Keeping a work environment clean is not just a responsible act, but one that is a financially important task as well. Lost productivity from ill employees costs businesses in the United States approximately $220 billion every year. Having employees that regularly call in sick is an inconvenience to clients and can reduce employee morale. Avoiding illness entirely may be impossible, but proper business sanitation in Central Texas can lower the risk.
Encourage Good Hygiene
Reminders in bathrooms to wash hands and hand sanitizing stations can help to curb the amount of germs passed from one employee to the next. Make certain hand washing stations, paper towels and hand sanitizing products are also available in the break room. Make it a company policy for employees to receive appropriate first aid for any cuts or injuries they receive and to keep all wounds properly covered until they are healed. Disposable gloves should always be worn when dressing the wounds of others.
Keep Surfaces Clean
Discourage people from eating at their desks, and insist that sanitizing wipes be used on the desk and their keyboard to control the germs caused by at-desk eaters. Use a sanitizing cleanser to wash all break tables after every meal or snack break. Have a sink with hot water and detergent available if any dishes are kept for reuse in the workplace. Encourage the use of disposable cups, utensils and napkins to prevent the potential transmission of illness. All bathrooms should be cleaned and sanitized daily and garbage cans should not be allowed to overflow. Wipe down the tables and arms of chairs in all reception areas frequently and avoid leaving out magazines or books during cold and flu season.
Store Food Properly
Any food that is supplied by the company or other employees should be kept covered at all times and refrigerated when necessary. Food should not be kept longer than its expected shelf life. Insist that employees label their food with their names and the date in shared refrigerators and make them responsible for removing all of their outdated products.
Have Proper Maintenance
Sick building syndrome is a real concern for commercial and industrial buildings. In these environments it is possible for viruses and bacteria to be recycled continuously through HVAC ducts. Have all HVAC systems cleaned and inspected for any ventilation issues at least once a year and replace or clean air filters quarterly. Make certain that all offices and work areas have some form of ventilation.
Keeping a workplace clean and sanitary will save every company money, make the work environment more pleasant and help the business to look more professional to clients. It is simple to establish and follow basic cleanliness guidelines and the products necessary for maintaining the expected level of business sanitation in Central Texas are easy to find and affordable.
