The topic of cleanliness and health are crucial in 2020, especially with the looming threat of COVID-19. A single employee that might be tested positive with the incredibly contagious disease could quickly close down businesses for a few weeks until it’s deemed as safe for use. As many companies start re-opening up to help bounce back the local and national economy, cleanliness and work safety have become heated topics. Although there might be rules and guidelines in place, cleanliness and the safety of workers will always be the priority in any industry and situation.
But why should we start cultivating cleanliness in the workplace? What makes it so important during these trying times? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
What Makes Office Cleanliness and Hygiene Important?
Let’s face it: nobody wants to work in an office that’s cluttered, dirty, and an eye-sore. Since most office workers will spend eight hours in the workspace, it’s only appropriate to keep it clean, comfortable, and hygienic. Recent studies have shown that hundreds of office workers can easily discern a pattern on how frequently facilities and items are cleaned.
Besides just increasing the general appeal of the workplace, good office hygiene can help prevent contagious diseases from manifesting in the office. Some surveys have shown that there are around 12 million sick days around the world that had to be used up because of diseases that could be prevented in the first place. While it’s good that employees will have ample time needed to rest, this has cost businesses millions of dollars worth of revenue.
Since most of these illnesses can be avoided if proper action is only taken, it’s only logical that we ensure cleanliness at the office and home. Recent studies have shown that the following office items will harbor germs and disease-causing microbes.
- 31% of keyboards are infected with germs
- 28% of telephones have never been sanitized
- 37% of surfaces of computer mice have never been cleaned nor maintained.
Thus, policies on cleanliness should be strictly imposed. After all, one can’t be too careful about getting sick, especially during times of uncertainty. So what are some ways of cultivating cleanliness at the workplace?
Safety Training and Hazards
First and foremost, health and safety should always be a priority in any working environment. Discerning hazards, whether it’s physical, biological, or chemical, can keep employees safe from work-related injuries and prevent onsets of illnesses.
Employers might want to install garbage bins on strategic areas that get a good amount of foot traffic. Waste disposal should be one of the top priorities when it comes to maintaining facilities. Not only is effective waste disposal important in an office setting, but it should also be practiced at home and living spaces. This is a great way of maintaining good office hygiene while also mitigating the effects of contagious diseases.
Employee Health and Welfare
Again, a clean and uncluttered workspace is an excellent way of increasing both morale and the happiness of employees. This will effectively increase the efficiency and productivity of the workforce in the area. Most experts would suggest sanitizing and cleaning handles of doors and surfaces of areas that get good foot traffic. For instance, kitchens, cafeterias, and bathrooms are prime breeding grounds for bacteria.
Having a Positive Public Image
First impressions will always last, and cleanliness can help create a lasting impression on your company. After all, nobody wants to see cluttered documents and waste in the office. Not only does this affect the company’s image, but this can affect business prospects if not addressed.
One way of maintaining a good reputation and public image is by encouraging good workers to have a better sense of cleanliness, even outside business premises. In some cases, companies will conduct cleanliness drives by cleaning surrounding areas close to the business.
Several studies have pointed out that cleanliness does have a lasting impression on employees and how the general public views your business. Thus, it’s only important that you ensure good waste disposal and sanitize your facilities regularly.
