Scientists from Singapore found that the air quality in offices can affect our creativity at work.
They collaborated with air filter manufacturer Camfil, studying the impact of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by products such as detergents and paints.
Let's find out what they've discovered.
An unusual experiment
High VOC levels affected participants' creativity in a LEGO building task.
Reducing total VOCs by 72% could increase creative potential by 12%, according to statistical analysis.
TVOC, an indicator of VOC volume in the air from sources like paints and household products, plays a key role.
The study highlights how indoor air quality affects creative thinking. Simple office adjustments, like minimizing aroma diffusers or ensuring good ventilation, can enhance employee well-being and productivity.
Aligned with NTU 2025, the university's strategic plan, the research with Camfil explores how indoor air quality impacts cognitive performance.
The findings underscore the importance of gender diversity efforts focusing on professions not requiring a college degree, particularly at lower education levels.
This research unveils the connection between indoor air quality and cognitive performance, using a LEGO-based method to assess creativity.
It's useful to know
Reducing TVOC levels by 72% may lead to a 12% boost in creative potential, underscoring the influence of air quality on creativity.
The study prompts additional research to explore how indoor air pollutants impact cognitive processes, with a focus on measuring participants' brain activity.
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