The integrity of an organization depends on the ethical practices of its workers. Of all the determinants, workplace hygiene is the most crucial parameter that shapes its image and reflects its values. Poor workplace hygiene is an everyday health risk, whether in the form of overflowing trash, a messy kitchen, or germ-ridden toilets. Would anyone of us work willingly at such a place? Certainly not. Here is why and how to make workplace hygiene your top priority.
Importance of Workplace Hygiene:
Our environment directly impacts our health, and since people spend much of their time at their workplace, they should ensure it is safe. Good workplace hygiene promotes a healthy environment and workers’ overall physical and mental well-being. It also reduces the chance of direct or indirect contamination of disease-causing germs. A clean work environment will, in turn, guarantee the health of employees and reduce the overall absenteeism
Workplace hygiene is even more crucial in industries involved in manufacturing various goods, such as food items. Poor hygiene in such places will not only affect the health of employees but will also compromise the quality of the manufactured items. Hence, considering all these factors, it is necessary to have experts who can predict potential workplace hazards, assess hygiene concerns, and create strategies that exceed basic hygiene practices. Experts with an advanced Master of Science in public health degree can create and implement workplace hygiene strategies. If you are at the beginning or mid of your public health or workplace safety career, you can pursue an MSPH degree to become a leading public health expert. On the other hand, entrepreneurs can hire experts with relevant qualifications.
The need for cleaner workspaces has increased since the onset of the pandemic. It has emphasized its importance in keeping potentially harmful diseases at bay. So here are some ways to optimize the hygienic conditions and promote the good health of your workers.
- Put a Hygiene Policy in Place:
Due to the commotion of people in workplaces, it can be a breeding site for germs if you fail to enforce hygiene rules for your company. That is why you must put into place a hygiene policy that will inform the employees about what you expect of them regarding the cleanliness of the office. As a company policy, you can set up a schedule for cleaning the office, stating clearly the number of people involved in a shift and the frequency of these cleaning drills. A proper plan will create uniformity and remove any possible disputes about the fairness of the duties. When everyone pitches in to make the workplace environment spick and span, it will promote cleanliness and boost the morale of your organization.
- Declutter the Office Desks Daily:
Tidy desktops not only look appealing but reduce the workload and everyday stress that the daily grind brings. When your office desks and drawers get cluttered with files and papers, it is less likely you will be able to disinfect them, and they can become perfect hosts for germs to thrive. So before signing off, ensure to declutter your office desks, throw away the junk in its place, and clear away any debris that can breed bacteria. So finish what you start and leave your office door with a clean and decluttered desk.
- Encourage Personal Hygiene:
A good workplace environment depends not only on regular cleanings but also on the hygiene etiquette of the individuals in their personal lives says this dentist in Palm Harbour FL. Ensure that you tackle any leverages that compromise the hygiene of the workplace. Issues with the personal hygiene of your coworkers can be tricky to address since such talks with grown-ups can be downright awkward. So adopt a careful approach if you plan to deal with this problem directly and convey your message without being hurtful. You can also indirectly encourage your workers by placing hand sanitizers at the desks and hanging posters on the walls regarding hygiene rules at specific places, such as cafeterias and toilets. You can put it in writing and send notes and emails to your workers to practice hygiene as a new cultural norm.
- Designate Separate Smoking and Eating Areas:
The biggest hygiene busters when it comes to the workplace is food. It is not rare for employees to eat at their desks or other work areas while working their way through the lunch breaks. It is becoming increasingly common to meet deadlines.
As convenient as it might seem, it is a disaster for workplace hygiene. Eating at your workspace scatters bits of debris and food that become the infestation sites for germs. To minimize such practices, allow eating only in designated areas such as a break room or cafeteria. Taking a break from strenuous routines will also boost your employees’ mental health and productivity.
Likewise, designate separate smoking areas to provide healthy air for your employees. No one should breathe in unhealthy air or be a passive smoker, especially without their consent. If not separate areas, forbid smoking at the workplace during working hours.
- Use Technology to Minimize the Spread of Germs:
Technology is a lifesaver when finding modern solutions to your problems. To promote workplace hygiene, you can bring about structural changes to minimize the need to touch surfaces and lower the transmission of bacteria and viruses. For instance, you can install automatic faucets in your company’s toilets and kitchens that will turn on and off without needing to touch the taps. Likewise, you can install motion sensor lights instead of light switches or double-swinging push doors that allow you to pass through without needing to touch the handles. These smart moves will ensure clean office surfaces.
Conclusion:
Workplace hygiene and cleanliness should be routine tasks instead of a side chore. Otherwise, employees might need to go out of their way to fulfill it and may lag. While you should carry out deep cleaning after certain intervals, it does not mean you have to spend a fortune every time. You can start by inspiring clean and healthy habits in your workers for the common good and take costly steps when you feel like you can take them. With a healthy environment, you will guarantee your worker’s loyalty to yourself and increase the overall turnover of your organization. On the contrary, an unclean environment negatively affects productivity and efficiency.
