Workplace Hygiene: Essential Tips for a Healthier Office

Effective Hygiene Practices to Safeguard Your Workplace

With flu season upon us and COVID-19 still a concern, personal hygiene has never been more critical. Are you washing your hands for 20 seconds? Are you protecting your face? While personal hygiene is crucial, workplace hygiene is equally important. A hygienic workplace is not only vital for maintaining a good reputation but also for ensuring the health and safety of employees, customers, and visitors. A healthy workplace reduces sick leave, benefiting everyone.

What strategies are you implementing to keep your employees, customers, and visitors safe? Here are some of our top tips to prevent the spread of germs in the workplace:

1. Implement a Comprehensive Workplace Hygiene Policy

Although this can be a sensitive matter, providing your staff with a written hygiene policy helps communicate your expectations of a clean workplace. The hope is that with a written policy in place, your employees will take this subject more seriously.
Remember, each place of employment will need different hygiene requirements. Certain tasks or industries may deal with hazardous materials, which require additional protection. Consult with an HR professional for tailored guidance.

2. Stock Up on Hygiene Supplies

Make sure you have a reserve of clean wipes, hand sanitizer and tissues that your employees can access. These supplies should be readily available, especially for employees who interact with sick individuals or handle customers regularly. We recommend coordinating with your office supply provider to maintain a steady inventory of these essential items.

3. Hire Professional Cleaning Services

Engage a cleaning service to sanitize heavily used areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and common spaces at least two to three times a week. More frequent cleaning may be necessary for larger workspaces. A clean and sanitized workplace not only promotes health but also boosts morale and maintains a professional image, especially if customers frequently visit your office.

4. Put signage up throughout the office promoting workplace hygiene.

Strategically placed signage throughout the office can serve as subtle reminders about the importance of good hygiene. These reminders are vital for preventing the spread of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. While some businesses are legally required to display certain hygiene signs, adding extra reminders can reinforce the message effectively. Here are a few workplace hygiene posters to use in your spaces:

• Hand Hygiene
• Hand Sanitizer Factsheet
• Stay Home if You’re Sick
• Step Away for Safety

By implementing these strategies, you’re on your way to creating a healthier and safer workplace for everyone. Prioritizing hygiene not only protects your employees but also ensures a smoother, more efficient operation with fewer disruptions due to illness.

Connect with a member of our team of OneDigital Property & Casualty strategists to learn more about Group Captive P&C insurance and discover if it might be the right option for your business.

Don’t leave your customers’ health and your business’s reputation to chance. Curious to learn more about how the importance of food safety training to ensure your team is equipped with the knowledge and skills to maintain the highest standards? Review the article: Food Safety Training: Protecting Your Customers and Your Business.