In the cold months, the humidity in offices often drops below 30 percent, which has a significant impact on the health and well-being of employees. Despite the scientifically proven effects of dry air on the skin and eyes, there are still no clear guidelines for a minimum humidity level in the workplace. The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) has summarized the current state of knowledge and guidelines in a report.

Although dry air in the office often causes dry skin and irritated eyes as well as a higher infectiousness of certain viruses, the question of an “ideal” minimum air humidity at the workplace has still not been conclusively clarified. In practice, the need for air humidification depends on the specific conditions of the workplace. When designing workplaces and indoor spaces, it is therefore important to create an optimal indoor climate that both promotes thermal comfort and reduces health risks.

The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) has summarized information and recommendations for action in baua: Fokus https://www.baua.de/DE/Angebote/Publikationen/Fokus/Luftfeuchte .