Workplace hygiene has become a priority for businesses throughout the world, helping prevent absenteeism, maintain a professional environment, while boosting employee well-being, morale, and productivity.
While most businesses understand the importance of hygiene in the workplace, they struggle to communicate their hygiene expectations effectively to their staff. It doesn't matter if you manage a retail store, a busy office, or a shared co-working space, effective hygiene communication is about setting standards, leading by example and fostering a culture of respect.
Communicating hygiene expectations to employees can be achieved by following the below steps:
It's important to set clear hygiene standard that don't leave room for interpretation. You need to be specific about what is expected, such as:
It's also important you provide guidance on proper hand washing, along with the appropriate use of shared items including printers and phones.
It's important your hygiene expectations are taken seriously, therefore you will want to formalise them by adding them to your employee handbook, internal policies, code of conduct, and on-boarding materials.
When communicating your hygiene expectations on paper, you protect your business from reputation or legal risk. Ensure you communicate your hygiene expectations in simple language that every employee understands, no matter their role or background.
In order to ensure all employees absorb the information you send out, we recommend you send it across a number of channels, this can be posters in the kitchens and bathrooms, to discussing it in team meetings, or sending out email announcements. Remember, don't only send the message once, repeat it regularly, refresh it, and update it as needed.
This cannot be stressed enough, managers and business owners should show the hygiene behaviour you expect from your staff. When your employees see you sanitising your desk after a meeting, regularly washing your hands, and cleaning up your crumbs and rubbish after lunch, they are more likely to do the same.
While communicating your hygiene expectations is one step, you need to provide the necessary tools to ensure your expectations are met. This means ensuring you provide ample hand sanitisers, disinfectant sprays, hand wash, paper towels, and bins. These items should be easily accessible and always available.
Place signs to point where supplies can be found.
Make it easy for employees to share any concerns they have, or suggested improvements. This shows them that you value their input and can foster a sense of shared responsibility. You can do this by providing them with quick online surveys, suggestion boxes, or an open-door policy. Ensure you always respond to feedback quickly, showing your staff you take their feedback seriously.
Communicating hygiene expectations isn't simply setting rules and expecting your staff to follow them. It's about creating a respectful, responsible, and healthy workplace. If you need help keeping your business premises clean and hygienic, get in touch with the Sloane Cleaning Services experts today. Call us now for a free, no obligation quote.