Groups say education, financial assistance needed to reassure workers wary of COVID-19

A new coalition bringing together multiple associations will push for federal policy promoting healthy workplaces and seek to raise public awareness about the issue.

The Healthy Workplaces Coalition was launched May 25 by the International WELL Building Institute and ISSA-The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, according to a joint statement. More than 40 national organizations and trade associations are coalition members.

"For the first time, many of the nation's most important building organizations and leading businesses are uniting to advocate for workplace health," IWBI CEO Rachel Hodgdon said. "This kind of collaborative advocacy will help drive the level of investment necessary to get us safely back to business now and fortify our workplaces for the future."

Businesses have struggled to meet new and evolving expectations about workplace safety since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic more than two years ago, according to the coalition. The group pointed to a recent survey finding 72% of office workers worldwide worry about air quality in their buildings.

Employers need education and financial assistance to accelerate proven safety solutions, the coalition said.

"While COVID-19 increased the public's attention to the importance of cleaning, air filtration and hand hygiene, there is now an increased focus and commitment by businesses and buildings to invest in healthy spaces," ISSA Executive Director John Barrett said.

Steering committee members include the American Institute of Architects, ASHRAE, the American Society of Interior Designers and the International Facilities Management Association.