The pandemic may be over but bacteria, bugs and viruses like colds, flus and COVID-19 are a constant threat to the workplace, especially going into the winter season. Standards of hygiene in the workplace can vary across industries, but all workplaces need to maintain a high standard of hygiene.  

Business owners and managers have a responsibility to create a safe working environment and that includes maintaining workplace hygiene. Managers need to set the status quo, lead by example and provide the right resources to keep their employees and their workplace clean and safe.  

The Importance Of A Hygienic Workstation  

Workplace hygiene is critical because it benefits absolutely everyone! Yourself, your employees including your customers and clientele. Hygienic workplaces minimise the spread of illness, reduce the amount of sick leave, increase productivity, retain more customers and best of all boost workplace morale and wellbeing. 

Workstations, go beyond just office desks. They also include entrances, hallways and extend to employee rest areas like the staff kitchen and bathrooms.  

Here are 5 top tips for creating a hygienic workstation. 

5 Tips For A Hygienic Workstation  

Maintaining good personal hygiene is crucial, especially in the workplace. It not only contributes to your overall health but also plays a significant role in creating a clean and hygienic environment for everyone. So, what are examples of good personal hygiene? It includes regularly washing your hands, covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and keeping your workstation clean and tidy. In addition, here are five tips to help you maintain a hygienic workstation:

Regular Cleaning Schedule  

A regular cleaning schedule is the cornerstone of workplace cleanliness. Dust, dirt, germs and viruses accumulate over time, making your workstation a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. Even if your workplace has a cleaner, employers and employees should be responsible for keeping their workstations reasonably clean.  

Create a cleaning roster with a list of cleaning tasks to be periodically signed off by employees. By having a trackable list, it ensures everyone maintains the status quo and is held accountable. Tasks should include regularly cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces, such as keyboards, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and shared equipment. Use disinfectant wipes or a cleaning solution to wipe down surfaces, paying special attention to frequently touched areas.  

Personal Hygiene Practices  

Personal hygiene in the workplace is just as important as personal hygiene in other domains in life. Encourage good hygiene habits among your coworkers and lead by example. Remind everyone to wash their hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing. One of the best ways to promote good workplace personal hygiene is to provide hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes, tissues and masks for convenient use throughout the day. The gold standard for hygienic workstations also includes having an automatic soap or sanitiser dispenser to eliminate frequent touchpoints.  

Organised Workspace  

An organised workspace not only enhances productivity but also makes it easier to maintain workplace cleanliness. Declutter your desk regularly by removing unnecessary items and papers. Avoid eating at your desk to prevent food crumbs and spills from attracting pests and bacteria. A clean and clutter-free workspace promotes focus, reduces stress and contributes to a healthier work environment.  

Having the right tools on hand like cleaning products, gloves and wipes makes it much easier for everyone to maintain a clean desk policy. Also be mindful of your inventory and remember to top up on workplace hygiene supplies when stocks are running low.  

Proper Waste Disposal  

Without a proper waste disposal system, the workplace can get really messy, really fast. Ensure plenty of bins are available nearby for people to easily discard their waste and place the bin liners in an accessible location so people aren’t so reluctant to take out the rubbish. Add emptying the bins to your cleaning roster to prevent odours and the accumulation of bacteria. Encourage recycling by providing separate bins for paper and other recyclable materials. If your workplace is conscious of plastic consumption, you can also purchase degradable bin liners.  

Ventilation And Air Quality  

Good air quality and ventilation are essential for a healthy workspace. Poor ventilation can trap pollutants, allergens, and airborne pathogens, leading to respiratory issues and discomfort. Allow for fresh air to circulate by opening doors or windows throughout the workspace. Invest in an air purifier to remove dust, pollen, and other contaminants from the air. Regularly clean air vents and filters to prevent the buildup of particles. Purchasing air fresheners can create an invigorating scent around the office or consider incorporating some indoor plants into your workspace to boost the overall air quality and mood.  

How To Promote Hygiene In The Workplace As An Employer  

There’s plenty of ways to promote hygiene in the workplace. Employers and managers should lead by example and demonstrate good hygiene practices themselves like proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. As well as participating in and keeping track of the cleaning schedule and overseeing cleanliness standards in the workplace. 

Another is ensuring that workplace facilities, such as restrooms, break rooms and common areas, are clean, well-maintained, and properly stocked with hygiene essentials. Make it easy for employees to practise good personal hygiene by providing hand sanitizer, soap, paper towels, and tissues in accessible locations throughout the workplace. Employees are much more likely to take part in the cleaning roster if cleaning supplies like disinfectant, wipes and bin liners are easy to find. Finally, complete a regular stock take of your hygiene and cleaning items to ensure you do not run out.   

Key Takeaways 

Investing in personal hygiene at workplace not only protects employees from illness but also contributes to a positive workplace culture and enhances overall productivity and performance. 

Maintaining personal hygiene in the workplace requires a combination of regular cleaning, personal hygiene practices, organisation, proper waste disposal, and attention to air quality. 

You now know how to address hygiene in the workplace. By implementing these tips, you can create a clean and healthy work environment that promotes productivity, well-being, and success.  

Some simple steps can make a world of difference for your business and its workers.