How to create a hygienic workplace for your employees

A hygienic workplace is essential for the health and well-being of employees. It can also improve their productivity and reduce the risk of illnesses spreading in the workplace. In this blog, we’ll discuss how you can create a clean and safe environment for your employees with six simple steps.

1.    Cleanliness

The first step to creating a hygienic workplace is maintaining cleanliness. The workplace must be cleaned regularly, and any spills should be cleaned immediately. The cleaning staff should use disinfectant solutions and clean all surfaces such as desks, chairs, and floors. It is also important to clean shared spaces like the kitchen and bathrooms.

An unclean environment leaves the majority of employees unmotivated; this makes it a priority to help keep staff morale and productivity levels high.

2.      Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of germs. Employees should be encouraged to wash their hands regularly, especially after using the bathroom, before and after eating, and after sneezing or coughing.

Make sure the workplace has adequate handwashing facilities, including soap and water, paper towels, and hand sanitiser.

3.      Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Providing PPE, such as gloves, masks, and goggles, can help reduce the risk of infection transmission in the workplace. It is essential to provide employees with the appropriate PPE and to train them on how to use and dispose of it correctly.

4.      Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial in reducing the spread of airborne illnesses in the workplace. Ensure that your workplace has appropriate ventilation, including windows that can be opened, air conditioning systems, and air purifiers.

Here at Cork Hygiene, we supply a range of air purifiers, which can have an immediate positive effect on air quality. These devices are helpful for employees that suffer from common allergies, or asthma, as well as improving general air quality for everybody.

5.      Sick leave policies

Encourage employees to stay home if they are feeling unwell. Workplaces with flexible sick leave policies can help reduce the spread of illnesses in the workplace. Ensure that employees understand the sick leave policy and are not penalised for taking sick leave. Since Covid-19 began, many people have chosen to work from home, and this can be a suitable option if you are feeling well enough to work, but don’t want to spread germs to other colleagues. 

6.      Office Layout

Many workplaces do not consider the layout of your workplace and how it can impact hygiene. For example, having open-plan offices can increase the risk of illnesses spreading. We recommend you consider creating separate workstations or desks for employees to reduce close contact.

In conclusion, creating a hygienic workplace requires a combination of measures, including cleanliness, hand hygiene, PPE, ventilation, sick leave policies, and office layout. By implementing these measures, you can create a hygienic and safe workspace for your employees, reducing the risk of illnesses spreading and improving productivity.