18.06.2018
4 Great Ways to Reduce the Spread of Germs at the Office
Being sick is no fun no matter what kind of work environment you have. Office life, in particular, can be a breeding ground for infectious bacteria and germs. When it comes down to ensuring your employees don’t become ill, it’s a good idea to consider the many different ways you reduce the spread of germs. Are you implementing an effective infection control strategy? Or are you finding that there’s been a sharp increase in absenteeism and illness at your workplace lately? Either way, we’ve come up with four fundamental ways you can further protect yourself and other workers by reducing the spread of germs in the office — from using steam humidifiers to taking advantage of sick days the right way.
Hand Sanitizer at Every Workstation
It might seem like an insignificant improvement, but a bottle of high-quality hand sanitizer at every employee’s desk can go a long way in curbing the spread of germs. Most kill up to 99.9% of bacteria and are enriched with Aloe, making for an ideal solution that isn’t harsh on the hands of your team. If you work in a collaborative environment where materials and equipment are passed around regularly, this is a must!
Disinfectant Wipes
Treating desks and workspaces like kitchen counters is a beneficial way to reduce the spread of contagious bacteria. By dusting and wiping down surfaces with disinfectant wipes at least once a week, you keep areas clean where workers rest their hands and spend most of their time. Most office germs can be found on commonly used surfaces such as door handles, computer monitors, keyboards, mice, and in kitchenettes as well, so be sure to give those a thorough wipe-down.
If Possible, Don’t Make Sick Employees Come in
It’s expensive to dole out sick days, especially if employees are using more than their annual allotted amount. However, life is full of surprises and illness is something that is beyond our control. It’s never a good idea to compel an employee to come to work while sick. Not only will they underperform and be far less efficient anyway, but they also spread germs to other employees in a flash. Simply put, paid sick days are a “necessary evil” — it’s cheaper and more beneficial than having the whole office sick, which will result in a steep drop in productivity.
Steam Humidifiers and Evaporative Cooler Technology
A healthy work environment is all about controlling temperature, air quality, and relative humidity. This can be achieved through proper humidity control. Larger office spaces — including those as part of sprawling industrial developments — benefit best from steam humidifiers utilizing evaporative cooler technology. They work to reduce indoor temperatures to levels similar to those gained through air conditioning, filtering bacteria and toxins out and introducing fresh, hydrated air. Depending on your setup, your workplace may be able to save substantially on energy bills as well by opting for commercial humidifiers or industrial humidifiers such as those produced by Condair. Combined, these solutions work to reduce the spread of germs and infectious microbes very efficiently for the long term, reducing absenteeism and keeping employees healthier for longer.
In the end, what matters most is that your employees are comfortable, safe, and healthy, ensuring they can perform at their peak and help your business maintain operating standards. Whether you consider steam humidifiers, an evaporative cooler or a new office-cleaning strategy, there are many ways to help reduce the spread of germs in your workplace. For more information about our commercial humidifiers, industrial humidifiers and other humidity control products, contact us at Condair today!
Similar Links:
https://www.condair.com/humidifiernews/blog-overview/what-is-an-evaporative-cooler
