The Importance of maintaining good hygiene in the workplace

No matter whether you are at home or the office, maintaining a good and hygienic
environment is a must. It contributes to a healthy and more productive workforce.
What is hygiene? Hygiene is a way of keeping oneself and the surroundings clean
and preventing the spread of infections and diseases for healthy living.
The best way to ensure a clean workplace is to get a solid workplace hygiene policy.
It is also necessary to understand that every workplace will have different hygiene
requirements. To ensure thorough cleanliness, employees and organizations must
contribute equally for successful results.

Importance of a Clean Workplace

What more can an organization ask for than a happy and efficient workforce? Employees spend the majority of their time in offices, hence they become liable and responsible for maintaining hygiene. A workforce that is healthy and fit will result in fewer sick leaves. Apart from a clean working environment, good hygiene will also help maintain a good reputation for your business. 

How To Maintain Hygiene 

A major part of our day is spent working at the office. Hence, maintaining tidiness and a clean workplace is crucial. It will not only promote the company's growth but will also boost productivity. To ensure that, there are several different ways an organization can achieve a clean and hygienic environment. Let us look at a few of them in detail:

Workplace Hygiene Measures 

 

Hygiene Policy 

For a uniform hygiene practice across the organization, an effective hygiene policy is a must. It must clearly state the expectations of a clean workplace. If the company maintains seriousness regarding hygiene, the employees will follow suit.

Providing Wipes And Sanitizers 

Organizations should make available adequate wipes and sanitizers for employees. Employees should frequently use them to ensure clean hands.

Keep Air Fresheners 

The third important point is the presence of air fresheners. It is crucial to maintain pure indoor air quality so that employees breathe in good air. Further, it also keeps your office space smelling nice and fresh.

Regular Cleaning 

Ensuring that the workplace is regularly cleaned is a must. It will help reduce the spread of infections and other viruses. Moreover, it will also boost the morale and professionalism among employees.

Clean Restrooms 

Just like the workspace and desk area, a clean restroom is also a must. Apart from regular cleaning, the restroom should be equipped with toilet papers, soaps, tissues, and towels. Since it is used by all the employees, regular cleaning becomes mandatory.

Emptying Dustbins 

Emptying dustbins at regular intervals helps prevent the formation of unpleasant odors and maintains nearby hygiene. If kept for long periods, it can instantly become a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. All the trash must either be discarded in the morning or towards the end of the day.

Clean Desk 

Lastly, the workstation of every employee must be free from clutter and have minimum things. A tidy desk will ensure cleanliness is at its peak. 

Restroom & Kitchen Hygiene 

Hygiene should not be limited to your workstation, the restroom and kitchen hygiene is equally important. Since both these are shared areas, top-level hygiene maintenance is crucial. 

The restroom should have an adequate supply of toilet papers, wipes, towels, and sanitizers. Ensure that the employees maintain clean hands after using these facilities. Moreover, organizations should ensure regular cleaning of these areas and select the appropriate right product for cleaning purposes. 

Kitchen hygiene is the next crucial aspect of a clean workplace environment. As it is a communal and shared area, a hygienic environment cannot be ignored here. Regular and effective cleaning of utensils is a must. Additionally, employees should complain if they observe that the standards of cleanliness are not followed. Also, ensure that the office kitchen has no unattended cups and mugs lying dirty.  

Lastly, clean the kitchen dustbin at regular intervals and empty the refrigerator, in case you find any food leftovers.

Tips on improving workplace Hygiene

DO’s

• Do regularly clean your workstation. 
• Do follow the hygiene policy of your organization. 
• Do make use of sanitizers and wipes.
• Do provide employees with clean drinking water. 
• Do increase ventilation 
• Do keep the storage areas clean. 
• Do inspect toilets regularly. 

DON’TS 

• Do not sneeze around the workplace without covering your nose and mouth. 
• Do not leave the toilet without washing and sanitizing your hands. 
• Do not share towels. 
• Do not clutter your workstation. 
• Do not use reused face tissues.

Conclusion 

A hygienic environment goes a long way to ensuring a happy, productive, and healthy workforce. Though workplace hygiene is crucial, it should start at the personal level. Hygiene should not be an afterthought. Workplaces should have the hustle to ensure a clean workplace at all times. Apart from the employees, hygiene is also necessary for the investors, customers, and visitors. 

If proper hygiene is not maintained the workplace might lead to a lot of health consequences. With a few simple tips and measures, organizations can ensure the quality well-being of their employees. 

The pandemic and the scare of coronavirus have made organizations more vigilant when it comes to maintaining hygiene. The staff’s contribution and an effective hygiene policy are sure to help ensure a clean and tidy workplace. There are many advantages of a hygienic workplace. It results in more productivity, better performance, and less absenteeism. 

Resources : 

• www.ask-ehs.com
• www.icehrm.com
• www.indianlawportal.co.in
• www.freshhrinsights.com
• www.thesafetymag.com