How To Improve Hygiene In The Workplace
With Covid-19 still wreaking havoc in the world, office hygiene is more important than ever. Business owners need to protect themselves, their staff, and their customers as best they can and proper workplace hygiene is essential. Here are a few tips on how to promote better hygiene and a healthier workplace.
Educate Your Staff
It is important that everyone on your staff understand the importance of proper hygiene in the workplace. They need to be aware of the severity of the situation and they need to understand that everyone plays a role in keeping each other safe.
Practice Social Distancing
Even in the workplace social distancing rules should be adhered to. Employees should not be allowed to congregate, work stations should be separated, and sharing of resources should be discouraged. The simple act of loaning a coworker a pen could be the catalyst for an outbreak.
Make Face Masks Available
Many positive cases of Covid-19 are asymptomatic. This means that many individuals are not even aware that they are carrying (and spreading) the virus. Making single-use face masks available to your staff and clients, and encouraging their use is an excellent way to limit the spread of viral agents.
Consider Daily Temperature Checks
Investing in a contactless, infrared thermometer and requiring staff to undergo a quick check for fever prior to beginning their workday can help ensure that no one enters the workplace when sick.
Make Hand Sanitizer And Sanitizing Wipes Available
There should be hand sanitizer at every workstation and employees should be encouraged to use it. In addition, you should make sanitizing wipes available to your staff and encourage them to wipe down desks, counters, door handles, etc. after every use. This is especially true for shared resources like printers, telephones, copy machines, and the like.
Schedule Daily Cleanings
Whether you prefer to set aside time at the beginning of the workday or the end, scheduling time for daily cleaning is an important step in preventing the spread of bacteria and viruses. Cleaning should include all workspaces, electronics (keyboards, mice, monitors), restrooms, breakrooms, door handles, vending machines, and other high-touch items.
Ensure That Soap Dispensers Are Restocked Daily
One of the most effective ways to stop the spread of viruses is simply washing your hands. Soap dispensers in restrooms, breakrooms, and kitchen areas should be restocked daily to ensure that your employees and customers have access to soap for handwashing.
Leave Interior Doors Open
Door handles are one of the most touched items in the workplace. You can help limit the number of times that these items are touched by simply leaving interior doors open. If possible, consider leaving the exterior entrance and exit doors open as well.
Encourage Those Who Feel Ill To Stay at Home
If a staff member feels ill they need to stay home. You should have policies in place that encourage employees to take a sick day if they are not feeling well. A single worker can quickly infect an entire team if they choose to come to work when ill. Make sure that your staff understands that they are responsible for protecting the health of others.
Consider Hiring A Commercial Cleaning Company
Hiring a commercial cleaning company is a great way to ensure that your workplace is properly cleaned and sanitized. These are professionals who understand how to thoroughly clean and sanitize commercial spaces. In addition, many commercial cleaning companies will restock hygiene products like soap, sanitizers, toilet paper, and paper towels.
