Workplace hygiene is essential for any business to create a clean and safe environment for both employees and visitors. This applies to all companies, although many workplaces let hygiene standards slip from time to time which can have great impacts on the health of people involved in the organisation. In this article, we will talk you through why hygiene is important in the workplace, while looking at the benefits from a healthy working environment and how you can maintain this at your company.
Why is Hygiene Important in The Workplace
Hygiene in the workplace is very important as it contributes to a healthy workforce. When you have good hygiene in your work environment it leads to happier and more productive staff, which benefits your business on multiple levels. Creating a safe and hygienic place of work should be a priority to all businesses, as your employees will be less likely to become ill at work in clean and hygienic conditions. Especially in the current times, office hygiene is even more crucial as many businesses continue to operate during COVID-19. So, if you are still running during the next couple of months you should make sure that you have a clear hygiene policy in place to keep your workers, contractors, and visitors safe.
Preventing The Spread of Bacteria and Viruses
When hygiene is poor in working environments, the perfect conditions are created for the breeding of bacteria and the spread of viruses. As a company, you will want to avoid this at all costs so making sure that your business adheres to basic standards of hygiene will help to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. One of the essential hygiene measures you should have in place to prevent this is good hand washing with the use of hand sanitising systems as well as ensuring that employees wash their hands thoroughly for around 20 seconds. Having hygiene procedures like this in place will reduce that chances of bacteria and viruses being spread. Regular cleaning of facilities on your premises should also be carried out to stop the spreading of infections. Cleaning staff should pay more attention to high traffic areas such as bathrooms and kitchens as this is pivotal for a hygienic workplace.
Reducing Accidents in Your Place of Work
Not only can poor hygiene lead to the spreading of illnesses but it can also lead to more accidents from trips, slips and falls. Dirty and slippery floors can leave your work areas as a hazard to employees, which can lead to unnecessary accidents. If your workplace is cleaned on a regular basis this can be prevented as there will be a much lower risk associated with clean and tidy work areas. Another important aspect to look at to avoid an accident is ensuring that you have proper mats placed in any areas where slips, trips and falls are likely to happen. With the right mats in place, hazards will be eliminated to make your workplace a more hygienic and safer environment for your employees.
Your Employees Will Be Healthier and Happier
Your working environment can have a big influence on employee job satisfaction. If your workplace hygiene is excellent, your workers are more likely to be happy and productive which will have a positive impact throughout your business. You may think that keeping your workplace clean is a simple job, however, it is very effective as it shows to employees that their health is important to you and that you have the necessary measures in place to keep them safe. As well as benefitting employees happiness this will also positively affect their health. By implementing proper hygiene procedures at work, your staff will be much less likely to contract illnesses as the health risks at work will be vastly reduced. This will likely lower your employee absenteeism as your workers will be much healthier in a cleaner environment.
How You Can Improve Workplace Hygiene
To improve and maintain hygiene in the workplace you should follow the steps listed below:
- Implement a hygiene policy – Providing your staff with a written hygiene policy informs them of the required and expected standards of a clean workplace. This helps to communicate this to all of your staff, so hygiene is taken seriously throughout your premises.
- Provide regular cleaning – Regular cleaning prevents the spread of bacteria and viruses while also helping to maintain morale and represents a professional workplace.
- Ensure that hygiene products such as soap, sanitiser, tissues, and wipes are always stocked up – Providing your staff with these essential cleaning items will help to maintain a hygienic environment, as workers are more likely to use these products if they are readily available.
- Provide frequent cleaning in toilets/bathrooms – Toilets and bathrooms are used heavily throughout working days, so it is vital that they are frequently cleaned. You should also make sure that your washrooms are regularly stocked up with soap, toilet paper and hand towels.
Now you know how good workplace hygiene affects your work environment, you can now set your sights on improving and maintaining the cleanliness of your workplace. If you require cleaning supplies for your business browse the washroom and handwashing products such as paper towels and hand soap available here at Galleon Supplies.
