Workplace hygiene is an essential part of cultivating a healthy and productive workforce. In addition to decreasing the number of sick leaves employees take, a clean and sanitary workplace also improves productivity and employee morale, increases air quality, and maintains a positive and professional business image.
With approximately 25-30% of time spent at offices, maintaining hygiene in the workplace becomes even more important. To take full advantage of the benefits that come with a clean workplace, both employers and employees have to take steps maintaining a sanitary working environment. While individual workplaces have different requirements, the following are general guidelines that work for every industry.
Create and Implement a Hygiene Policy
A clear, written hygiene policy can be extremely helpful when trying to maintain a hygienic and sanitary work environment. Not only does this make expectations and requirements clear, but it also communicates the importance of workplace hygiene to your employees.
Provide Ample Sanitation Supplies
In order for staff to follow proper procedures, they must be equipped with the tools to do so. Employers must provide tissues, soap, hand sanitizers, antibacterial wipes, and more. Members of the staff are more likely to use these supplies if they’re readily available. In addition to providing these in key communal areas like break rooms and bathrooms, they should also be available at the entrance and exit points.
Promote and Reinforce Hygiene
Training staff and providing communication on the importance of workplace hygiene will make employees more likely to follow guidelines. In addition to being educated, employees should be taught how to maintain proper hygiene and the measures that they can take to prevent the spread of illnesses. Signing that reinforces common practices such as handwashing and respiratory hygiene can be immensely helpful when placed in common areas such as bathroom and break rooms. Posters on thorough handwashing and proper cleaning techniques can also be placed in restrooms and kitchenettes.
Allocate Sick Leaves
In order to prevent illnesses from spreading, employers should be flexible and either allocate sick leaves or allow employees to work from home if they’re ill. If not, they can put other employees at risk and spread germs throughout the office space.
Invest in Regular Disinfection and Cleaning
Not cleaning the workplace regularly doesn’t just directly harm workers. In addition to causing illnesses, it can also weaken people’s immune systems over time. Keyboards, door handles, and other commonly touched surfaces are breeding grounds for bacteria and must be disinfected daily. This is especially true for communal spaces, which need to be cleaned frequently, sometimes multiple times a day. In addition to curbing the spread of infection, this maintains a professional image and a sense of morale.
This is where commercial cleaning and janitorial services come in. Businesses are busy focusing on the big picture, including sales and growth. They may not have time to train in-house professionals or the ability to ensure cleaning on a regular basis. A commercial cleaning company like DS Cleaning makes this both easy and affordable. We are experts at cleaning offices, banks, schools, hotels, and othe commercial sites. To take advantage of all the advantages that come with a clean workplace, call us at 772-750-4002 or email us here, and we’ll get back to you ASAP!