Maintaining proper workplace hygiene is important not only for the health and safety of your employees but also for the productivity of the entire team. Poor hygiene can lead to the spread of illnesses and an unpleasant work environment. Luckily many common workplace hygiene mistakes can be easily avoided with a few simple steps.
How Can You Improve Hand Hygiene in the Workplace?
One of the biggest hygiene mistakes in the workplace is the practice of proper hand hygiene. Most germs are spread from your hands, making hand washing the first line of defence against illness.
- Ensure your workplace is well-stocked with hand sanitisers and soap in key areas. This includes bathrooms, break rooms and entry points.
- Encourage employees to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Place signs to remind employees of the importances of regular handwashing.
At Galleon Supplies, you can find a variety of hand soaps, hand sanitisers and dispensers to promote good hygiene.
What is the Best Way to Dispose of Waste in the Office?
If you don’t dispose of waste correctly, it can lead to unpleasant odours, pests and the spread of germs. Overflowing bins and unsealed bin liners can create an unhygienic environment.
- Set up clearly marked waste bins throughout your office. This includes in high-traffic areas such as the kitchen and break room.
- Make sure bins are emptied regularly. Make sure employees properly dispose of their waste such as food wrappers.
- Use liners in bins to avoid spills and make the cleaning process easier.
Discover Galleon Supplies range of bin bags and keep your office tidy.
How Often Should Office Bathrooms be Cleaned?
Bathrooms are one of the most important areas when it comes to hygiene. However they are often overlooked and not cleaned regularly. This can result in bacteria building up, unpleasant odours and general discomfort for your employees.
- Clean bathrooms regularly with cleaning products to prevent the spread of germs and maintain a fresh environment.
- Keep bathrooms fully stocked with essentials such as toilet paper and soap.
- Make sure the bathrooms are disinfected daily to help reduce contamination.
Galleon Supplies offer a wide range of cleaning supplies which can help keep your office bathrooms clean and germ free.
Why is it Important to Disinfect Common Surfaces at Work?
Workplaces are full of shared surfaces and equipment, from desks and door knobs to keyboards and printers. These surfaces can become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, especially if they are touched by multiple people.
- Develop a cleaning schedule which includes disinfecting shared surfaces throughout the day. High-touch areas such as light switches and door handles should be cleaned several times a day.
- Encourage employees to wipe down their desk and keyboards regularly with disinfectant wipes. This is important, especially if you eat at your desk.
- Provide cleaning supplies such as disinfectant sprays and wipes in communal areas for easy access.
Galleon Supplies provide a variety of essential cleaning supplies to help you maintain a germ-free workspace.
How Do You Maintain a Clean Office Kitchen or Break Room?
The office kitchen and break room are spaces employees come together to prepare and eat food. These areas can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and germs if it isn’t kept clean.
- Establish clear rules for kitchen cleanliness, such as cleaning up spills immediately, not leaving dirty dishes in the sink and properly storing food in the fridge.
- Make sure your fridge is cleaned out regularly to prevent mould growth and bad odours. Leftover food should be discarded by the end of the week.
- Stock the kitchen with paper towels and cleaning sprays to encourage regular cleaning.
Browse Galleon Supplies range of kitchen cleaning products to keep your kitchen space clean and hygienic.
What Should a Workplace Cleaning Schedule Include?
A common mistake in maintaining workplace hygiene is not having a consistent cleaning schedule. Irregular cleaning can lead to the build up of dirt, dust and bacteria, creating a health hazard for employees.
- Establish a cleaning schedule which outlines daily, weekly and monthly cleaning tasks. Daily tasks should include emptying bins, cleaning bathrooms and wiping down surfaces. Weekly tasks might include deep cleaning floors and sanitising shared equipment.
- Assign a designated person or team to oversee cleaning and ensure tasks are completed.
- Keep track of cleaning supplies and reorder them as necessary to avoid running out of essentials such as disinfectant wipes, soap and hand towels.
With Galleon Supplies, you can easily stock up on all the cleaning supplies you need to maintain a hygienic workplace.
How Can You Raise Hygiene Awareness Among Employees?
Even with the best supplies and cleaning products in place, poor personal hygiene can lead to an unhygienic work environment. Some employees may not be aware of the impact their personal habits have on the workplace.
- Provide hygiene information to your staff on the importance of handwashing, personal hygiene and keeping shared spaces tidy.
- Offer reminders about covering sneezes, coughs and your policy for when they are unwell.
- Encourage a culture of cleanliness and respect for communal spaces. You should ensure everyone understands their role in maintaining a hygienic workplace.
Providing access to tissues, hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes from Galleon Supplies can encourage good hygiene practices.
Keep a Hygienic Workspace with Galleon Supplies
Maintaining a hygienic workplace is essential for the health, safety and well-being of your employees. By avoiding these common workplace hygiene mistakes, you can create a cleaner, more productive and more enjoyable workplace.
From hand sanitiser to cleaning products, Galleon Supplies offer a wide range of hygiene essentials which can help you stay on top of your workplace hygiene. Explore our range and ensure your office is always clean and germ free.
