Skip navigation
Reports & Analysis Custom Research Research Subscriptions
Sign In / Create Account Cart
Sign In / Create Account Cart
  • Reports & Analysis
  • Custom Research
  • Research Subscriptions

Resources

  • Analyst Buzz
  • Press Releases
  • Blog
  • Resources & Downloads

The Freedonia Group

  • Contact
  • About
  • Our Staff
  • Help Center
  • Career Opportunities
Freedonia Market Research Blog The Need for Change as More Workers Are Called to Return to Offices

The Need for Change as More Workers Are Called to Return to Offices

by Freedonia Industry Studies

March 11, 2022

The old adage follows that you can’t do what you always did and expect different results. As infection rates ease and pandemic fatigue hits us all big-time, many of us are ready for “normal”. But what is that? A life that looks like 2019 with the same commute, the same office, the same lunch routine, the same happy hours, the same gym, concerts and events at the same venues?

But infectious disease experts say that this won’t be our last global pandemic of an airborne virus. So what then?

Infectious disease experts also agree that there are reasonably accessible ways we can improve public health now and for future cold, flu, or other outbreaks with little or no change in habits by workers and event attendees. These measures include:

  • Ventilation – out with the old air and in with the new air! Even where windows can’t be opened, HVAC systems can be designed to have appropriate rates of fresh air exchange.
  • Filtration – HEPA filters are still the gold standard for air cleaning, but an increasing number of systems also include ultraviolet lights in ducts or at air exchange points to kill viral particles in the air.
  • Hand hygiene – hand washing is never a bad idea.
  • Routine cleaning of frequently user surfaces – while most infectious disease experts believe we have been over-cleaning our buildings given that COVID-19 is airborne, routine disinfecting of high-touch areas such as phones, desks, elevator buttons, bathroom faucets, and community coffee pots contribute to reducing spread of other illnesses.

Plexiglass barriers between certain types of workers – e.g., cashiers, receptionists – and the public may also continue to be helpful as mask wearing eases. Many think of these as the sneeze guards for the modern era.

Freedonia analysts will continue to watch for innovations in building air quality as well as preferences of occupants, builders, and owners to see how our construction elements can contribute to overall worker wellness and productivity.

For more information and discussion of opportunities, see The Freedonia Group’s extensive collection of off-the-shelf research, particularly Indoor Air Quality Equipment, Global HVAC Equipment, and Nonwovens. Freedonia Custom Research is also available for questions requiring tailored market intelligence.

Have unique research needs?

Freedonia Custom Research listens intently to your needs and objectives. Then we work diligently to define and deliver a service to meet them.
Learn About Our Custom Research Services

Subscribe to Our Blog

Stay up to date with the latest information about new market research and news in areas relevant to your business from our analysts and team members.
Subscribe to Our Blog
  • Contact
  • About
  • Help Center
  • Career Opportunities
  • Press Contact
  • User Agreement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Site Map

Additional Resources

  • Market Size Resources
  • Lawn & Garden Market Research
  • Roofing Market Research
  • Pet Products Market Research
  • Countertops Market Research
  • Power Tools Market Research
  • Publishing for the PreK-12 Market Research
  • Insulation Market Resaerch
  • Cabinets Market Research
  • Flooring Market Research
  • Pet Supplements Market Research
  • Agricultural Equipment Market Research
  • Open Access Publishing Market Research
  • Silicones Market Research
  • For Legal Inquiries, contact Cohen & Cohen
Copyright © 2025 The Freedonia Group, Inc. All rights reserved.