Do the French breathe healthy air at work in winter?

OberA reveals the results of a new survey* conducted among 4,102 people that highlights a persistent discrepancy between thermal comfort and air quality at work: highly debated ideal temperatures, rare winter ventilation, absence of air purification devices, poorly controlled humidity, and uncertainty about appropriate actions against viruses. The study also emphasizes strong expectations from employers: a large majority requests concrete actions for healthier indoor air in businesses and public spaces.

Workplaces with poorly regulated temperatures?

Being too cold or too hot at work can become a real problem. But on this topic, not everyone shares the same view of the ideal temperature. According to INRS, thermal comfort benchmarks are between 21 and 23°C, and this range is preferred by only 41%. Some prefer more restrained settings at 19°C or below (21%), a level close to the energy-saving guidelines reiterated in public communications.

The French prefer warmth over renewed air

Given the choice, nearly one in two French people prefer being nice and warm even if the air is not renewed much (48%), compared with 41% who prioritize regularly renewed air, even if it means putting up with a cooler environment. Finally, 11% say they can’t decide. These results confirm the weight of thermal comfort in the perception of a healthy environment, even as public recommendations stress the importance of airing out daily, including in winter.

The French are concerned about humidity… but without real monitoring

Humidity levels in the air at work are a widely shared concern: 90% of respondents care about it, but only 8% say it is actually tested to determine the level. Conversely, 82% say they do not have clear monitoring (31% don’t know whether tests exist and 51% say no one tests it). Yet relative humidity is a recognized parameter for comfort and health, with recommendations often around 40–60% to limit discomfort and imbalances.

What solution against colleagues’ germs?

With winter, germs are in the air. Yet the responses show strong hesitation about the right reflexes to adopt. Only a relative minority of 31% choose the most comprehensive strategy: short airing periods + an air purifier. Yet the recommendations are clear: airing and ventilation, even in winter through repeated openings of a few minutes, reduce the buildup of aerosols. HEPA filtration is also useful as a complement.

No more closed windows!

Airing at work appears largely insufficient and poorly managed: only 22% say they open windows at least once a day (7% several times, 15% once), while 54% do so less often (21% a few times a week, 14% rarely, 19% never). Above all, 24% say they do not know or do not have windows, indicating a lack of reference points and the difficulty of applying the right actions.

Stale air at work?

Who has never experienced stuffy air at work? 78% of French people report it (31% often and 47% sometimes). Indoor air quality remains poorly managed and poorly understood: when the air feels stuffy, many don’t know which levers to use (ventilation, short and regular airing periods, filtration). Yet CO₂ is a useful marker of insufficiently renewed air, and simple actions (airing/ventilating) reduce the buildup of pollutants and aerosols.

Poor management in case of illness

When a colleague has a cough or cold, the situation remains largely poorly managed: 43% say they come to work sick compared with only 25% who stay at home. Presenteeism culture is still too prevalent in France—Dares notes that more than one in four sick days (27%) results in being present at work. These results argue for operational guidelines in companies (remote work if possible, return with a mask if symptomatic, reinforced airing/ventilation).

What do the French really do when faced with a sick colleague?

Since Covid, some reflexes have become part of collective habits. When faced with a sick colleague, the most cited actions are hand hygiene/disinfection (53%) and distancing (41%). However, the most structuring measures in enclosed environments are much less adopted: increased airing (27%) and wearing a mask (18%). More concerning: 37% of French people cite inaction responses (not changing their attitude at 25%, or doing nothing at all at 12%).

8 out of 10 French people want action from companies and public places

The French express very strong expectations of companies and public places: 83% believe more needs to be done to guarantee exemplary air quality, including 56% who believe that “everything remains to be done.” This demand also reflects a lack of reference points: some employees don’t know how air quality is measured or managed, even though authorities recommend simple, effective actions such as regular airing and monitoring indicators (e.g., CO₂).

“The results of this survey show a dangerous reflex: people often prioritize being nice and warm at the expense of healthy air. Yet in winter, we do not always have the reflex to open windows as much as we should. This is where air purification systems become essential: they effectively complement airing and help sustainably reduce the load of particles and aerosols in workspaces, without sacrificing comfort. We are continually confronted with companies that underestimate the need to improve and manage their employees’ air quality. This awareness is nevertheless vital.”

Thibaut SAMSEL CEO and founder of OberA