It’s common to think about how to work smarter and increase productivity - from a morning cup of coffee to detailed to-do lists, most of us reach for quick fixes when trying to perform better at work. Yet one of the most overlooked and surprisingly powerful productivity boosters is the air we breathe: when CO₂ levels climb to 1000 ppm, cognitive performance can drop by as much as 23%.
That’s why our products include an ABCD climate class panel, a practical tool we’ve developed to help evaluate office conditions. These classes are based on a 2024 study published in Agronomy Research, which examined how factors like temperature, humidity, ventilation, and CO₂ concentration shape productivity and well-being in office spaces. By turning current research into a simple visual guide, we make it easier to understand how the air you breathe at work can either support your performance, or quietly hold it back.
Study Introduction
One of the strongest points raised in the review is that indoor air quality goes far beyond comfort - it directly determines how sharp, focused, and efficient employees can be throughout the day. The research, conducted at Riga Stradins University, included a pilot case study where cognitive performance was examined using three different tests. Among the parameters studied, CO₂ concentration stood out as the most influential factor, with elevated levels consistently linked to reduced cognitive abilities and lower productivity. At the same time, building owners and landlords also benefit, as a healthy indoor climate is becoming an increasingly important factor for companies when choosing office spaces to rent. For business owners, this means that improving air quality is not just a matter of comfort, but a smart investment in employee efficiency and long-term success.
Temperature: the hidden driver of performance
Even small changes in temperature can have a significant impact on productivity, according to research. This study confirms an inverted U-shaped relationship between thermal conditions and performance, meaning productivity peaks at an optimal temperature and drops off on either side. Maximum efficiency occurs at 22-24°C, where cognitive function and mental alertness are at their best. Go above 25°C, and efficiency can fall by about 2% for every additional degree, with sharp declines in concentration beyond 30°C. Colder isn’t always better either, performance suffers at 17-18°C just as much as it does at 28°C. Sensitivity to temperature also differs by gender, with men showing stronger discomfort in warmer conditions, while women feel the cold more intensely. Ensuring ideal thermal conditions allows the brain to operate at its full potential.
Why CO₂ is the ultimate productivity thief
The brain makes up only 2% of body weight but consumes 20% of our oxygen, meaning even small changes in air quality strongly affect concentration, memory, and decision-making. Just as the brain is sensitive to oxygen, it also reacts sharply to CO₂. In Latvia, public buildings are recommended to keep CO₂ below 1000 ppm, yet offices and meeting rooms can reach 1900 ppm during long meetings. Studies show that at 1000 ppm, cognitive performance drops by 11-23%, and at 2500 ppm, by 44-94%. These findings highlight that good ventilation and air quality are essential for keeping employees sharp, alert, and productive.
Too Dry, Too Damp, Too Distracted
Keeping indoor humidity between 40-60% is key for focus, comfort, and productivity. Proper humidity protects the eyes, reduces fatigue, and helps people work more accurately. Reading accuracy peaks at 40%, while very low or very high levels (above 70%) in combination with warmer temperatures can cause overheating, dehydration, and mental lapses. Even in manufacturing, moderate humidity boosts output, showing its effect on efficiency. European office surveys found nearly half of employees suffer from dry air, proving that controlling humidity isn’t just about comfort, it’s a simple way to protect health and help everyone perform at their best.
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Key takeaway from research: monitor CO₂ first
Studies confirm that temperature, humidity, ventilation, and CO₂ all shape productivity, but CO₂ has the most powerful effect. When levels hit 1000 ppm, cognitive performance can drop by 23%, and at 2500 ppm, by an astonishing 94%. For comparison, increasing ventilation rates only boosts productivity by about 2.4%. NASA knows this well - astronauts, for example, train and work in spacecraft where air quality is treated as mission-critical, because even small lapses could impair decision-making. The same principle applies to offices on Earth: controlling CO₂ may be the most practical way to protect focus, health, and long-term productivity.
ABCD climate classes: science meets comfort
Based on the values highlighted in this research, we determined comfort classes for office environments to optimize both well-being and productivity. To make this practical, we have adjusted our ABCD climate class panel to align with scientific data, reflecting key parameters such as temperature, humidity, ventilation, and CO₂ levels. This specific research has been a crucial part of developing the panel, ensuring that the classifications are precise and grounded in real-world, evidence-based findings. By using these evidence-based classes, businesses can quickly assess and maintain ideal working conditions, keeping employees comfortable, focused, and productive.
* You can read more about the study here:
Kalkis, H., Vanadzins, I., Kaluznaja, D., et al. (2024). Changes in work environment parameters in relation to the comfort and factors influencing productivity of office workers: comprehensive literature review. Agronomy Research, 22(3), 1171–1187.
https://doi.org/10.15159/AR.24.074
