Draft-free ventilation has a measurably positive impact on productivity in open-plan offices. When employees are not constantly battling drafts, temperature fluctuations, or poor air quality, they can concentrate better and experience fatigue more slowly. The following sections explore why this is the case and what technical and regulatory conditions play a role.

Why does drafty air impair concentration in the office?

Drafts impair concentration because they put the body into a constant state of regulation. As soon as a current of air hits the skin or the back of the neck, the autonomic nervous system responds with muscle tension and heightened attention to body temperature. This unconscious distraction consumes cognitive resources that are then unavailable for the actual work task.

Drafts are particularly problematic in open-plan offices, where many people are affected simultaneously. Conventional ventilation outlets made of sheet metal or plastic frequently generate high-velocity airflows at specific points in the room. Anyone sitting near such an outlet perceives the draft as disruptive, sometimes even physically uncomfortable. Neck pain, muscle tension, and increased susceptibility to colds are common consequences that can lead to higher absenteeism over time.

There is also a psychological factor: employees who feel physically uncomfortable are less motivated and more sensitive to stress. Indoor climate is therefore not purely a technical issue, but a direct influencing factor on well-being and work performance.

What effect does poor indoor climate have on work performance?

Poor indoor climate noticeably reduces work performance in open-plan offices. Temperatures that are too high or too low, insufficient air quality, and uneven air distribution lead to faster fatigue, more frequent errors, and declining motivation. The effects are not limited to individual people but affect the entire space.

Specifically, the following correlations can be observed:

• Temperature: Even minor deviations from the optimal range of 20 to 22 degrees Celsius can increase the error rate in cognitive tasks.
• CO2 concentration: In poorly ventilated rooms, CO2 levels rise quickly. This leads to fatigue, headaches, and reduced decision-making ability.
• Humidity: Air that is too dry irritates mucous membranes and eyes, which is particularly burdensome during screen-based work.
• Uneven air distribution: When individual areas of the office receive an inadequate supply of fresh air, thermal pockets form that significantly impair the well-being of certain employees.

Office climate and productivity are therefore directly linked. Uniform, draft-free air distribution in the office is not a matter of comfort but an economic decision.

How does draft-free ventilation work technically in open-plan offices?

Draft-free ventilation in open-plan offices works by distributing supply air across a large area at very low discharge velocities. Instead of blowing air into the room at a single point with high momentum, it exits evenly over a large surface. This prevents perceptible air movement in the area where employees are present.

The principle is best explained using textile air ducts: the permeable textile material allows air to exit evenly along the entire length of the duct. The discharge velocity is so low that no perceptible drafts occur. At the same time, the entire room is uniformly supplied with conditioned air, without cold or warm air pockets forming.

Compared to conventional sheet metal duct systems with point outlets, this technology offers several advantages:

• Uniform temperature distribution across the entire room area
• No disruptive airflows in the seating and working area
• Lower noise levels due to low flow velocities
• Easy integration into existing room designs through flexible shaping

Textile ventilation systems can also be used for both cooling and heating, making them a year-round solution for open-plan offices.

Which indoor climate parameters are normatively prescribed for offices?

In Germany, clear regulatory requirements apply to indoor climate in offices. The most important reference documents are DIN EN 16798 and the workplace guideline ASR A3.6. They define minimum requirements for air volume, temperature, air velocity, and air quality that employers must comply with.

The key parameters at a glance:

• Room temperature: A maximum of 26 degrees Celsius in summer and a minimum of 20 degrees Celsius in winter at office workstations.
• Air velocity: In the occupied zone, air velocity should not exceed 0.15 m/s in order to avoid drafts.
• Outdoor air volume flow: A minimum of 20 to 40 cubic meters of outdoor air per person per hour is recommended, depending on the room category.
• Relative humidity: The recommended range is between 40 and 60 percent for office workstations.

The requirement regarding air velocity in particular makes clear why draft-free ventilation is not an optional extra but a normative requirement. Conventional systems frequently exceed this limit value near outlets. Textile ventilation systems are constructively designed to permanently comply with this value.

When does it make sense to switch to textile ventilation systems in the office?

Switching to textile ventilation systems is particularly worthwhile when existing systems cause draft complaints, when offices are being renovated or redesigned, or when new climate technology is to be installed. Even in new builds, the textile option is economically attractive from the outset.

Specific situations in which a switch makes sense:

• Employees regularly complain about drafts, neck pain, or uneven temperatures.
• The existing ventilation system is outdated and needs to be replaced anyway.
• An office renovation provides the opportunity to redesign the ventilation infrastructure.
• The company is pursuing sustainability goals and is looking for certified, resource-efficient solutions.

Another factor is cost-effectiveness: textile air distribution systems can save up to 60 percent on material and installation costs compared to conventional sheet metal systems. Added to this are lower maintenance requirements and a long service life. The applications for textile ventilation extend far beyond the traditional office environment.

How Kienzler Klima helps with draft-free ventilation in open-plan offices

At Kienzler Klima, we develop and manufacture textile ventilation systems specifically designed for the requirements of open-plan offices. With more than 30 years of experience in air and climate technology and a complete value chain at our location in the Allgäu region, we offer solutions that meet regulatory requirements while also improving employee well-being.

What sets our office solutions apart:

• Draft-free air distribution through permeable textile materials with uniform discharge along the entire duct length
• Individual planning for every floor plan and room geometry with an average production time of just 14 days
• Cradle-to-Cradle certification for companies with sustainability goals
• Permanent fire protection, chemically anchored in the yarn and non-washable
• Made in Germany with short delivery routes and a direct point of contact

Whether new construction, renovation, or targeted improvement of office climate: we support you from the initial consultation through to completed installation. Contact us and find out how draft-free ventilation can improve your everyday working life.