{"id":145810,"date":"2026-01-20T15:01:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T13:01:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/our-advice\/do-the-french-breathe-healthy-air-at-work-in-winter\/"},"modified":"2026-04-22T14:40:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T12:40:34","slug":"do-the-french-breathe-healthy-air-at-work-in-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/en\/press\/do-the-french-breathe-healthy-air-at-work-in-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"Do the French breathe healthy air at work in winter?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n
\n 78%<\/span>\n have already experienced stuffy air at their workplace in winter<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 83%<\/span>\n believe companies need to do more for air quality<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 4,102<\/span>\n people surveyed in France \u2014 representative survey<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n\n \n
\n Press release<\/span>\n January 20, 2026<\/span>\n <\/div>\n

Do the French breathe healthy air at work in winter? <\/h1>\n\n \n

OberA reveals the results of a new survey* conducted among 4,102 people<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n\n \n

Workplaces with poorly regulated temperatures?<\/h2>\n\n

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\u00b0C, and this range is preferred by only 41%<\/strong>. Some prefer more restrained settings at 19\u00b0C or below (21%), a level close to the energy-saving guidelines reiterated in public communications.<\/p>\n\n

\n
In winter, what temperature do you like to have at your workplace?<\/div>\n \n \n
Temperature<\/th>Result<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n
17\u00b0C<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>2 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
18\u00b0C<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>11 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
19\u00b0C<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>19 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
20\u00b0C<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>21 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
21\u00b0C<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>18 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
22\u00b0C<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>12 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
23\u00b0C<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>11 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
Over 24\u00b0C<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>5 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
I don\u2019t know<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>1 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

The French prefer warmth over renewed air<\/h2>\n\n
\n 48 %<\/span>\n
\n prefer being nice and warm even if the air is not renewed much<\/strong>\n

Compared with 41% who prioritize regularly renewed air, even if it means putting up with a cooler environment.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n\n

\n
Given the choice, what do you prefer:<\/div>\n \n \n
Answer<\/th>Result<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n
Being nice and warm even if the air is not renewed much<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>48 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
A slightly cooler environment but regularly renewed air<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>41 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
I don\u2019t know \/ it depends<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>11 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

The French are concerned about humidity\u2026 but without real monitoring<\/h2>\n\n
\n
\n 90%<\/span><\/span>\n care about humidity levels in the air at work<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 8%<\/span><\/span>\n only say it is actually tested<\/strong> in their company<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

Humidity levels in the air at work are a widely shared concern: 90% of respondents care about it<\/strong>, but only 8% say it is actually tested to determine the level. Conversely, 82% say they do not have clear monitoring<\/strong> (31% don\u2019t 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\u201360% to limit discomfort and imbalances. <\/p>\n\n

\n
Do you care about the humidity in the air at your workplace?<\/div>\n \n \n
Answer<\/th>Result<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n
Yes, it is tested to determine the level<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>8 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
Yes, but I don\u2019t know whether it is tested<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>31 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
Yes, but no one tests it<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>51 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
No, it does not concern me<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>10 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

What solution against colleagues\u2019 germs?<\/h2>\n\n
\n 31 %<\/span>\n
\n choose the most comprehensive strategy: short airing periods + an air purifier<\/strong>\n

The other 50% are split between a single action\u2014window (21%) or purifier alone (29%)\u2014and 19% don\u2019t know or do nothing.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n

\n
To reduce risks linked to respiratory germs in the air (aerosols), the best response is, in your opinion:<\/div>\n \n \n
Answer<\/th>Result<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n
Carry out short, regular airing periods and use an air purifier<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>31 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
Use an air purifier (HEPA-type, activated carbon, saturation, regenerable)<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>29 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
Open the window even if the outside air is very cold and possibly polluted<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>21 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
I don\u2019t know<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>11 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
Do nothing at all<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>8 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

No more closed windows!<\/h2>\n\n
\n
\n 22%<\/span><\/span>\n only open windows at least once a day in winter<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 54%<\/span><\/span>\n do so less often\u2014including 19% never<\/strong><\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

Airing at work appears largely insufficient and poorly managed: only 22% say they open windows at least once a day<\/strong> (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<\/strong>, indicating a lack of reference points and the difficulty of applying the right actions. <\/p>\n\n

\n
How often are windows opened in winter in your workspace?<\/div>\n \n \n
Frequency<\/th>Result<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n
Several times a day<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>7 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
Once a day<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>15 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
A few times a week<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>21 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
Rarely<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>14 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
Never<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>19 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
I don\u2019t know \/ no windows<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>24 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

Stale air at work?<\/h2>\n\n
\n 78 %<\/span>\n
\n of French people have already experienced stuffy air at their workplace in winter<\/strong>\n

31% often and 47% sometimes\u2014compared with only 17% who don\u2019t notice anything (14% rarely, 3% never).<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

Who has never experienced stuffy air at work? 78% of French people report it<\/strong> (31% often and 47% sometimes). Indoor air quality remains poorly managed and poorly understood: when the air feels stuffy, many don\u2019t know which levers to use (ventilation, short and regular airing periods, filtration). Yet CO\u2082 is a useful marker of insufficiently renewed air, and simple actions (airing\/ventilating) reduce the buildup of pollutants and aerosols. <\/p>\n\n

\n
Have you ever felt that the air is stuffy at work in winter?<\/div>\n \n \n
Answer<\/th>Result<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n
Yes, often<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>31 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
Yes, sometimes<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>47 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
No, rarely<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>14 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
No, never<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>3 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
I don\u2019t know<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>5 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

Poor management in case of illness<\/h2>\n\n
\n
\n 43%<\/span><\/span>\n say they come to work sick despite a cough or cold<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 25%<\/span><\/span>\n only stay at home when they are ill<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

When a colleague has a cough or cold, the situation remains largely poorly managed: 43% say they come to work sick<\/strong> compared with only 25% who stay at home. Presenteeism culture is still too prevalent in France\u2014Dares 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). <\/p>\n\n

\n
When a colleague is sick (cough\/cold), what happens most often?<\/div>\n \n \n
Answer<\/th>Result<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n
He\/she comes anyway (out of obligation)<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>43 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
It depends on the teams \/ periods<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>29 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
He\/she stays at home<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>25 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
I don\u2019t know<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>3 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

What do the French really do when faced with a sick colleague?<\/h2>\n\n

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%)<\/strong> 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<\/strong> (not changing their attitude at 25%, or doing nothing at all at 12%). <\/p>\n\n

\n
When a colleague is sick (cough\/cold), what do you do most often? (max. 3 choices) <\/div>\n \n \n
Action<\/th>Result<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n
I wash\/disinfect my hands more often and disinfect my workstation<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>53 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
I keep my distance and limit face-to-face interactions<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>41 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
I air out more (I open the window when possible)<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>27 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
I change nothing \/ I deal with it<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>25 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
I wear a mask (at least in meetings\/nearby)<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>18 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
I avoid in-person meetings \/ I request a video call<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>18 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
I ask the colleague to go home \/ work remotely (if possible)<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>16 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
I ask to go home to work remotely (if possible)<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>12 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
I do nothing at all<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>12 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
I report it to a manager\/HR (if the situation is a problem)<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>6 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
Other<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>3 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n <\/div>\n\n \n

8 out of 10 French people want action from companies and public places<\/h2>\n\n
\n 83 %<\/span>\n
\n believe more needs to be done to guarantee exemplary air quality in companies and public places<\/strong>\n

Including 56% who believe that \u201ceverything remains to be done\u201d\u2014a demand that contrasts with still uneven practices on the ground.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

The French express very strong expectations of companies and public places: 83% believe more needs to be done to guarantee exemplary air quality<\/strong>, including 56% who believe that \u201ceverything remains to be done.\u201d This demand also reflects a lack of reference points: some employees don\u2019t know how air quality is measured or managed, even though authorities recommend simple, effective actions such as regular airing and monitoring indicators (e.g., CO\u2082). <\/p>\n\n

\n
Do you think companies and all public places should make more efforts to ensure exemplary air quality?<\/div>\n \n \n
Answer<\/th>Result<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n
Yes, absolutely\u2014everything remains to be done<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>56 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
Yes, but they are already doing a lot<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>27 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
No, it is not their role<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>11 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n
I don\u2019t know \/ no opinion<\/td>
<\/div><\/div>6 %<\/span><\/div><\/td><\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n <\/div>\n\n
<\/div>\n\n \n
\n

\u201cThe 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\u2019 air quality. This awareness is nevertheless vital.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n Thibaut SAMSEL<\/span>\n CEO and founder of OberA<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/blockquote>\n\n \n

\n

* Methodology<\/h2>\n

Survey conducted with a representative sample of 4,102 people<\/strong> living in France, aged 18 and over. Online survey carried out in January 2026 via the BuzzPress respondent panel (27,700 people surveyed electronically by email and on the Facebook and LinkedIn social networks). <\/p>\n

Responses compiled and weighted according to pre-established quotas to ensure the sample\u2019s representativeness, based on administrative data and data collected by INSEE.<\/p>\n

Company profiles:<\/strong> Consumer services (27%) \u00b7 Business services (24%) \u00b7 Public\/semi-public sector (18%) \u00b7 Industry\/production (16%) \u00b7 Construction\/BTP (8%) \u00b7 Transport\/logistics (6%)<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

They talked about us!<\/h2>\n\n
\n
\n
\"Doctissimo
View article<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"BFM
View article<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"La
View article<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"Corse-Matin<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"Demotivateur
View article<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\n
\"MSN
View article<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"Orange
View article<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"Maxi
View article<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"Écho
View article<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

And more…<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

OberA reveals the results of a new survey* conducted among 4,102 people, which 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. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"Study on workplace air quality in winter - OberA","_seopress_titles_desc":"OberA reveals the results of a new survey of 4,102 people, highlighting a gap between thermal comfort and workplace air quality.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1003],"tags":[18],"class_list":["post-145810","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-press","tag-entete-small","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/145810","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=145810"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/145810\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":154319,"href":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/145810\/revisions\/154319"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=145810"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=145810"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/obera.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=145810"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}