Clean Hands is Everyone’s Business

We typically carry 3,200 distinct bacteria on our hands, representing more than 150 species. Some of them can be toxic and cause infections, whereas others are safe. Fortunately, handwashing techniques have evolved and can significantly lower the transfer of these unwelcome guests.

We frequently forget the basic step of hand washing in our busy lives. However, medical professionals stress that maintaining good hand hygiene is essential to maintaining public health as it stops the transmission of germs and keeps us safe. Not only are clean hands vital for people, but they are also essential for entire communities and enterprises.

1. Improving the Health and Energy Levels of Employees

Workers in good health are more productive and able to work at high output levels. Frequent illnesses brought on by poor hand hygiene might result in presenteeism, which is when workers report to work but are unable to perform their duties fully because of their illness. Businesses may support the health and productivity of their employees by encouraging good hand hygiene.

2. Meeting Employee Expectations 

More than 40% of full-time workers want to see a stronger focus on hand hygiene at work and often worry about becoming sick from poor hygiene habits. It seems logical that employees in restaurants would be supporters of better hand hygiene, but people in a variety of other fields, such as industry and sales, would also like to see hand hygiene given top priority on the company agenda.

3. Avoiding Contamination by Others

In every public place, cross-contamination is a serious risk. Health experts warn that germs can easily spread from one person to another through direct contact or shared surfaces. Unfiltered hand dryers can release viruses and germs back into the atmosphere, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. To reduce this danger, it is essential to select hand dryers with HEPA filters. Companies should also make sure that toilets are kept up to date with proper hand hygiene products and routine cleaning.

4. Reducing Absenteeism

Hand hygiene also lowers the number of sick days. In the workplace, germs may spread quickly and create illnesses that might keep workers from going to work. The overall number of sick days is decreased by minimizing the transmission of these pathogens through frequent hand washing and appropriate hand sanitizer usage. Reduced sick days translate into more regular attendance, which raises productivity.

5. Sustaining Client Confidence and Trust

Keeping up high hygiene standards is essential for establishing and preserving client trust in industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare that deal directly with customers. Consumers are more inclined to visit establishments that place a high value on hygiene and cleanliness, particularly hand hygiene. Positive word-of-mouth recommendations and a rise in consumer loyalty may result from this.

6. Observing Health and Safety Standards 

Strict health and safety laws that require good hygiene procedures, including hand hygiene, apply to many businesses. In addition to being required by law, adherence to these guidelines is crucial for keeping the business's reputation intact and preventing penalties. Companies that follow these guidelines show that they care about the health and safety of the general public.

Hand hygiene doesn’t only include washing hands with soap and water, drying hands is also essential since germs thrive in wet environments.

7. Encouraging a Clean and Expert Image

A clean workplace demonstrates a company's professionalism and attention to detail. This is especially crucial for companies that host customers and guests on their property. A spotless workplace with adequate hand washing stations makes a good first impression and improves the reputation of the business.

8. Retaining Customers

Maintaining good hand hygiene may attract more clients and foster loyalty. When someone doesn't wash their hands properly, it generally catches the attention of half of the survey participants, and in a purchasing environment, this may be a major turnoff. One in ten people has avoided going to certain hotels or seeing particular physicians because of cleanliness concerns, and over half don’t go to restaurants because of unhygienic conditions. 

On the other hand, over half of the respondents said they would be more inclined to return if they saw that restaurant employees followed explicit handwashing processes.

9. Improving Attention and Focus

Workers who are unwell all the time or who are anxious about being sick might lose attention and get distracted. Employees may focus more intently on their jobs when hand hygiene standards are upheld because they are less concerned about their health. Enhanced concentration results in enhanced effectiveness and output.

Implementing Hand Hygiene Practices

To encourage hand cleanliness and increase output, businesses should:

• Give them plenty of space to wash their hands with soap and water.
• Maintain adequate soap levels in restrooms.
• Place hand sanitizing stations throughout the office.
• To guarantee that hands are well dried, use hand dryers with HEPA filters.
• Inform staff members of the value of good hand hygiene practices.
• Clean and sanitize high-touch surfaces regularly.

Now you know why clean hands are essential. Make sure everyone has a healthy future by prioritizing hand hygiene.