Having a clean, organized, and hygienic office environment is critical for boosting employee productivity and satisfaction. As a business owner or office manager, implementing good office hygiene practices should be a top priority. Here are some of the best ways to create a hygienic office space that helps employees stay healthy, focused, and productive.
Keep Desks and Workspaces Clean
A cluttered desk can be a productivity killer. Encourage employees to keep their desks tidy and free of clutter, dirt, and food crumbs that attract bugs and germs. Provide desk organizers, cleaning supplies, and waste bins to make it easy for them.
I implement a clean desk policy that requires employees to clear papers, files, and clutter at the end of each workday. This keeps desks neat and organized for the next day. I also schedule regular cleaning of desks, keyboards, phone handsets, and other office equipment to remove grime buildup.
Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces
High-touch surfaces like doorknobs, counters, keyboards, and coffee makers harbor germs. Make sure to disinfect these areas frequently using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved disinfectants.
I keep disinfectant wipes and sprays conveniently located for employees to use throughout the day. Twice a day, I do a thorough wipe down of high-touch points like light switches, handles, railings, and communal equipment.
Improve Air Quality
- Stale indoor air filled with pollutants, allergens, and odors hurts productivity. Ensure good ventilation through the HVAC system.
- Change air filters frequently and get air ducts professionally cleaned once a year.
- Use plants that improve indoor air quality.
- Provide portable air purifiers for areas with poor circulation.
- Ban strong scents and fragrances to avoid aggravating allergies and sensitivities.
My office has great natural sunlight and ventilation. I also invested in medical-grade HEPA air purifiers for our high-traffic areas and meeting rooms.
Offer Disinfection Supplies
The coronavirus pandemic has made disinfecting hands and surfaces more important than ever. I make sure to:
- Install touch-free hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the office.
- Provide disinfecting wipes, sprays, and tissues.
- Stock up on face masks, gloves, and other PPE.
- Place no-touch trash cans in convenient locations.
Having ample infection prevention supplies encourages good hand and surface hygiene habits.
Keep Restrooms Clean
Unsanitary and dirty restrooms are a turnoff for employees. Make sure to:
- Check restrooms daily for cleanliness.
- Properly disinfect and scrub toilets, sinks, stall doors, and floors.
- Restock paper products, hand soap, and sanitizing supplies.
- Place deodorizers and air fresheners to control odors.
- Fix any dripping faucets, clogged drains, or other maintenance issues immediately.
I hired a professional restroom cleaning service that deep cleans our office restrooms after business hours. This takes the burden off employees.
Offer Healthy Snacks and Beverages
The types of food and drinks available in an office directly impacts health and energy levels. I encourage productivity by:
- Providing free filtered water to cut down on plastic waste.
- Stocking the kitchen with fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, yogurt and other nutritious snacks.
- Avoiding sugary sodas and instead offering sparkling water, juices, and kombucha.
- Brewing organic fair trade coffee and a selection of herbal teas.
Vending machines are stocked with trail mixes, granola bars, baked chips and other wholesome vending options.
Promote Tidiness in Common Areas
Messy breakrooms, meeting rooms, and lounges drag down morale and give a bad impression to visitors. Make sure common spaces are:
- Kept free of clutter and trash that invades bugs and rats.
- Outfitted with cleaning wipes, tissues, and sanitizing gels for employees to use.
- Cleaned thoroughly each evening, disinfecting surfaces and taking out garbage.
- Stocked with air fresheners, plants, and deodorizers to keep smells pleasant.
I also deputize office wellness champions to tidy up as needed throughout the day.
A clean, green, and hygienic office helps attract top talent, while boosting health, happiness, and productivity. By implementing good office housekeeping practices, I’m creating an optimal environment for my team to thrive in.
