Maintaining high standards of hygiene in the workplace is crucial for employee well-being and productivity as well as ensuring your workplace is adhering to any relevant regulations. Office spaces are shared environments where germs can easily spread. A keyboard, for example, can harbour up to 20,000 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Similarly, shared spaces such as kitchens, meeting rooms, and washrooms can become breeding grounds for viruses and bacteria if not properly maintained.
With poor hygiene comes a spread of illness, reduced staff morale, and increased sick days, so keeping on top of this will ensure your workplace is running smoothly and efficiently. By implementing simple hygiene practices, businesses can create a cleaner, healthier, and more pleasant working environment which not only keeps staff safe but also boost productivity and wellness.
Tips for boosting office hygiene
Encourage regular handwashing
Hand hygiene is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to reduce the spread of germs, especially in high-traffic areas such as an office. Employers should provide sufficient handwashing facilities and promote regular handwashing through visual reminders in the office facilities and washrooms.
Many modern offices install hand sanitiser stations at key points around the office, such as at entrances, near meeting rooms, and in the kitchen.
Implement a clean desk policy
A clean desk policy encourages employees to keep their workspaces tidy and free from clutter. Not only does this improve hygiene, but it also reduces stress and promotes productivity.
Regular cleaning
Businesses should invest in professional cleaning services to ensure an office is cleaned regularly and to a high standard. By hiring a professional, you can ensure that your office is undergoing a deep clean and the correct maintenance required for your environment. Office cleaners will also typically keep on top of things including waste disposal and restocks.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is often overlooked, but it’s vital for maintaining hygiene and preventing unpleasant odours. Without adequate airflow, humidity levels can rise, creating an ideal environment for mould and bacteria growth, something which can lead to even more serious issues. Workplaces should ensure they install the correct fixtures and fittings to allow for adequate ventilation, whether it be plenty of windows, an extractor fan, HVAC systems or air purifiers.
Reducing touch points
One of the easiest ways to avoid poor hygiene in an office is to invest in automated features which reduce the number of touchpoints found around a space. Features such as doors, flushes, buttons and appliances can all be upgraded to offer automated functions, limiting the amount of contact that employees have to make.
Restocking all the essentials
Running out of key office supplies can lead to unhygienic practices.
For example, if soap isn’t available in the kitchen or washrooms, employees may skip washing their hands altogether. Other items that should consistently be restocked include paper towels, sanitary units, tissues and any hand washing stations.
Maintaining hygiene in an office washroom
Maintaining high hygiene standards in office washrooms isn’t just about keeping the space clean and pleasant — it’s also a legal obligation for employers in the UK. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidelines on workplace washrooms in order to keep staff safe and well.
Here are some top tips for keeping on top of your office washroom hygiene:
- Check and adhere to legal requirements stated by the HSE and the UK law
- Develop a cleaning and maintenance schedule which fits into your office structure
- Set up a waste disposal schedule
- Invest in regular maintenance regarding fixtures, water supply, plumbing and electric
- Promote employee responsibility through feedback and reminders
Office washroom refurbishment services
Are your commercial washroom or bathroom facilities in need of an update? Perhaps you’re looking to install a brand-new facility or just want a redecorate? Inspired Washrooms is based in Derbyshire and installs washrooms across the UK covering spaces such as schools, offices, hotels and hospitals.
Whether you’re interested in learning more about the project timescale or just want to get the ball rolling with a beautiful new design, you’re in the right place.
Please get in touch on 0115 811 4242, and our friendly team will get back to you.