The Importance of Disinfecting and Sanitizing the Workplace
The Importance of Disinfecting and Sanitizing the Workplace
COVID-19 has really made many Americans stop and think about cleanliness more. Prior to February 2020 though, most people didn’t often stop to think about the cleanliness of their work environment unless it had become painfully obvious that their office or commercial building needed to be cleaned.
But did you know that the average workplace desk can be 100 times less hygienic than the average kitchen counter? When you think about this statistic, it’s not surprising how often you or your co-workers get ill. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), absenteeism costs U.S. employers over $225.8 billion annually, or $1,685 per employee.
While illness is not the only reason for absenteeism, it is the number one reason for it. An unclean workplace increases the spread of illness, which increases the cases of employees calling out, costing your business money. If you aren’t taking office hygiene seriously or you aren’t spending the time to ensure high standards of cleanliness at work, expect more and more employees to take sick days.
Germs and Bacteria Are Everywhere
Although we can’t see germs, bacteria, and even viruses, they are located on every surface we come in contact with. In our workplace, there are germs on our desks, in our break rooms, in the office bathrooms, the doorknobs, the countertops, the copiers, our computer keyboards, and the list can go on.
With cold and flu season on its way, and now with COVID-19 an issue around the globe, practicing good hygiene and having clean offices and businesses are very important for our health and well-being. It’s not only important to the individual, but to every person that individual comes into contact with. Plus with the number of germs that can be located on any given item or in any place, it’s a wonder there isn’t more disease spread in our homes, office buildings, neighborhoods, and communities.
We often take these germs and illnesses home to our families and to our friends. While it’s not possible to have a 100% germ-free environment, having a thoroughly cleaned and disinfected workplace is vital to ensure the spread of illness is kept to an absolute minimum.
Germs Will Thrive and Spread
Germs are spread by coughing, sneezing, shaking hands, and even by breathing. The germs and bacteria left behind in the air by our co-workers can thrive if not properly dealt with. An unhygienic workplace packed with bacteria means that everybody in the office is a potential carrier of a disease.
They can transfer it to anyone they meet outside of the office, and if you are dealing with a highly contagious disease, it can even start a mini-epidemic. With the concern of viruses spreading, managers and business owners should invest in a professional cleaning service to have their offices deep cleaned and sanitized.
Steps for a Cleaner Work Environment
There are a few best practices that any office or workplace can put into action to ensure you have much cleaner work surroundings. Using anti-bacterial wipes on your keyboard and desk is one step that can be taken to help combat bacteria. Also, providing suitable eating areas so that meals aren’t eaten at desks is another measure that can be taken. Food left behind on a desk will grow bacteria and even invite illness carrying pests.
A clean desk policy on the job site is a great way to make sure all desks remain clean and clutter-free. The more clutter on the desk, the harder it is to keep it sanitized.
Wiping down the upholstery and tables in meeting rooms and common areas is also a great way to keep the office clean. It may even be worth the effort to remind everyone to wash their hands often since it seems people tend to forget or they simply are not in the habit of doing so.
Aside from having cleaning and hygiene suggestions for everyone to follow, hiring janitorial services or an office cleaning service is the best way to make sure your employees enjoy a healthy environment. But just as important as hiring a cleaning service for healthier employees, it’s best to hire a company that uses non-toxic and botanical based cleaners, which are healthier for people than the chemical cleaners that some companies use.
