Over the past few decades, the workplace has changed in innumerable ways. From remote working to digital tools powered by artificial intelligence, the workplace of today would in many ways be unrecognisable to someone from the 80s.
What hasn’t changed, however, is the importance of hygiene. In fact, with the recent pandemic, hygiene is clearly an absolute necessity in a range of niches. For those who aren’t entirely sold on the issue, read on for some of our insights as to why workplace hygiene is more important than ever before.
It’s essential for the well-being of employees
First of all, the most obvious reason why workplace hygiene is absolutely essential – you have a duty of care towards your employees. As an employer, you are directly responsible for everyone who spends time on your premises, and for your remote workers as well. Workplace hygiene plays a key role in this process, ensuring that employees aren’t exposed to any unnecessary hazards.
Preventing disease outbreaks
As the coronavirus pandemic showed us, disease outbreaks are a very real threat that everyone, especially employers, has a duty to prevent. Ensuring workplace hygiene plays a central part in that overall process, minimising the risk that employees come into contact with any germs or viruses that could then spread throughout the workforce.
To take this seriously, you generally need to work with a facilities management service provider such as SMC Premier. They’ll be able to look at the specific risk profile of your business, and provide a tailor-made solution that’s able to keep your workforce safe.
Increased productivity
A number of studies have shown us just how big an impact cleanliness can have on productivity. It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that people are better at focusing, and generally happier and less stressed out when they’re in a clean and tidy space. If you want to get the best side of your employees, then you need to provide them with a space in which they can flourish. By taking workplace hygiene seriously, you can show your employees just how important they are to the organisation, encouraging them to give you their best efforts.
Reduced turnover rate
The best employees won’t stick around in jobs where they don’t feel like they’re being treated well. That’s why workplace hygiene can have a notable positive impact on reducing turnover rates, decreasing the amount you have to spend on hiring and training new employees. In the long run, this can have a dramatically positive effect, attracting the best talent while minimising disruption.
These are just a few of the most important reasons why workplace hygiene is more important than ever before. No matter the industry you’re operating in, it’s imperative that you take these kinds of matters seriously. They’re not just some annoying health and safety requirement. Workplace cleanliness can have a very tangible effect on the productivity of your overall workforce, along with your ability to attract the best talent in the industry to your business.
