7 Office Cleaning And Sanitising Practices In The Wake Of Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the ease with which contagious illness can spread and led many businesses to implement thorough cleaning practices to minimise infection. But it was not just coronavirus that effective cleaning and sanitising eliminated: other seasonal illnesses, including flu, rhinovirus, and norovirus, also diminished significantly in 2020-21, meaning fewer office staff were absent from work and, consequently, productivity levels were higher.

There are many long-term gains for businesses who are committed to creating cleaner, healthier, and more pleasant working environments. If you wish to reduce workplace absences and promote wellbeing in your teams, follow these tips:

1. Make Sure All Surfaces Are Clean And Hygienic

The airborne particles that cause infections can settle on any surface, including desks, tables, keyboards, and mice; high-touch areas, such as door handles, touch screens, stair rails, and access keypads, are also liable to contamination. Meticulously wiping these areas with disinfectant will kill any lingering germs.

Regular handwashing is one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of illness, so staff should be encouraged to thoroughly wash and dry their hands at regular intervals. Hand soaps are more reliable than antibacterial gels (which, with the right alcohol level, will kill Covid-19 but not norovirus), while disposable towels are more hygienic than shared towels.

3. Open A Window

Respiratory hygiene in the office is crucial to reduce the transmission of colds, coronaviruses, and flu, and helps staff with chronic conditions, such as asthma, by reducing their symptoms. Opening windows, if the prevailing weather conditions allow, can circulate clean air around the office and reduce the airborne transmission of viruses.

4. Catch It, Bin It, Kill It

Many people are familiar with this slogan, which is a simple but effective way to minimise the spread of germs in the office. Tissues should be disposed of in plastic rubbish bags as soon as they have been used – discourage staff from leaving them lying around on surfaces – and the bags should be tied when full to prevent rubbish from falling out.

Regular cleaning plays a vital role in limiting the transmission of bacteria and viruses, so additional and more thorough cleans can be highly beneficial. Standard cleaning products, such as detergents and bleach, will sanitise surfaces and render pathogens harmless on high-touch areas. However, don’t forget to periodically clean other areas, such as door frames and skirting, where germs could prosper undisturbed.

6. Avoid Sharing Utensils And Crockery

Although it is unlikely that Covid-19 is spread through food, some unpleasant viruses can be transmitted through the sharing of utensils and crockery. Staff should use their own equipment which should be thoroughly washed in hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.

7. Invoke Covid-19 Procedures When Necessary

If a member of staff tests positive for Covid-19 or displays symptoms of any contagious illness – including the ‘common cold’, which can mimic the early symptoms of more serious diseases, such as flu, ask them to work from home (if they are well enough) to minimise the infection risk to colleagues.

Contact Kingdom Today

At Kingdom, we supply specialised and professional cleaning services so you can maintain excellent standards of cleanliness in your workplace, to maximise staff attendance and achieve optimum productivity. To find out more, please contact us today.

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