Good hygiene practices in the workplace can lead to increased productivity, safety, and creativity.
The Importance of Maintaining Hygiene in the Workplace
Workplace hygiene is critical to environmental health and is a core component of a productive workforce.
Maintaining high levels of facility cleanliness has been shown to:
- Reduce absenteeism and presenteeism - When employees are sick, they are more likely to miss work, leading to lost productivity. Presenteeism, on the other hand, refers to when employees come to work sick, which can also reduce productivity.
- Increase employee morale and satisfaction - Employees who feel healthy and productive are more likely to be happy with their jobs, leading to increased job satisfaction, which can then lead to increased productivity.
- Improve facility safety - A healthy workplace is also a safer workplace. When employees are healthy, they are less likely to be injured on the job, resulting in fewer workplace injury claims and costs.
- Reduce occupant stress levels - A healthy workplace can help reduce stress levels among employees. Stress can lead to numerous health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression. Reducing stress levels can help improve employee health and productivity--translating into reduced operational expenditure combined with increased workforce output quantity and quality.
- Increase workforce creativity and innovation - A healthy workplace can also help increase creativity and innovation among employees. When employees are healthy and happy, they are more likely to be open to new ideas and solutions. [1]
Investigating the Effectiveness of Hygiene Intervention in Reducing Viral Load
A 2019 study investigated the effectiveness of a hygiene intervention in reducing the spread of viruses in an office environment.
The study used a viral tracer to identify frequently contaminated surfaces in the office.
Then it evaluated the impact of a hygiene intervention that included hand sanitizer and surface disinfectant.
The study results showed that the most contaminated surfaces in the office were the refrigerator, drawer handles, and sink faucets in the break room, the push bar on the main exit of the building, and the soap dispensers in the women's restroom.
The hygiene intervention significantly reduced the number of viruses on these surfaces, averaging 85.4%.
The study findings suggest that simple hygiene interventions can effectively reduce the spread of viruses in the workplace.
Additionally, employers should consider providing employees with hand sanitizer and surface disinfectant and encouraging them to use these products regularly.
Finally, employees should undergo regular handwashing, hygiene, and safety training.
The study findings have implications for workplace health and safety--concluding that by reducing the spread of viruses, employers can help to protect their employees' health and productivity. [2]
The Role of Hygiene in Virus Prevention
Proper hygiene is crucial to prevent the unchecked transmission of communicable diseases in the workplace.
According to the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology;
Keeping your environment clean—whether at home, work, school or the hospital—is an important way to prevent infection.
Dangerous germs can take up residence anywhere. By keeping them to a minimum, you will reduce your chances of developing an infection and improve your health. [3]
Tips for Preventing the Spread of Infection
In general:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve.
- Clean and sanitize surfaces that may be contaminated with germs.
- Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
- Dispose of tissues properly.
- Avoid sharing personal items.
For employers and managers:
- Provide hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in the workplace.
- Educate employees about the importance of hygiene practices.
- Implement a sick leave policy that allows employees to take time off when they are sick.
- Provide regular cleaning and sanitizing of the workplace.
- Clean and sanitize frequently touched surfaces.
- Ventilate the workplace with a combination of natural and mechanical ventilation. [4]
References
- Healthy Workplaces. (n.d.). Www.tn.gov. https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/environmental/healthy-places/healthy-places/healthy-buildings/hb/healthy-workplaces.html
- Kurgat, E. K., Sexton, J. D., Garavito, F., Reynolds, A., Contreras, R. D., Gerba, C. P., Leslie, R. A., Edmonds-Wilson, S. L., & Reynolds, K. A. (2019). Impact of a hygiene intervention on virus spread in an office building. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 222(3), 479–485. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2019.01.001
- Prevent infections by keeping your environment clean - APIC. (2011). APIC. https://apic.org/monthly_alerts/prevent-infections-by-keeping-your-environment-clean/
- Better Health. (2012). Workplace safety - infection control. Vic.gov.au. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/workplace-safety-infection-control
Takeaway
Good hygiene practices in the workplace are essential for maintaining a healthy and productive environment.
As we have seen, good hygiene practices can help reduce the spread of germs and viruses, leading to decreased absenteeism, increased employee morale, improved facility safety, reduced stress levels, and increased creativity and innovation.
In addition, good hygiene practices can help to create a more comfortable and inviting workplace. When employees feel healthy and safe, they are more likely to be productive and creative.
They are also more likely to be happy with their jobs, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and loyalty.
Employers can help promote good hygiene practices in the workplace by providing hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes, educating employees about the importance of hygiene, implementing a sick leave policy, and providing regular cleaning and sanitizing of the workplace.
Outsourcing is a proven method for onboarding highly in-demand cleaning and sanitization services and experience for a fraction of the price of maintaining a similar service in-house.
If you would like more information regarding the effectiveness of high-performance infection prevention and control measures, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation on-site assessment of your facility's custodial needs, contact us today for a free quote!
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