When people think of health and hygiene, they might think of keeping themselves clean and avoiding germs. But, there are other ways to maintain good health in the office. Hygiene in the office, just like effective corporate facilities management, is important because it can help people feel better and work more productively. Not only does good hygiene keep you and your co-workers healthy, but it also helps to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. In fact, poor hygiene and ineffective corporate cleaning services are often a precursor to workplace accidents.
Why is good health and hygiene at work so important?
There is a reason why many people joke that working in an office is like being in a petri dish – it’s because offices can be breeding grounds for germs. As the world begins to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and offices slowly start to be used more regularly once again, it’s more important than ever to make sure your office is as hygienic as possible. In the UK, there are numerous laws and regulations in place governing office hygiene. Employers have a responsibility to ensure that their workers are safe and healthy. This includes providing a clean and sanitary work environment by promoting good hygiene.
Here are some reasons why hygiene in the office is so important:
- It can help prevent workers from the spread of infection. If everyone in your office keeps their desk clean and follows basic hygiene practices such as washing their hands regularly, it will help to prevent the spread of germs and infections.
- It can improve your productivity. A cluttered, dirty desk can be distracting and make it difficult to focus on your work. Keeping your desk clean and tidy can help you to stay focused and productive.
- It can help you stay healthy. A clean office is a healthy office – it’s that simple! Maintaining a clean workplace can help protect you from common office illnesses, such as colds and flu.
- It reduces the number of sick days.
The impact of poor personal hygiene at work
Many people in the UK believe that poor personal hygiene at work is a thing of the past but it is actually at the forefront of corporate security. However, a recent study conducted by the University of Westminster has shown that this is not the case. The study found that more than 60% of workers do not regularly wash their hands, and one-third do not always clean their desks.
These findings are particularly concerning given that poor hygiene can lead to the spread of bacteria and viruses, which can cause illness. In fact, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has estimated that workplace hygiene contributes to around 5 million cases of sickness each year in the UK. Recently had a bad spell of sickness in your office? Why not consider our office deep cleaning service?
There are many ways for employers to improve poor personal hygiene at work. One simple step is to ensure that all workers are provided with soap and water, and that adequate cleaning supplies are available.
Personal hygiene tips in the workplace
There’s no doubt that a healthy workplace is better for both employees and employers. But with tight budgets and ever-growing demands, it can be difficult to make necessary improvements. Here are some personal hygiene tips in the workplace that can make your office healthier:
Clean desk policy hygiene
A clean desk and office are not only more aesthetically pleasing, but they promote better personal hygiene. When you work in a cluttered environment, it’s easy for dirt and dust to accumulate, which can lead to respiratory problems. It’s also important to regularly clean your computer keyboard and mouse, as they are breeding grounds for bacteria. A simple way to keep your desk clean is to sweep or vacuum it every day, and wipe it down with a disinfectant once a week. Implementing a clean desk policy hygiene system will help to improve the cleanliness of your office overall.
Remove clutter
Clutter not only makes it difficult to clean a workplace, but it also has a detrimental impact on employees’ moods and thought processes. As a result, enforcing a “clean desk” policy, which states that only items currently in use may be present on a desk, is a good idea. Employees should be able to declutter on a regular basis if they have the time and resources.
Use of alcohol disinfecting wipes is required
At least once a day, clean and sanitise phones, keyboards, tablets, and anything else that comes into regular touch with hands. Give each employee a pack of alcohol wipes and remind them to use them at the end of each workday to promote good personal hygiene in the workplace.
Use hand sanitiser
Install hand-washing stations at your office’s entrances and exits, and make sure everyone uses them. This would minimise the spread of harmful microorganisms and provide staff peace of mind as well as increasing practice of personal hygiene in the workplace.
Share the cleaning responsibility
If you just outsource all cleaning responsibilities in your office to professional cleaners, your working environment may quickly become unpleasant. Make a list of essential cleaning responsibilities — such as cleaning kitchens, office equipment, and upholstery — and assign them among co-workers equally.
Discard of boxes and packaging immediately
While you can put regular trash out until the end of the day, or take care of it with waste management services, it’s critical to get rid of boxes and wrapping right away. Large pieces of cardboard, tape, and plastic are not only a tripping danger, but they can also cause a fire. When a delivery arrives at your business, it should be opened right away, and the wrapping should be discarded properly.
Eat lunch away from desk
You’ve probably heard that it’s important to take a break from your work during the day. When you eat at your desk, you not only put yourself at risk for bad personal hygiene in the workplace, but you also may not be getting the most out of your break. Designate dining areas in your office if possible. If there is no other choice than to allow employees to eat at their desks, make sure they are held responsible for cleaning up after themselves.
Promoting hygiene in the office is important for both the employees’ and the business’s sake. By following these simple tips, office workers can help keep themselves and their co-workers healthy and productive. A clean office is not only more pleasant to work in, but it can also improve productivity and reduce the number of sick days taken by employees. We’d recommend investing in a professional cleaning company to ensure your office is clean and free of harmful bacteria, viruses and other contaminants.
