholstery, vents and HVAC systems. Without the right cleaning methods and monitoring in place, these irritants continue to circulate through indoor spaces, quietly impacting health, comfort and productivity.
Clean Does Not Always Mean Healthy
Traditional cleaning focuses on what you can see. Indoor air quality depends just as much on what you cannot.
Dust and allergens trapped in soft surfaces
Contaminants within air vents and HVAC systems
Chemical residues and VOCs released by some cleaning products
These factors can contribute to respiratory irritation, increased sick days and reduced workplace performance, particularly for people with allergies or sensitivities.
A More Holistic Approach to Workplace Wellness
At JK Building Wellness and Jani-King NZ, we believe healthy buildings require more than surface level cleaning. That is why we take a holistic approach that supports both cleanliness and wellbeing.
Our services focus on three key pillars of healthier indoor environments.
Targeted professional cleaning
We address dust and allergens in hidden and high-risk areas such as carpets, upholstery, high ventilation points and HVAC surrounds. This helps reduce the build-up of particles that commonly affect indoor air.
Eco-benign® cleaning solutions
We use Eco-benign® probiotic cleaning products that do not off gas VOCs. These products are safer for people, pets and the environment and support better air quality for sensitive lungs.
Indoor air quality monitoring
Through JK Building Wellness, we offer AirSuite indoor air quality monitoring that provides real time data on factors such as particulates, humidity and CO₂ levels. This allows businesses to move from guesswork to informed action, identifying problem areas early and addressing them proactively.
Why This Matters for Your Team
Healthy indoor air is not a nice to have. It directly impacts how people feel and perform at work. Improved air quality can support better focus, fewer allergy related symptoms, reduced absenteeism and a more comfortable environment for everyone.
As we head into the warmer months, now is the ideal time for businesses to look beyond visible cleanliness and consider the unseen factors affecting their workplaces.
At JK Building Wellness, we are proud to help New Zealand organisations create cleaner, healthier and more productive indoor environments where people can truly thrive.
