As temperatures drop with Christmas around the corner, nobody wants to end up bedbound. Therefore, it’s essential to maintain a hygienic office space. This article will highlight the importance of hygiene in the office and key areas to focus on when trying to keep those nasty bugs at bay.
The Importance of a Hygienic Office Space
Whilst it is important to keep your office space visually clean, it is more important to ensure the health and well-being of your staff in the office. Colder temperatures in the UK tend to bring an increase of cold and flu.
As offices are closed environments, they can easily become a breeding ground for illnesses. During the festive season, when food and drink are often shared, and socialising peaks, there is a greater need for good hygiene practices.
Things to Focus on To Keep Your Office Hygienic
Regular Cleaning
The beauty of serviced offices is that they are regularly cleaned and maintained by the provider. However, maintaining good hygiene standards within your office space is down to you and your team. Focus on high-touch areas like door handles, breakout spaces and shared equipment and make sure they are cleaned several times a day (or as you use them).
Personal Hygiene
Office space hygiene starts with the individual. Encourage employees to wash their hands regularly, especially before and after eating and after coughing/sneezing. Hand sanitiser dispensers throughout the office can help to promote this.
The Temperature in the Office
As it is getting colder, it is key to maintain a comfortable temperature in the office. However, warmer temperatures provide the perfect environment for germs. A recommended temperature range of 18-20°C is ideal for offices.
Ventilation and Air Quality
Thorough ventilation is crucial to prevent airborne illnesses from spreading. Your air conditioning/heating will be maintained by your serviced office provider, but you must make sure that you report any faults. If it's possible, open windows when you can to improve air circulation within the office.
Office Layout
Consider modifying your office layout during winter. Allowing employees more desk space, where possible, will minimise the risk of germs being passed on. Ideally, personal items should be kept to a minimum on desks to allow for thorough cleaning.
Food and Drink
With the holidays coming up, there can often be a regular flow of office treats. When sharing food ensure that employees are washing their hands and that all cutlery and dishware are washed before and after use.
Dealing with Sickness
If an employee is unwell, encourage them to stay at home. Flexible working arrangements, such as working from home, can help ensure the continuity of work without spreading germs.
Pets in the Office
If your serviced office building is pet-friendly, ensure that the pets you bring into the office are well-groomed and have their own area which is cleaned regularly.
Maintaining a hygienic office space during winter requires a lot of attention to detail. By cleaning regularly, maintaining personal hygiene, and being aware of germs, you can ensure that illness can be kept minimal.
Follow our tips to help ensure a healthy and productive work environment in the run-up to the holiday season.
