The Covid-19 pandemic made us all more aware of hygiene in the workplace. A few years later, this focus on hygiene does not seem to have disappeared completely (thing, for example, of the recent media coverage of the hantavirus an Ebola), but it does seem to have decreased quite a lot. Nevertheless, we must continue to take preventive action against viruses and bacteria, which spread in the office all year round. Consequently, a clean workplace is not just about comfort, but about health and productivity. Well-equipped sanitary facilities, the right products and unambiguous task distribution make all the difference. But where do you start? And in which areas can you improve? Below, we list the main focal points.
1. Take your sector into consideration
Equipping your sanitary facility with a sink, a soap dispenser and a rubbish bin sounds obvious, but how do you choose between the different products? Each sector has its own hygiene guidelines. Toilet facilities in an office environment will not have the same hygiene standards as those at a food manufacturer’s site or in a healthcare environment. For example, hand soap may suffice, or in addition you may need to opt for an anti-bacterial gel dispenser. Some guidelines prescribe working with disposable paper towels only, for other organisations a hand dryer or washable cotton roll dispenser will suffice.
2. Opt for no-touch solutions
The first step towards better hygiene is to prevent the spread of germs. Areas that people touch a lot – such as rubbish bins, dispensers and taps – are breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. Preferably avoid touching those areas as much as possible. Opt for a no-touch solution: they are usually a little more expensive, but automatic dispensing of soap or water ensures much lower consumption, so in the long run these devices are more cost-effective. In addition, you significantly reduce the risk of spreading viruses and bacteria.
3. Don’t forget your waste management
A full bin is more than an aesthetic problem. Waste left standing for too long is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and can result in unpleasant odours in the room. Therefore, it is vital to empty bins regularly, but that’s not all. Accumulating dirt and moisture on the inside and outside create germs that spread easily through touch. So clean the bins as part of your regular cleaning process, using a suitable cleaning product.
4. Choose sustainable products
Cleaning and sustainability increasingly go hand in hand. Chemical-free products are on the rise, and consuming environmentally harmful products is not only wasteful, but also very expensive. Therefore, opt for concentrated products that are diluted with water, or innovative techniques such as using reverse osmosis water. Small amounts of cleaning product and a good technique often suffice. Not quite sure about which products are best for your organisation? Choose cleaning products that carry a European Ecolabel – which are adapted to meet stricter environmental and safety standards.
5. Distribute tasks
Of course, there’s good reason to primarily think about sanitary facilities. But if the Covid-19 pandemic taught us anything, it is that any place can be contaminated with a disease. So don’t forget to set up some guidelines for keeping workspaces clean. Consider disinfecting keyboards, screens and computer mice – especially when using flex desks. And what about that dreaded full dishwasher in the communal kitchen? Set up a rota to eliminate any risk from bacteria on food scraps.
Of course, you can also choose to outsource your cleaning to an integrated partner. This ensures cleaning is carried out qualitatively, consistently and faster. Also choose a partner that specialises in quality control. That provides a clear framework and measurable standards to work towards. It means you always guarantee a safe and hygienic work environment for your employees.
