By Mackenna Moralez, Associate Editor

The COVID-19 pandemic and rampant wildfires have changed the way we live our lives. Phones send out air quality alerts and seasonal colds are taken a little more seriously. What was once just a weird smell now gets inspected immediately. People care more about the rooms they occupy and how these spaces impact their overall health.   

According to the 2025 GPS Air Indoor Air Perception Report, 66 percent of Americans are more cautious about indoor air quality since the pandemic, while 70 percent said that wildfires, pollution and other recent events have made them more aware of what they’re breathing. People want to trust that they’re breathing clean air. The study found that 65 percent of respondents believe that businesses should publicly display air scores. In addition, 78 percent said that visible clean air efforts would make them more comfortable in spaces like airports or offices. 

Even though many Americans have growing concerns over indoor air quality, most don’t necessarily understand how it is managed. Instead, forming opinions on where they do and don’t feel safe. According to the report, 56 percent of respondents said that they trust the air in their own homes more than in shared spaces like offices. Only 9 percent of respondents believe that public spaces have better systems. 

Related Content: 3 Key Factors to Maintaining IAQ in Healthcare Facilities

This is especially concerning as corporate officials continue to push return-to-office policies. According to the report, 40 percent of respondents believe that businesses are doing the bare minimum required by law to maintain indoor air quality. Only 24 percent said believe that businesses are actively filtering and monitoring air, while 12 percent suspect companies only take action when someone complains. 

The youngest generations of workers are taking their health the most seriously. According to the 2025 International Day of Clean Air Survey, 68 percent of millennials and Gen Zers are concerned about the long-term effects of poor indoor air quality – more than double the rate of older workers, with only 28 percent being concerned. Upwards of 40 percent of respondents of all generations said that they would consider leaving their current employer due to poor indoor air quality. Still, Gen Z and millennials are the most likely to leave, with 50 percent and 40 percent respectively, compared to 34 percent of Gen Xers. 

According to the report, all generations believe that clean indoor air quality enhances their work performance. However, only 61 percent believe that their employers are taking steps to ensure quality. Most respondents (78 percent) said that they believe it’s important that employers are transparent about air quality within the building. When asked, respondents said the following would increase their confidence in their workplace’s indoor air quality: 

• Install air purification units (49 percent) 
• Update HVAC System (45 percent) 
• Visible use of IAQ Monitors (36 percent) 
• Access to real-time IAQ Data (36 percent) 

The most preferred means of sharing clear air data is through periodic communication (36 percent), digital dashboard in public area of the office (27 percent) or displayed in each room (26 percent). In the meantime, Gen Z and millennial respondents have taken into improving air quality in their own hands. According to the report, 59 percent of young workers will bring in their own air purifier, open a window or add plants as necessary. 

Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor of the facilities market and the host of the Facilities in Focus podcast.