Debunking Common Myths About Office Cleanliness and Hygiene
Maintaining a clean and hygienic office environment is crucial for the health and well-being of employees, as well as the productivity and success of the business. However, there are many misconceptions surrounding office cleanliness and hygiene that can lead to ineffective practices and increased health risks. In this blog post, we will debunk some of the most common myths about office hygiene and provide you with accurate information to help you maintain a safer and healthier workplace.
Myth 1: Regular cleaning is enough to maintain office hygiene
Most offices are busy and fast-paced places where people running back-to-back meetings, receiving different visitors and vendors, having lunch and snacks and so many other things. A standard cleaning routine, like daily vacuuming, throwing away of your trash and sometimes an occasional wiping of the top of your desk is insufficient to keep an office hygienic. While regular cleaning is important, it may not address hidden pathogens and potential health risks. Specialized hygiene assessments, like Avalon Steritech's IEH Assessment, can identify these invisible threats and provide targeted solutions.
Myth 2: Presenteeism is better than absenteeism
Presenteeism, or coming to work while sick, is often seen as a sign of dedication. According to an October report from Robert Half, 57% of employees sometimes go to work while sick, and 33% always go to work while sick, which means that as many as 90% of workers go to work while under the weather. However, this practice can lead to the spread of illness among coworkers and ultimately result in more absenteeism. Health insurer Vitality says health-related lost productivity is costing the UK economy more than $100 billion (£77.5 billion) a year which, it argues, could be reduced significantly if companies invested in adequate health and wellbeing programmes for their employees. Encouraging employees to stay home when they are sick and providing a hygienic work environment can help reduce the overall impact of illness on your business.
Myth 3: Personal hygiene is solely the responsibility of employees
While personal hygiene is important, employers also have a responsibility to provide a hygienic work environment. This includes ensuring that proper cleaning and disinfection protocols are in place, providing adequate handwashing facilities and products, and promoting a culture of hygiene awareness. In fact, a growing body of research has demonstrated that companies investing in employee health and wellbeing enjoy significant benefits in terms of productivity, employee satisfaction, and financial returns. Not only are healthy employees more productive, reducing both absenteeism and presenteeism allows companies to optimize their workforce and channel savings into other areas of the business, further enhancing overall performance.
Myth 4: Hygienic practices are only important during flu season
In Hong Kong, seasonal influenza is usually more common in periods from January to March/April and from July to August. Although the flu season sees a spike in illness, maintaining good hygiene practices is important throughout the year. Other pathogens, such as cold viruses, stomach bugs, and even harmful bacteria, can spread in the office at any time. Consistent hygiene measures can help prevent the spread of these pathogens and create a healthier work environment.
By debunking these common myths about office cleanliness and hygiene, we hope to provide you with a better understanding of what it takes to maintain a truly hygienic workplace. Companies that prioritize employee health and wellbeing often experience improvements in company culture and employee satisfaction. A supportive and nurturing work environment can lead to increased employee loyalty, reduced turnover, and a more committed workforce. Organizations that invest in employee health and wellbeing can also benefit from an enhanced brand image and reputation. Therefore, implementing effective hygiene practices, such as regular assessments, targeted cleaning, and promoting a culture of hygiene awareness, can help protect your employees' health and your business's success.
If you are looking to take your office hygiene to the next level, consider Avalon Steritech's IEH Assessment. Our expert-led service combines ATP testing and multiplex detection to identify hidden health risks and provide customized solutions for your workplace.
