All workplace environments need to be clean and hygienic for the benefit of all staff as well as visitors. Cleanliness and hygiene in the workplace are essential for creating a safe, healthy and productive environment.
The importance of cleanliness and hygiene in the workplace
Cleanliness and hygiene play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and productive workplace environment. Bacteria and viruses can easily spread in any areas where there are lots of people. Workplace environments like offices for example have communal facilities like kitchens and washrooms as well as many shared touch points. Germs can be spread due to an unhygienic or poorly maintained environment or because of the poor personal hygiene of staff.
Benefits of maintaining a clean and hygienic workplace
Maintaining cleanliness in the workplace provides many benefits to staff as well as any visitors including:
- Health and well-being
- Staff morale
- Professional image
- Meeting health and safety requirements
A clean and hygienic workplace promotes a healthy and safe environment for all staff. It helps reduce the spread of germs and bacteria therefore reducing the risk of the spread of infections and viruses. As staff are less likely to fall sick, this leads to increased productivity and fewer absences. Psychological well-being of staff can also be positively affected when the environment is clean and clutter free as this can reduce stress and overwhelm leading to a more relaxed and focused mindset.
A clean and well maintained workplace contributes to a more pleasant and comfortable environment for employees. When people feel comfortable in their surroundings, they tend to be more focused, motivated and therefore more satisfied in their work, leading to increased morale.
A clean and tidy workplace creates a good first impression with any visitors to your premises which can influence their perception of your company’s professionalism and competence.
The workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 provides guidelines and requirements for ensuring cleanliness and hygiene in the workplace.
Basic hygiene and cleanliness in the workplace
When considering hygiene and cleanliness in the workplace, some areas require more attention than others but in general there are 4 main areas of importance. These are the working area of staff, common areas such as the kitchen, the toilet facilities and of course, personal hygiene.
- Staff working areas
- Common areas
- Toilet facilities
- Personal hygiene
Individual workstations and desks should be kept clean and tidy. Employees should be encouraged to keep their individual workstation or desk clean and tidy and free from clutter. All floors and surfaces should be kept clean and clutter free to avoid any accidents.
All common areas such as meeting rooms, kitchens, and break rooms must be regularly deep cleaned and always kept tidy and well maintained.
Toilet facilities need to be thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis. Providing clean and hygienic toilet facilities includes keeping soap and toilet paper stocked up as well as hand towels if using, otherwise a well maintained hand dryer must be available.
Personal hygiene in the workplace refers to the cleanliness and appearance of staff as well as their personal habits such as hand washing, coughing and sneezing etiquette and staying home when sick.
Personal hygiene in the workplace refers to the cleanliness and appearance of staff as well as their personal habits such as hand washing, coughing and sneezing etiquette and staying home when sick.
In summary, hygiene and cleanliness in the workplace is essential for promoting employee health, safety and well being. It creates a positive work environment which enhances productivity, staff morale and overall job satisfaction.