How to Encourage Good Workplace Hygiene

Maintaining good workplace hygiene isn't just about keeping things squeaky clean; it's the secret sauce to a healthy, happy, and productive workforce. So, what exactly is workplace hygiene? Well, it's all about creating a workspace that's so clean you could eat your lunch off the floor (though we wouldn't recommend it), and it's not just about scrubbing toilets – though that's part of it. It also means setting some standards for personal hygiene among employees.

In this guide:

Why is workplace hygiene important?
Washroom Cleanliness and Maintenance
"Catch It, Bin It, Kill It"
Clean Down Surfaces
Create A Hygenic Workplace With Woosh
Learn More About Creating Hygenic Workspaces

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Why is workplace hygiene important?

Why is this hygiene stuff so important, you ask? Let's break it down...

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Employee Health and Safety: Good workplace hygiene is like a shield against the germs that threaten your team's health. Fewer sick days mean more smiles and less money down the drain.

Productivity: Imagine trying to work in a jungle of clutter and chaos. A clean workspace makes it easier to concentrate and boosts productivity. Productivity isn't just a buzzword; it's a cornerstone of your business, and it starts with a cleaner, more efficient, and happier work environment.

Professional Image: Picture this: a potential client walks into your office, and instead of a polished, well-kept space, they find a cluttered, dirty mess. Not a great first impression, right? Your business doesn't have to resemble a landfill to give people a bad impression. A lack of hand soap in the bathrooms or overflowing sanitary bins can speak volumes about your business. Prioritising hygiene shows that you're a pro, and that's a big deal when it comes to impressing visitors and partners.

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Now, what about the flip side? The impact of poor workplace hygiene:

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Employee Discomfort: Who wants to work in a place that smells bad, has dirty bathrooms, and lacks basic sanitation? An uncomfortable employee is an unhappy one, and unhappy employees aren't the recipe for success.

Reputation Damage: Being known for poor hygiene can damage your brand's reputation. Not only can it turn away current employees and customers, but it also sends potential talent and future customers running to your competition. Word-of-mouth can be your best friend or worst enemy, and in this case, it's not going to be singing your praises.

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So there you have it, the nitty-gritty on workplace hygiene and why it's the unsung hero of a thriving, happy workplace. Now, let's roll up our sleeves and dive into how to encourage good workplace hygiene.

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Washroom Cleanliness and Maintenance

First things first, let's talk washrooms. For obvious reasons, washrooms need extra care and attention when it comes to hygiene. To keep it squeaky clean, set up a regular cleaning schedule – consistency is your best friend here.

To stop all the nasties being passed around, you want to reduce touchpoints wherever you can. Automatic hand dryers and hand soap dispensers are great for this. Choosing automatic taps will also help and cut down your water wastage at the same time.

Next, it's all about proper disposal methods. Ensure that used paper towels, sanitary products, and other waste are safely disposed of. An ample supply of waste bins is paramount. Opt for specially designed sanitary bins for the best results. Look for options with a lid to reduce the spread of germs, and consider extra features like odour control and bio-cards that sanitise the bin from the inside. Just as with hand dryers, taps, and soap dispensers, choose automatic options to reduce points of contact.

Finally, if you want employees to stay on top of their hygiene, you need to give them the tools to do it. Keep your washrooms stocked with all the necessities, including hand soap, toilet paper, and paper towels.

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"Catch It, Bin It, Kill It"

Face masks haven't stuck around in any meaningful way. Whilst you may see the occasional one, for the most part, we're back to business as usual. Yet, there are still plenty of airborne nasties that can get us sick. But you can do your bit to minimise the risks by encouraging good coughing and sneezing etiquette. Here's how to do it:

Keep tissues within easy reach. Even if your employees can't grab a tissue in time, they can use their hands to catch it and clean up afterwards. However, a tissue alone won't suffice. There's a bunch of germs on those hands now, and we want to eliminate them before they can be passed on to others. Providing hand sanitiser is a crucial step in preventing the spread of germs. Then, you will need a hygienic way to dispose of those icky tissues. Ensure waste bins are conveniently placed throughout your premises. This simple practice can go a long way in maintaining a cleaner and safer environment for everyone.

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Clean Down Surfaces

Let's talk surfaces! Think about all the things your team interacts with during the day – doorknobs, light switches, and shared office equipment. It's crucial to disinfect these common touchpoints regularly. It's also a team effort – encourage employees to take responsibility for cleaning up, especially in shared spaces. A friendly reminder on the kitchen wall, prompting employees to clean up after themselves, can go a long way.

But surface cleaning isn't confined to communal areas. It's equally important for employees to maintain cleanliness in their personal spaces, such as their desks. The best approach will depend on how proactive your team is. Simply making the right cleaning products available may be sufficient. You may need to lead by example to prompt the rest of the team. Or it may be better to make a weekly clean-up a part of everyone's schedule. The approach will vary, but the goal is the same: ensure that surfaces are regularly sanitised to maintain a clean and hygienic workspace for all.

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Create A Hygenic Workplace With Woosh

Maintaining good workplace hygiene is not only a matter of cleanliness but a foundation for a healthier, happier, and more productive work environment. From washroom management to personal hygiene and surface sanitation, each aspect plays a vital role.

Workplace hygiene isn't a one-time effort; it's a continuous commitment. A clean, safe, and welcoming environment not only benefits your employees but also influences your reputation, client relationships, and business success. So, prioritise hygiene and foster a culture of cleanliness. Your workplace and everyone in it will thank you.

For a range of environmentally friendly hygiene solutions, from automatic hand dryers to washroom waste removal, get in touch with our Wooshologists.

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