5 Fascinating Workplace Washroom Necessities

FACT: Workplace washroom design, maintenance and location are major contributing factors to worker productivity.

FACT: Worker productivity is a major contributing factor to business success. You already knew that. But what about this next fact?

The link between workplace washrooms and organisational performance is less well-known. Which is probably why washrooms are often overlooked by management.

According to research, workers perceive decor as non-verbal communication. It sends a message of how much the company values them.

Washroom conditions can either encourage or discourage workers.

We go to the washroom about five to seven times a day, so why not make the visit worth it?

These unconventional workplace washroom necessities are sure to knock your socks off. They will have your workers happier, healthier and more productive.

Provide Adequate Washroom Products 

It’s no doubt that items, such as toilet tissue and paper towels and hand wash are basic necessities. Finding these in every washroom is ideal and promotes proper toilet etiquette.

Make sure you have these items stocked for the next few months. Workers need these items to maintain personal hygiene, saving them from embarrassing washroom situations.

Make an inventory of the washroom items, taking note of the stock and if there is a need to replenish it. Availability of products guarantees your workers a great experience.

Also, stock up on cleaning products, like air fresheners and cleaning chemicals.

Poor products have a negative effect on your workers’ physical wellbeing. They may fall ill from poor hygienic conditions. As a result, this puts the business’ reputation on the line.

Keep your washroom spotlessly fresh and clean.

Air fresheners are important when dealing with bad odours in washrooms. They aim to end the odour and not mask it. The good smell makes the washroom welcoming to workers.

On top of that, studies show that certain scents give washroom-goers positive energy. As a result, this lifts the workers’ mood and reduces stress levels.

They feel more excited to go about their daily tasks.

This scent chart is instrumental in deciding which scents to go for. It makes your decision easier.

Additionally, cleaning products help maintain a hygienic washroom. Cleaning surfaces, floors and walls maintain the general appearance of the washroom.

Good cleaning products counter the growth of mould that often comes about in moist areas. This contributes to the extermination of musty odours.

‘’The objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living within that environment.‘’ — Marie Kondo

Give Your Washroom Character

Another workplace washroom necessity is good decor. When you walk into an office washroom, you should feel good to be there.

This study concludes that productivity levels increase in the presence of good decor.

So, take a step back from metal cubicle doors and plain whitewashed walls. Make your office washroom pleasant and fun.

Let your washroom design speak for you. Reflect the character and values of your business through the decor. Using the right design, you can give your workers and clients a good impression.

Wondering where to start? Ask your workers what they think of the current workplace decor. From their feedback, you have a perfect idea of where to start.

To begin with, install proper stall doors with good locks to protect privacy. This is obligatory as part of workplace regulations. Likewise, this applies to the main washroom door.

Get rid of clutter and old materials. Place a vase of good smelling flowers in the sink area, and even have a bowl of potpourri. These are great finishing touches. Not only do they give your washroom class, but also smell great and add aesthetic value.

Instead of having plain walls, include vibrant wall paint or a bright wallpaper design. It should best reflect the identity of your workplace. This assists in making the washroom look professional and welcoming.

Image from: Christian Mackie

While doing so, pay attention to the colours you use. Certain colours evoke positive moods, and these are the best colours to go for. For example, peach, light pink and lilac are happy colours and evoke positive emotions.

Download FREE Cleanliness & Health poster

Have a look at this illustrative colour wheel to help decide which colour scheme works for you.

It’s also important to incorporate washroom etiquette posters. These remind workers of washroom hygiene and maintenance. They are often stylish and educative.

Make sure the washroom has good ventilation and lighting systems. Dull and stuffy washrooms can prove to be demoralising.

Make sure there are windows in the washroom to allow natural light and fresh air to get inside.

Play around and have creative lighting fixtures, too. Consider placing them overhead to reduce the casting of shadows. This is important in protecting workers’ eyesight from harm caused by poor lighting.

Play Some Music

While a quiet washroom is ideal, a little background music wouldn’t hurt. Installing good quality overhead speakers is instrumental in playing washroom music.

Music masks awkward sounds, and this makes people more comfortable.

According to research, certain sounds reduce stress and relax the mind. This creates a calm environment ideal for increasing productivity levels.

‘’We are all familiar with the feeling of relaxation and ‘switching-off’ which comes from a walk in the countryside, and now we have evidence from the brain and the body which helps us understand this effect. This has been an exciting collaboration between artists and scientists, and it has produced results which may have a real-world impact, particularly for people who are experiencing high levels of stress.’’ — Dr Cassandra Gould van Praag

What is the best kind of music to play in your workplace washroom? That would be instrumental or classical music. This means workers will not have to concentrate on trying to understand the lyrics.

Further, the music volume should be moderate, as this is the productive-sweet spot. We wouldn’t want to turn the washroom into a club.

Ensure There Is Clean and Regular Water Supply

Handwashing, toilet flushing and washroom cleaning are daily activities. So, clean water is a workplace washroom necessity.

Providing clean water protects the health of your workers. Without it, maintaining clean washrooms would be difficult. This would create health risks caused by bacteria.

Besides, clean water promotes handwashing. Thus, it reduces health risks and builds up workers’ resistance to illnesses.

This translates to fewer sick days taken, and in turn, improves business progress.

‘’One who maintains cleanliness keeps away diseases.’’ — Sam Veda

Incorporate creative reminders in the washroom as well. These help workers recall the importance of water conservation. This is by reminding workers to report any leaking incidents to the management.

Use Automated Products

Jet Dry Executive a high powered motor to create warm air

Today, there is increasing use of automated products almost everywhere we go. It’s time for you to do the same.

Replace your standard hand soap with automatic hand wash and sanitiser dispensers.

The preference for automated products is because they involve less physical contact. This plays a major role in reducing the spread of bacteria.

Incorporating these workplace washroom necessities doesn’t have to be an energy-draining process. Trust the local experts in your area to make it a smooth journey.

They will help you in creating a washroom that will leave you amazed!

Top 5 Must-Have Items for a Great Airbnb Guest Experience

Fact: Airbnb popularity increases each year.

By April 2018, 20,000 Airbnb listings were active in New Zealand alone. This progress does not show signs of slowing down any time soon.

Your Airbnb must stand out from the crowd. But how? Offer an exceptional guest experience.

By doing so you will receive excellent reviews from guests. In turn, your Airbnb listing becomes a bestseller in your area.

‘’Airbnb has grown thanks to our hosts making memorable experiences and inspiring their guests to be hosts in their hometown.’’ — Joe Gebbia, Airbnb co-founder

What do you need to create a memorable guest experience?

Presentation of the right items and maintaining consistency is the answer.

Provision of Wi-fi access, appliances, and linen are a few of the top priorities as rated by guests.

Check out the top 5 factors that create an outstanding guest experience.

Fast and Free Internet Access

Image from: Webaroo.com.au

Increasing social media use and more people working online creates the demand for fast internet access.

The majority of Airbnb hosts overlook the need for Wi-fi, this shouldn’t be the case.

Instead, offer fast and free internet access for convenience.

Keep in mind that guests select Airbnbs for various reasons. Some travel for leisure and others for work.

For these reasons, offering free internet access will be expected by your guests.

Since your guests pay for their accommodation, Wi-fi access should be free, including an extra charge may annoy them.

Now your guests can work online and post about their stay on social media.

Those who work from their laptops will require Wi-fi access in the Airbnb they choose to rent. For example, it is a necessity for bloggers.

‘’If you count E-mail, I’m on the internet all day every day.’’ — Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation

Asking about your guests’ careers is intrusive. Thus, preparing to exceed their expectations is a better approach.

What’s more, you must offer secure internet access for your guests to use.

This protects them from potential viruses and cyber-security risks.

You can provide secure internet access in the following ways:

• Store the Wi-fi router in an inaccessible area. Suitable areas include locked cabinets to avoid manipulation of the router.
• Ensure the Wi-fi password is long, unique, and difficult to guess. After every guest checks-out, change the password.
• Update your router software and hardware. This eliminates potential security risks.
• Only share the passwords with guests. Do so after they have checked-in to the Airbnb.
• Verify your Wi-fi access. This gives reports on the speed and reliability of the Wi-fi.

Some guests will have little interest in internet use. They may travel with the intention to disconnect from the outside world. If they ask, you can easily switch the router off at their request.

Clean Linen

Pamper your customer’s feeling luxuriate and satisfied with Alsco accommodation linen

As a host, it is a basic Airbnb requirement to provide the accommodation with clean linen.

This includes towels, bedsheets, and pillowcases.

Expecting guests to bring their own linen is unrealistic and causes unnecessary frustration.

Besides, high-quality linen translates to first-rate online reviews which will attract future clients.

Putting effort into the details impresses guests.

Thus, exemplary linen is a must-have item.

“Customer needs may vary, but their bias for quality never does.” — Bill Marriott, ex-CEO and executive chairman of Marriott International

Comfortable bed sheets, mattresses, and pillows contribute to a good night’s sleep.

Also, providing robes will add to this luxurious experience. Nothing says luxury more than a fluffy white robe.

Remember, keeping linen clean is non-negotiable. Dirty linen gives the wrong impression of the host.

It shows a lack of interest in hospitality. This opens the door to guests falling ill from bacteria cultivated in an old towel or dirty sheets.

So, how can you change the linen on time and keep it clean?

Platinum linen services give your Airbnb the boost it needs.

This service includes:

• The provision of high-quality and luxurious linen. Bringing the 5-star experience to your guests.
• Customising your linen requirements according to your wishes. Providing different linen colours and designs makes hosting easy.
• Linen management services make cleaning and replacement easier than ever. Linen will always smell fresh and welcoming to guests.

With Platinum linen services the burden is off your shoulders, Airbnb hosting has never been more manageable.

Remember to store linen properly to maintain its colour and quality.

Fresh linens and a cozy space reminds guests why they selected an Airbnb, rather than any regular hotel.

Proper Working Appliances

Image from: Sasikan Ulevik

Staying true to your word is essential. Guests want honest hosts when selecting Airbnbs.

When marketing your Airbnb, make sure your guests know about the available appliances; ensure all your appliances work as they are intended to.

Before guests check-in, inspect your Airbnb. This involves checking to see if parts need replacing. Nobody wants to bother with a leaky sink while on vacation.

Willingness to invest in your business makes your property desirable to others. The outcome is that your return on your investment will increase.

A great experience can result in guests becoming frequent clients.

Safety Precautions

‘’Safety first is safety always.’’ — Charles M Hayes

Accidents happen during vacations and work trips, they are inevitable, it is important to make preparations for the unknown.

Ensure workplace health and safety compliance with Alsco first aid kit rental service

Being an Airbnb host comes with many responsibilities, such as guaranteeing the safety of your guests.

Begin by providing first aid kits for minor accidents.

Stock up on appropriate items, such as band-aids, and antiseptic cream. Conduct regular checks to keep the kit up-to-date.

Place a list of emergency contacts in a visible area. A refrigerator door is a suitable place. The list should comprise of contacts from nearby 24-hour hospitals, fire stations, and walk-in clinics.

This list should also include your direct contact information in case of any incident.

In the event of a major accident, easy access to emergency contact numbers can save your guests precious time, and may reduce further harm.

It may be necessary to hire security services to guard the grounds, depending on the location of your Airbnb. This will reduce the anxiety experienced by your guests if there are local factors that require added security.

Your guest’s safety should be a top priority and guarantees a good experience.

Your guests will appreciate your concern for their well-being.

Hygienic Environment

4-step deep clean eliminate dirt and germs away

Clean Airbnbs are desirable.

On the other hand, unclean environments cause negative feelings and staying in such an environment is difficult for guests.

Hence, clean your Airbnb well. Deep clean the bathrooms, bedrooms, and kitchen after every visit.

Remember to wipe down surfaces with cleaning products that rid the house of hanging odours.

Provide basic products like toilet tissue, soap, and sanitiser for exceptional hygiene maintenance.

Hire a cleaning service to maintain general cleanliness. The cleaners may wash dishes and clean the house on scheduled days.

As a common courtesy, inform your guests of cleaning days, and try to schedule them when no one is staying in the property.

These tips will help you stand out from the competition and raise your Airbnb game.

Are you looking for a reliable, efficient option to launder your linens? Alsco offers excellent rates and services to suit your needs.

Say goodbye to dirty and off-colour linen when you put your trust in the experts.

“The continual support they offer on a weekly basis is fantastic, I know they are only a phone call or email away should we need anything further.” — Miranda Sage, Administration and Marketing Manager, Delta Stock Crates Ltd

Photo: Filios Sazeides

4 Linen Secrets Celebrity Hotels Don’t Want You to Know

Fact 1:

“Only close attention to the fine details of any operation makes the operation first class.” – J. Willard Marriott, founder of the Marriott Corporation

When travelling, guests want the best experience. Thus, everything lies in the details. Paying attention to these details helps your hotel thrive like a celebrity hotel.

By giving guests the best experience during their stay they praise your business and give positive recommendations.

Fact 2:

‘’The great advantage of a hotel is that it is a refuge from home life.’’ – George Bernard Shaw

The hotel experience acts as a haven for guests. Some are there to relax while others check-in for business.

Cleanliness and appearance are crucial, in consequence, a paramount area of concern is linen.

Guests gauge the cleanliness of a room by its clean and quality linen, maintaining consistency is essential.

How can you give your guests the 5-star experience?

Don’t worry. We have the solution!

These well-kept secrets to providing quality linen will take your accommodation business to the next level.

1. Stop Mixing Your White and Coloured Linen

Image from: Tina Bosse

“Hotels and guests equate white with being clean.” – Chris Gowdy, VP of Liddell

Maintaining white linen is not an easy job. It requires expertise and skill.

Poor linen maintenance causes an off-white appearance. Displaying off-white linen makes rooms look unclean.

Taking proper care of white linen maintains the quality for years to come.

Indulge your customers in 5-star luxury. 

You can do this by:

• Outsourcing expert linen services. This is a common approach for celebrity hotels. The experts ensure the supply of high-quality plush towels, robes, and bedsheets. They also replace dirty linen.
• Sort the linen. Do so by separating the white from the coloured linen. By doing this, you avoid mixing them, resulting in dull colours and murky whites.
• Wash the white linen first. This prevents discolouration. Use the correct washing detergents. For example, Persil.
• Don’t overload the washing machine. This ensures proper cleaning of all linen. To do this, you must load your washing machine to 80% of its capacity.
• Hang linen in the sun to dry. This keeps towels and robes from feeling harsh on the skin.

After doing so, fold the linen and store it in a cool dry room. This combats moisture that interferes with the quality.

Linen maintenance is as easy as that!

2. Clean Stubborn Stains the Best Way

Image from: Jamie Coupaud

“Soap, water and elbow grease; those are the three ingredients for success in the hotel business.” – Conrad Hilton, founder of Hilton Hotels

Food and drink stains on linen are troublesome. Tea towels, napkins, and tablecloths are common victims of these stains.

100% cotton, highly-absorbent and anti-bacterial tea towels.[/caption

These stains may give your guests the wrong impression. It makes your dining area look unclean.

This is a sensitive matter because guests take meals and interact in dining rooms. If they don’t feel safe to eat in this area, it reflects poorly on your business values.

So, deal with these stains early, when staff members spot them.

Clean linen makes your guests feel at home. Conversely, stained linen makes them uncomfortable. Guests may get the idea that the dining area is unclean and this doesn’t bode well for your business.

You can take care of these stains by Doing It Yourself (DIY) or by hiring professional help.

See which of the following options will work for you:

DIY entails removing stains off of linen by your in-house staff.

DIY essentials when dealing with different kinds of stains include:

• Salt battles grease on linen and carpets. Rub one part salt, and four parts of alcohol to remove it. It also deals with coffee and wine stains.
• Baking soda deals with various stains. These include perspiration, grease, and egg stains. Mix it with water and let it settle on the stain before washing it off.
• WD-40 proves useful for tomato juice stains. Spray the stain with the lubricant, allow it to sit and then wash it off. Do this with caution, as over-spraying causes a larger stain.

DIY can be effective, although, these stains may leave a faint impression on linen.

This is why celebrity hotels often opt for professional linen services as opposed to DIY. They supply high-quality linen as well as regular cleaning services.

This service is the better option because:

• Replacing stained linen is a smooth process. The burden shifts to the professionals to deal with stained linen.
• The image of your establishment is consistent. The effective replacement of soiled linen gives your hotel an excellent reputation.
• It reduces the stress of linen management. Hired professionals will take care of stained and sour-smelling linen for you.
• Luxurious, high-quality linen is at your disposal. This will match the calibre of clientele, giving them a comfortable experience.

Pamper your guests and make their stay unforgettable!

3. Invest in High-Quality Linen

Image from: Sylvie Tittel

‘’Remember: No matter how good your feedback is, you always start over with the next customer.’’ – Shep Hyken, Customer Service and Experience Speaker

Show every customer they matter to you. Each guest is a new opportunity to start over and display your business values.

These are the pros of investing in good quality linen:

• It meets the guests’ expectations of high-quality linen. Research shows that people will pay more to get a better bed in hotels. Guests often seek value for their money. So, they need to receive the top-notch service they pay for.
• It reinforces your brand values. Consistency is key in the hospitality business. Both your accommodation and restaurant linen remain amazing. It displays your business’ prowess.
• Paying attention to detail impresses guests. Image is everything and your guest’s good feedback is free marketing for your business. Happy guests give positive online reviews.
• Good quality linen lasts longer. This saves you spending money on buying new linen.

Knowing how to maintain this kind of linen is also important.

Regular commercial-grade washing is the best way to ensure your linen is in order at all times. This is hassle-free and done to your establishment’s satisfaction.

Using some in-house hacks can further help in sustaining the quality of your linen.

For example, you may place a tennis ball in the washing machine drum with your towels. This makes your towels softer and fluffier.

Linen feels harsh on the skin because of poor maintenance.

4. Deal with Stains at the Source

Image from: Anne Nygård

‘’Think ahead. Don’t let day-to-day operations drive out planning.’’ – Donald Rumsfield

As the saying goes, prevention is better than the cure.

Thus, deal with stains at the source. This consumes less time.

Common stains on accommodation linen include sweat, oil, and cosmetics. Guests are often the source of these stains.

This occurs from a lack of proper products to clean up.

Anti-bacterial soap dispenser

So, to take extra precaution and provide good hygiene products in rooms. These can include:  soap, sanitiser, facial tissue, and makeup remover. Their availability prompts guests to use them.

You will begin to notice the reduction of stains on the linen.

What’s more, hygiene products protect your guests from bacterial infections.

Use 5-star platinum linen services for your 5-star establishment today.

Your staff can focus their skills on improving your business further.

As an added bonus this will cut the costs of purchasing and maintaining cleaning equipment.

Get a fast and free quote from the experts today!

Photo: mrsiraphol

Why Your Office Bathroom Is Missing The Mark (and How To Fix It)

Sometimes working in an office is not an easy task because of limited space. This often includes the office bathroom.

Bathrooms are already quite an intimate setting for everyone.

So leaving your clean bathroom at home to get to a dirty one at work can be a traumatising experience all on its own.

Looking for a clean bathroom outside of the office is time-consuming. It wastes work hours and drains a significant amount of energy.

This list of five office bathroom supplies is what employees need to feel happy and comfortable in their workplace environment.

They spend a significant portion of their lives in this environment, so it’s worth attending to their wellbeing if you want them to be productive.

Washroom Fix: Air Freshener

This neutralises bad smells and makes the environment better to work in. Walking into an office bathroom that always smells like fresh roses is a signal to the employee that their employer cares about them and values them.

Automatic air fresheners are a popular option these days. They release scents discreetly and regularly without human intervention.

They have little need for servicing for up to 8 weeks. This reduces the spread of germs caused by handling air fresheners by users.

According to research, aromatherapy improves employee productivity. Certain scents, such as cinnamon and peppermint, boost employees’ attention and focus.

Washroom Fix: Hand Wash and Sanitiser

Powerful, alcohol-based Hand sanitiser

Some employees have a legitimate fear of bathroom sinks or surfaces. Who wouldn’t? It’s well-known that bacteria can come from any surface in an indoor ecosystem.

Hand hygiene products are definitely an office bathroom supply that employees need.

All you have to do is place your hands underneath the sensor. A well-calculated amount of the product comes from the machine on to your palms.

The beauty of automated hand hygiene products is that you don’t need to press any button to get the product out.

These dispensers are available in any colour or design to match your bathroom decor. This way, your office bathroom gets a stylish upgrade.

Client interaction is the norm in the workplace. Workers interact with others and touch various things during work hours.

Without a proper office hand hygiene system, the health of workers is at great risk.

Washroom Fix: Toilet Sanitiser

You may be wondering if toilet sanitisers are effective. Demand for these products is on the rise, as toilet seat sanitiser kills 99.99% of bacteria found on the toilet seat. This is important as the surface of the seat is in direct contact with the skin.

The fact that you must place your posterior where others have placed theirs can be confronting. When you think of it that way, you then realise how serious it actually is.

Sitting on a contaminated toilet seat can expose you to pathogens and cause illnesses. So it’s important to use both toilet sanitiser and hand hygiene products to ensure proper hygiene of all workers.

Washroom Fix: Feminine Hygiene Units

Your female employees are busy enough with work and home life, and feminine hygiene shouldn’t add to their stress levels. Sometimes women forget to pack essentials in their work bags, such as sanitary pads, leading to many an ‘uh-oh’ moment.

Sanitary pad dispensers in the office bathrooms can be a very welcome addition in these situations and will allow your female employees to continue working without interruption to their day.

Female employees also need a discreet and hygienic way to dispose of used sanitary products – feminine hygiene units are an essential bathroom item that should be installed and maintained in every female workplace washroom.

Washroom Fix: Posters On Bathroom Etiquette

Download FREE Cleanliness and Health poster

Reminders on the walls are useful in maintaining good hygiene practices among workers.

Mistakes are part of human nature, and so is forgetfulness. After a stressful day, sometimes we rush without flushing or even washing our hands.

Hey, it happens sometimes.

This is why we need reminders to help instil proper bathroom etiquette culture.

These posters are available for free online, saving you money and time.

Why Office Bathroom Supplies Matter

There are many reasons why your office bathroom is important. Washroom supplies play an important role in improving bathroom etiquette.

Good washroom habits can help improve work and personal relationships. Both employers and employees use office bathrooms. Your cleanliness says a lot about you to your workmates.

We all have a basic need for a clean and healthy environment. This is important in protecting yourself and others from health risks.

Washrooms are an Essential Part of Being Human

Studies show that an adult spends an average of one hour and forty-two minutes in the bathroom every week. Imagine how much we spend in the bathroom during our entire lifetime.

Using the bathroom is an essential part of life.

A survey showed that 94% of people would not go back to a place with a dirty bathroom. Dirty bathrooms lead to loss of company business in the long run.

Keeping your office bathroom clean is part of doing business.

Health Risks Affect Business

Good office bathroom hygiene means fewer sick days for workers.

When the health of workers is at risk, they take more sick days. When workers don’t show up at work, the impact on the business can be quick and damaging.

Image from: Saniprocare Hand sanitizer – HOCl

Efficient office bathroom supplies ensure proper hygiene, a healthy working environment and fewer sick days.

Hygiene Affects Employee Productivity

Dirty bathrooms generally make people uncomfortable, whether it’s in a private dwelling, public facility or the workplace.

The location of some office bathrooms is near the general working space. A bad odour may diffuse and linger around the work area. This makes it difficult for employees to work or concentrate. Clients can also be affected.

Every time a client walks out due to poor workplace hygiene, it kills the morale of an employee and affects their motivation and productivity.

Bathrooms are the Face of the Office

A study showed that 89% of people use office bathrooms as an indicator of how the office values employees? So future employees are not going to be keen on joining companies with poor washroom hygiene.

Don’t let your washrooms be your Achilles’ Heel.

Change the face of your office washroom today by engaging the experts in washroom hygiene.

“You service our branch with an awesome attitude…”
Shaan Antunovich, Manager, Education Action.

First-class service is only one call away!

6 Easy Ways to Improve Your Office Washroom

Washrooms are an intimate place for everyone. This is why good hygiene and presentation are essential, especially for office washrooms. Where there is good hygiene, people feel more comfortable to work and interact.

Washrooms that are not up-to-date make people feel uncomfortable. Sometimes, the lack of washroom products makes going to the washroom a difficult task.

According to an interior design expert, what we see around us forms 80% of our experiences.

Office washrooms send out non-verbal communication to workers. Faded paint, steel doors and broken washroom parts send the wrong message. They may not feel valued.

A dull workplace design makes workers dull. Workers feel more pressure during work hours because of the workplace presentation. This heightens stress levels.

The design, location and maintenance of washrooms have an effect on employee performance. This means your office washroom may even give your employees low morale to work. This is costly to a business in the long-run because of unproductive and irritable workers.

This article is a guide to improving office washrooms.

How to Improve Your Office Washroom

Now that you know why improving office washrooms is necessary, you need to know how to do it. Here we take a look at six of the best ways to go about it.

Spruce up Your Decor

We spend a lot of time in the washroom. In fact, we spend around 1.5 years in the washroom during a lifetime. Making sure your washroom is stylish and up-to-date makes going to the washroom worthwhile.

The decor is the first thing we notice in a washroom. It sends out a particular message. According to research, good decor receives more positive feedback.

Create a fun and fresh perspective with your office decor. Use high energy colour schemes, such as blue, yellow or white. This makes the washroom experience more memorable and relaxing.

You can incorporate this new perspective in the workspace to match the washrooms. This lightens up the mood. It makes interaction among workers more relaxed.

The decor is important because colours affect our moods. Studies show that monotone themes have a negative effect on workers’ productivity.

Allow enough light to illuminate your office washroom. Don’t over-tint washroom windows. This allows natural light in the washroom. Installing bright lights in washrooms should improve upon the appearance.

Generally, dull washrooms create a sense of fright. Going into a dark washroom feels like walking into a horror movie scene. It creates a sense of unsafety.

Don’t be shy about adding extra accessories to your washroom. Go with accessories that match with the theme of your washroom.

For example, you can add a vase of flowers for a more calm theme. Having flowers has a calming effect. They create better concentration and improve memory.

This makes your washroom looks more put together and up-to-date.

Upgrade Your Washroom Products

Conventional toilet paper suitable for all types of washrooms.

Ensure your washroom has everything your workers need.

This means providing for basic washroom necessities. These are such as tissue, hand hygiene products and air fresheners. These are important for any washroom visit. Make sure these products are available in good number.

In improving office washrooms, you may want to go the extra mile. This sends out a positive message to workers that you care about their hygiene and health.

Provide for products that appear unconventional but are important to washroom goers.

Providing these grooming essentials enables workers to care for themselves. This sends the message that you care for their personal needs.

Regular Washroom Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures that your washroom stays in good condition. Hiring deep cleaning services is one way to maintain your office washroom.

Deep cleaning kills germs and exterminates odour in hard-to-reach areas of the washroom. Sometimes air fresheners don’t cut it. Hanging smells make the washroom uncomfortable to be in.

Regular cleaning of the washroom makes the washroom experience bearable. It protects workers from potential health risks posed by germs. Doing so protects the reputation of your workplace.

Jet Dry Executive your washroom drying solutions.

Use of digital washroom hygiene products contributes to improving office washrooms. Automated hand hygiene and toilet sanitising products are common today. This is the same case with automatic taps and hand dryers. These products contribute to the cleanliness of the washroom.

They are automatic, so there is no need to touch them. This reduces the spread of germs among workers.

Maintenance and replacement of washroom parts save washroom goers from embarrassing situations. It is difficult to maintain good toilet etiquette when the appliances don’t work.

If you regularly inspect your washroom, you’ll end up spending less money to buy new parts. It promotes good toilet etiquette. When workers see their employers care about the washrooms, they feel obliged to do the same.

Have Some Fun

Lighten up a little and have some fun with your office washroom. The workplace atmosphere doesn’t need to be tense all the time. In fact, workers who laugh at work tend to stay around longer than those who don’t. We all know that a good laugh relieves stress.

‘‘Keeping people happy is what makes them perform.’’

Stewart Shanley (Founder of ‘the Smile Squad’)

Studies show that introducing humour improves employee productivity in the workplace. It brightens the mood in the workplace and workers engage better with one another.

Use quirky posters to lighten the mood. Placing them on toilet cubicle doors, at the sink area or on the main washroom door is a good way to encourage humour. This gives washroom goers a sense of relief and shows the importance of toilet etiquette.

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Download FREE Female Toilet poster

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Download FREE Male Toilet poster

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Download FREE Non-Specific Toilet poster

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Better Air Circulation

Improve office washrooms by adding windows. Ensure there is a good air ventilation system. This provides good air circulation which reduces mould caused by dampness.

Where there are windows, ensure they remain open wide enough to allow fresh air to get in.

If there are no windows, don’t worry. Use of a good air conditioning system allows for proper air circulation.

Use air fresheners to end bad odour. This uplifts the mood of employees and improves their productivity at work.

Cramped up washrooms have poor air circulation. This lets bad odours hang around.

Poor ventilation has negative effects on workers. This includes causing fatigue and reducing their ability to concentrate at work.

Safety Measures

Installing wet area mats ensures that slip and fall accidents don’t occur. This is one product that many office washrooms need.

Washroom tiles are slippery surfaces, which make it easier to slip and fall. Leakages or spilled water also cause accidents. Placing mats in washrooms to give your shoes a good grip prevent slip and fall accidents.

These items improve office washrooms, making them safer and more comfortable for all.

“…took care of all our requirements, in one hit, fantastic!”

Miranda Sage, Administration and Marketing Manager, Delta Stock Crates Ltd

Improving your office washroom may prove to be a difficult task, but Alsco makes it so much easier.

Get in touch with us today for a fast, free quote tailored to your business needs.

Photo: needpix

6 Innovative Approaches to Workplace Washroom Makeovers

Little do employers know, washrooms are the face of the workplace. Some people reject job offers based on the workplace washroom.

One US survey showed that 9 out of 10 workers said the condition of a workplace bathroom is “a good indicator of how a company values its employees.”

The workplace washroom gives people a certain impression of the business. This could either be a positive impression or a negative one.

This is why platforms such as Google have a ‘Reviews’ tab. These reviews alone can cause the downfall of a business.

There are washrooms we walk into and get a 1980s feel. Dull lighting, poor tiling and even metal doors for toilet stalls are a thing of the past. These are some of the aspects that give workers negative impressions of the workplace.

This shows that it is time for a workplace washroom makeover.

This list of six signs to watch out for in your workplace washroom will prove why you need a makeover.

6 Signs You Need a Workplace Washroom Makeover

It can seem difficult for employees to complain about the workplace washroom setup. And few employers will see the need for a makeover in the first place.

So, how can you tell that you need a workplace washroom makeover?

These six signs can serve as a checklist for your workplace washroom, including innovative approaches to the makeover.

Washroom Crisis: Outdated Decor

Image from: Pxhere

When anyone walks into a washroom, the first thing to catch their eye is the decor.  The decor in washrooms effectively sends out non-verbal communications.

In most cases, employers aim to provide a plain or minimalist kind of decor in the workplace area. This is because it projects seriousness and professionalism and can even encourage employees to stay focused and alert.

But this is the 21st century. There are new ideas for workplace washroom makeovers. There is simply no room for decor that takes washroom users back in time.

Firstly, use a good colour scheme. Use high energy colours such as yellow, blue or green. These high wave-length hues increase employee productivity. Warm colours, such as orange, are also helpful for evoking calm feelings.

A recent study shows that dull colours induce feelings of sadness. Colours such as grey. These are NOT the kind of colours to go for.

Image from: Indiamart

You can accessorise by adding office bathroom supplies that match – things like quality soap dispensers and sanitary disposal bins.

Washroom Crisis: Damaged Fixtures and Dirty Tiles

It’s time for a workplace washroom makeover if your washroom fixtures don’t work properly. By repairing or replacing damaged parts, you’ll save time and money on future maintenance and keep your workers happy.

Increase aesthetic value by adding creative tiles. There are many styles and colours of tiles to choose from. Choose tiles that are easy to clean, such as porcelain tiles. There is no need for scrubbing and wiping these tiles down is easier, especially with the right cleaning products.

Image from: Lecrayon Modern House design

Washroom Crisis: Lack of Safety Features

A workplace washroom makeover is necessary if safety is compromised.

Many workers have suffered injuries in the workplace washroom. Slip and fall accidents are very common in washrooms, and overflows and liquid spills do cause accidents.

Make your washroom safe.

Incorporate some wet area mats into your workplace washroom to help keep it accident-free. They offer good grip to ensure there is no slipping and sliding.

In the event of an accident, there should be first aid kits close by to assist an injured person. Alsco’s managed first-aid kit rental service makes sure that your kit is well stocked and up to date at all times.

Adding grab bars makes your office washroom accessible to everyone, including the elderly and disabled.

Washroom Crisis: Non-Eco-Friendly

Download FREE Think Before You Flush Infographic

You know it’s time to go green if your washroom products are not eco-friendly. This includes materials that are unrecyclable.

The need to protect the environment we live in is more important than ever so it’s time to incorporate eco-friendly products in your office washroom.

Install air towels to replace paper towels for hand-drying. They provide an air drying system that is affordable and energy-saving. There is little need for servicing or replacing, unlike a paper towel machine.

Eco-friendly air fresheners are also important, releasing these scents into the environment in a less harmful form than ordinary air fresheners.

Remind washroom goers about proper waste disposal and energy conservation by using these free posters. Place them on washroom walls and toilet cubicle doors.

Eco-friendly supplies also have less impact on the well-being of workers and contrary to popular opinion, they are also cost-effective.

Washroom Crisis: No Room to Move

Your office washroom may be too cramped for people to move around freely, which makes washroom users feel uncomfortable. If so, it’s time to address the issue.

Is there any wasted space? If so, consider removing the obstacles that block its use – are there storage facilities that can be moved to another location?

Does the waste bin take up too much space? Is there a smaller, sleeker alternative?

Is the hand-dryer too bulky? Install a more modern version with a thinner profile.

Is there clutter – spare toilet tissue, etc – taking up space? Store it elsewhere.

Washroom Crisis: Lack of Proper Means of Disposal

Sanitary disposal system for better toilet experience.

The means of disposal are the most important aspect of any washroom. One bin to dispose of everything in a washroom is not enough.

Efficient disposal units are a major aspect of office washroom makeovers. Noticing the bin is overflowing before half the workday is done is not a good sign.

Ensure that there are enough disposal units in the washroom. There should be general disposal units near the sink.

Each toilet cubicle in the female washroom should also have a feminine hygiene unit to allow for proper and discreet disposal of feminine hygiene products.

Make sure these disposal units are emptied and sanitised regularly.

“Alsco has impressed me with their constant strive towards customer satisfaction by keeping me in touch with new product lines and new services.”

Simon Jackson, Property Manager – Koru School

Make It Happen

Your washroom makeover doesn’t have to be a hassle.

Just get in touch with the experts and they will handle everything for you. Quality providers like Alsco will regularly replenish all the consumables from your washroom and, if you choose that option: even deep clean all your toilets and showers.

Contact Alsco for a best-price quote today and you’ll be impressing your clients, your employees and the environment in no time!

Photo: Victoria_Borodinova

How to Turn Hand Hygiene into a Workplace Priority

Many studies show the link between workplace hand washing and the success of a business.

Since most people spend more time at work than at home, hand hygiene in the workplace is a major area of concern.

In some workplaces, hand hygiene is not a popular topic. Filing complaints about it can, therefore, be difficult.

Management may not think it is a priority when, in fact, it should be.

In the workplace, you can encounter many different kinds of germs that pose a health risk. Improper hand hygiene causes workers to fall ill, making them less productive at work. It can even contribute to the downfall or success of a business.

Proper hand hygiene is instrumental in reducing 80% of bacteria from the hands. This lessens the risk of contracting common hand-to-mouth diseases, such as influenza. Prioritising hand hygiene ensures the good health of your workers.

The hygiene of your business speaks volumes. It is a form of non-verbal communication to others about how much you value your workers and their health. This helps in keeping up a good reputation for your business.

Prioritising Workplace Hand Hygiene

Hand sanitisers that eliminate 99.99% of bacteria.

This may sound like it entails a boring process of showing workers how to wash their hands. In fact, and hygiene is more than hand washing on its own. It is an integral part of living a healthy lifestyle.

The process of prioritising hand hygiene is fun, interactive and informative. Here are four easy ways to do it.

Communication Is Key

The only way to know if your workplace hand hygiene needs work is by communicating with your workers. Find out whether your current hand hygiene regime is effective.

Face-to-face communication causes the temptation to stray off-topic. Instead, use workplace communication channels, such as email, to distribute hand hygiene surveys.

These surveys help gauge workers’ hand hygiene knowledge and their perception of it. A great example is the perception survey by the World Health Organisation (WHO). In these surveys, workers rate their perception of the workplace hand hygiene practices.

Knowing the appropriate changes to make is all in the feedback.

Send out updates on hand hygiene implementations via internal memos. This shows the workers that their opinions are important in effecting change. Keep track of your updated hand hygiene changes by maintaining communication with workers throughout the process.

Incentives, such as paid vacations, encourage workers to improve their hand hygiene. After a time, the habit will stick.

‘’A long healthy life is no accident. It begins with good genes, but it also depends on good habits.’’

— Dan Buettner.

This is a win-win situation. Your workers stay healthy, while your business thrives from having productive workers.

In-House Training Sessions

This is an informative and interactive session. They are usually conducted by human resource managers. To shake things up, other workers can conduct the training. This can be on a rotation basis or by picking names from folded pieces of paper in a jar.

Conducting training sessions on hand hygiene is not as common, and that is the beauty of it. Interestingly enough, in-house training is an effective method of education. It reflects the true culture of the workplace by using examples that workers can relate to. Your workplace stays two steps ahead in ensuring the good health of workers.

During these sessions, it’s important to show videos on proper hand hygiene practices. These videos should be catchy and send out the right message. They should use both humour and scientific facts to pass the message.

Be Creative

You can conduct many sessions and distribute many surveys, but your workers may still not get the point. Some may even forget what they’ve learned. So, how can you make it work? By creating a unique experience for your workers. Hand hygiene doesn’t need to be boring just because it is a serious topic.

Play around with the concept of hand hygiene in your workplace to make it memorable. Using funny posters can help with this. Quirky visual reminders help in relaying the message while making it humourous.

According to research, humour makes concepts easier to learn and remember. Making workers giggle makes hand hygiene concepts memorable.

Download FREE Hand Hygiene poster

Use posters that remind workers why it is important to pay attention to good hand hygiene. These posters usually have hand hygiene facts. These kinds of posters provide facts about why proper hand hygiene is instrumental in living a healthy life.

Collaborate with workers to come up with hand hygiene slogans or catchphrases. You can make a competition out of it, and ask them to come up with the best slogan. The best slogan wins a prize. This is a creative way to increase participation in hand hygiene matters.

Incorporating these slogans into customised posters makes the message relatable to your workers. This is a simple and cost-effective way to prioritise hand hygiene.

Place these posters near hand hygiene products to make sure they are visible. This is a convenient positioning to promote fast action. Once the worker sees the poster, it prompts them to wash or sanitise their hands.

Desktop Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is not only important in the workplace washroom, but also in the workspace. You can provide hand sanitiser dispensers in the work area to encourage cleanliness.

Studies show that 70% of people who wash their hands use sanitiser instead of hand wash due to the convenience. Placing a small amount on your palms and rubbing it in is easier than running to a sink to wash your hands.

Hand sanitiser placement should be within easy reach and sight. Preferable placement is in communal areas in the workplace, such as in the lunchroom.

When workers see the product in front of them, they are more likely to use it as often as they can. This fosters a good habit of sanitising hands during the workday. This reduces the use of paper towels, which some workers use to open doors and hold telephones with.

Prioritising hand hygiene can be time-consuming. With proper help from hand hygiene experts, it is a smooth experience. They are ready to assist with your hand hygiene needs by advising and providing the right products for your workplace.

Transforming your workplace hand hygiene will happen in no time!

Photo: yanalya

4 Ways to Make Hand Hygiene a Priority in the Workplace

When was the last time you thought about office cleanliness? Considering how much time is spent at the office, workplace hygiene is underrated.

We spend over 70% of our lives at work, so it’s important to pay attention to hygiene. As you focus on increasing productivity and profitability, how often do you consider the effect of health and hygiene on workplace performance?

Various studies into the source of germs at work have led to interesting findings. If you are sitting at your desk, you might suddenly feel the urge to leave it. Did you know that the work desk can be 400x dirtier than the average toilet seat?

Everything from your equipment to your desk surface is responsible. The biggest culprits are the keyboard, office phone and your mouse.

The good news is that with a little more emphasis on hand hygiene, the high germs zones are easily contained.

If everyone becomes aware of how important it is to keep their space and equipment safe, the workplace will instantly become healthier.

Importance of Hand Hygiene at the Office

• Creates a Great Working Atmosphere

Every office has a hygiene culture. Do you remember the last time there was a flu outbreak at the office? How fast did it spread? The speed at which it spreads is an insight into your general hygiene habits. It’s time you became intentional about hygiene.

Employees who are confident in their co-worker’s hygiene habits are more comfortable with physical contact e.g. handshakes and hugs. This is shown to improve workplace relations, closeness and cohesion.

• Prevents the Spread of Disease

80% of infectious disease is spread by hand. Awareness of what you do with your hands will reduce your exposure to these germs. Avoid touching your face or mouth, as this exposes you to inhale or inject the germs. Therefore, it is important to maintain great hand hygiene as a preventive measure.

Since many people eat at their desks, keeping great hand hygiene prevents food poisoning and stomach upsets from questionable hygiene. Loss of productive time through preventable disease is bad for your bottom line and overall employee well-being.

• Leaves a Good Impression on Visitors

A beautiful office with washrooms that smell good creates a great first impression. It shows that the office cares about its people, and in turn, will also care for their customers or partners.

Good hand hygiene is also visible in the appearance of the employees. When they look presentable and neat, it creates a positive company image.

How to Create a Hand Washing Culture

1. Make It a Visible Priority

Download FREE Hand Hashing posters

a. Create stickers and place at strategic points

It is proven that people take things that they can see more seriously. This is due to a psychological tendency to increase the perceived importance of a subject matter when it is visible and noticeable. Alsco has some free high quality and printable posters that you can use around your office today.

Therefore, to reinforce your commitment to workplace wellness, you could place wellness stickers at strategic areas around the office. Some great spots include the washroom sink area, the toilet cubicle, the staff kitchen area, near the staff meeting room and in all office shared spaces.

2. Appoint Hygiene Coaches to Make It Fun and Sustainable

Nothing has a greater effect on people than other people. We all have the instinct to fit in. Play on the need to belong to introduce a new culture. Creating a peer hygiene champion will make the process fun and remove the pressure of implementation from one person or department.

a. They Will Spread the Word to Their Friends

Your hygiene coaches will become catalysts to conversations. Since they interact with the rest of the staff in different circles, they will be able to initiate awareness of bacteria and contamination. Word of mouth is the most powerful weapon in internalising the importance of handwashing.

The hygiene coaches can also create cool and contextually relevant rallying calls that can be used as cues to initiate handwashing. This will create a domino effect that leads the office staff to incorporate handwashing into day-to-day conversations. Eventually, this creates a culture of cleanliness.

b. They Will Help Implement, Enforce and Improve the Programme

The beauty of having diverse people in a program is the ability to get different ideas. Your office can get as creative as possible when imagining fun ways to create awareness on the importance of hand hygiene.

Since most people are proven to be visual learners, the hygiene coaches can prepare slides or a presentation that illustrates the importance of hand hygiene. They could also illustrate how to easily improve your daily hygiene habits.

3. Create a Well-Stocked Washroom

Air Fresheners Odour Control

a. Maintain Washroom Hygiene, Design and Ambience

With all the emphasis on hygiene, the most important factor to encourage compliance is a conducive washroom. Are you proud of your washroom? Can you proudly point your top client to use the public washroom at work? If your answer is no, you have some work to do.

Things to consider when creating a good washroom include the number of washing stations, odour control, toilet seat cleansers and presence of wellness communication.

Alsco’s Fresh & Clean service can take the headache out of odour control if you sign up for our rental service.

b. Get Reliable and Standard Hygiene Supplies

After ensuring that the core facilities are in order, you need to consider the supplies that require replenishing or maintenance. This includes soap, hand sanitiser, paper towels, toilet cleanser, odour sprays and disposal bins. The key to long-term winning is consistency. Therefore, get a reliable hygiene vendor to service your washroom weekly.

Do you know the proper standards you are legally expected to maintain in the workplace? It is important to know the regulatory framework in your country and keep the hygiene up to standard.

Since the laws are tweaked regularly, it will be a good idea to consider outsourcing compliance with a reliable vendor.

Alsco’s Fresh & Clean will help you maintain your washroom supplies while always keeping up with any change in compliance laws.

4. Improve Hygiene Around the Office

a. Strategically Placed Hand Sanitisers

Outside the washroom, there are ways to ensure hand hygiene is at the forefront. Strategically place hand sanitisers in core areas at the office. This could be in the kitchen, the office lobby or the washroom exit. Choose areas that can encourage people to prevent exposure to germs from eating or physical contact.

Out of sight, out of mind. The presence of the hand sanitiser will constantly remind people to consider their hygiene. It will act as the non-verbal cue that reminds your team to get clean.

Get a sanitiser dispenser that is automatic to prevent contamination or wastage.

b. Get Office Cleaning Services

Besides handwashing, regular maintenance of the office facilities prevents a build-up of germs and bacteria. Ensure that you get cleaners with high standards that will disinfect high contact areas like doors and desks.

Regular servicing of office equipment is also advisable. The high germ areas were found to be on the office phone, keyboards and mouse. Get a technical team that will clean the office machines professionally to prevent damage.

Encourage healthy hygienic workspaces for a more productive office. Your colleagues will thank you and productivity will increase for the better. There’s no need to do the heavy lifting to coordinate it all.

Just call Alsco and we’ll always deliver quality hygiene supplies to your doorstep in a timely fashion.

In case of an emergency, don’t worry. We are quick to respond, with no extra charge!

5 Unconventional Office Toilet Etiquette Tips

Growing up, we’re encouraged to chew with our mouths closed and cover our mouths when we sneeze. We call it etiquette.

Seldom are we encouraged to pick up pieces of tissue paper. Neither are we educated on the benefits of courtesy flushes.

Yet etiquette isn’t limited to public behaviour. It’s especially imperative in office washrooms. This is where we also interact with colleagues and clients, albeit less directly.

Great office washroom etiquette is a clear reflection of the workplace itself. It’s embarrassing for anyone to clean up after others.

Good etiquette fosters respect for others. Incorporate it at your workplace using these five tips.

Clean up After Yourself

The general need for personal hygiene goes without saying. This also applies in the washroom.

Flush the toilet after every use or in-between the toilet sitting process. This is a courtesy flush. It controls and reduces bad odour.

Download FREE Toilet Cubicle Posters

Courtesy flushes also ensure the toilet remains clean after you exit.

Spraying some air freshener after washroom use is necessary for odour control. Spraying a small amount in the air and in the toilet eliminates the hanging smell.

Wash your hands before exiting. This way, you get rid of the germs that you may have come into contact with from the washroom.

This is a must, especially because we interact with others after using the washroom.

It’s the little things that matter.

Imagine how your kitchen would look if you never cleaned up after making a mess? If people don’t clean up after themselves, the washroom becomes inhabitable.

Toilet etiquette is respectful to all your fellow washroom users. It fosters a healthy habit of looking after yourself as well as your neighbour.

Put up Posters in the Washroom and Office

We have all seen posters in strategic places in the washroom.

‘But who would forget to flush the toilet?’ Indeed, it does happen, sometimes out of sheer absent-mindedness.

Download FREE Hand Hygiene Etiquette poster

Posters are an effective way of reminding office washroom users of their duties to others.

These posters are available for free to download online. This saves money and time. You will not need to design your own posters and print them out.

They are available in different colours and designs. You can match them with your washroom paint and decor pieces, all while sending a message.

Place them right next to the sinks or even right on top of the toilet.

They are also placed behind the doors of toilet cubicles. This way, you are sure to catch somebody’s attention.

It is also possible to place posters in the office workspace. This emphasizes the importance of etiquette in the office in general.

Maintain Hygiene Units

Employers in the office have a major role to play in ensuring toilet etiquette. They should make a conscious effort to maintain office washrooms.

However, sometimes doing so can prove to be difficult. Sometimes flushing does not get rid of all the hanging smells and build-up of dirt in washrooms.

Deep cleaning services are important in washroom hygiene maintenance. This involves cleaning of the washroom area, especially those that are hard to reach.

Deep Cleaning Service

Companies such as Alsco provide deep-cleaning services of washrooms. Tailoring this service according to your washroom needs is more effective.

Finding germs in a dirty washroom is easy. It increases the chances of workers contracting an illness. It’s true that 67% of employees make complaints about unhygienic office toilets.

By deep cleaning your office washrooms, germs are easily exterminated.

It eliminates bad odour in specific areas, such as inside toilets or sinks.

Regular servicing of the washroom items and repairing damaged parts. Proper toilet etiquette is hard to achieve when the washroom itself is falling apart.

Keep your washroom equipment in good working condition.

Washroom equipment is expensive to buy. By maintaining your office washroom, you are saving time and money.

Good maintenance ensures that parts work well for five years and even longer. Regular washroom inspection will help in early identification of faulty parts.

Wait Until the Lunch Break

It is tempting to stop by the washroom and have a chat.

The conversation could be about a person in one of the cubicles. This causes some embarrassing situations.

These incidences have known to cause disagreements among workers.

There is no greater hell in this world than when a coworker recognizes your shoes under the bathroom stall & strikes up a conversation.

— DA King (@DanAaronKing) January 23, 2019

Wait until the lunch break to have that discussion with your mate. You can hold it in an open environment. This makes washroom goers more comfortable.

Keep your phone away when you are in the washroom. Picking up calls and taking pictures in washrooms creates a health risk. Our fingertips have bacteria which transfer to our phone screens.

Hand hygiene is important. Using phones in the washrooms spreads germs among workers and clients.

As an employer, it would be wise to give proper and adequate break times for your employees. An hour break should be long enough to chat and pick long phone calls elsewhere.

No ‘Ifs’ or ‘Buts’

Like taxes, toilet etiquette applies to everyone. You’ve got that right!

This includes employers and employees at both senior and junior levels. All workers should maintain good toilet etiquette.

This goes to say that toilet etiquette is a must. This makes everyone more comfortable in the office.

When nobody cleans up after themselves, the washrooms are dirty.

This leads to major reputation risks. In fact, 73% of people admitted that unpleasant washrooms affected their perception of a place.

Workers get a bad image of each other, leading to confrontations on how to use the toilet facilities.

These toilet etiquette tips should give you the confidence to upgrade your office washroom and educate workers.

These will foster great workplace culture and create a healthy and uplifting environment. Check out Alsco products with regards to hygiene systems for your washroom needs.

Just ask this satisfied customer!

“Making contact with Alsco was the best decision we could have made. From the initial phone call, right through to the supply and installation of our products, the transition was seamless, stress-free and they did everything on time and went above and beyond what I had expected”

Miranda Sage, Administration and Marketing Manager, Delta Stock Crates Ltd

Photo: publicdomainfiles

3 Brilliant Ways to Improve Your Workplace Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene has always been vitally important, especially in the workplace. This is because the main activity in the workplace is the interaction with other people. Workers interact with each other and with clients.

Our hands are therefore the epicentre of our hygiene.

The problem is that some workers are not vigilant about their own hand hygiene and this poses health risks to others in the workplace.

If workers are taking more sick days than usual, this indicates that it is time for a change and some sort of workplace education program to stop the impact of cross-contamination between workers.

Implementing new workplace hand hygiene practices will change the face of your business.

3 Hand Hygiene Ideas That Will Improve Your Workplace

These amazing hand hygiene ideas are sure to make an impact, both in your workplace and in the personal lives of your workers.

1. Launch an Initiative in the Workplace

This is not a conventional hand hygiene idea. Few people would think to conduct research on their workplace hand hygiene practices.

This involves taking surveys on hand hygiene practices in your workplace. From these surveys, you may ask for feedback on the current hand hygiene practices.

Distributing surveys to workers via the workplace newsletter is effective. It can also be through internal memos. The most appropriate means depends on the main communication system in your workplace.

Screenshot from: udomchamber

Borrowing examples from some surveys are useful. You may ask workers to rate their hand hygiene practices on a scale of 1 (bad) to 10 (good). You may also ask workers to rate their knowledge on the effects of poor hand hygiene practices.

Compiling the responses from the surveys and tracking them is necessary.  This helps in assessing the hand hygiene of the workplace. From the responses, you can craft a hand hygiene training session. The training will be according to the needs of the workplace.

Screenshot from: Indian Journal

The aim of a hand hygiene initiative is to familiarise workers with good hand hygiene ideas. It is also important in establishing proper hygiene practices to observe.

Crafting training sessions according to the responses establishes the importance of hand hygiene. A volunteer or people of influence conduct these sessions.  Human resource managers are also helpful with this. This involves speaking to workers on hand hygiene ideas.

The use of videos and playing of games has shown to bring good learning responses.

Incorporation of videos of proper hand hygiene ideas is effective. For example, this video from the World Health Organization is formal and informative. It gives proper handwashing steps.

This other video from Alfred Health staff is a humorous song on hand hygiene. This video is particularly great as it uses Bruno Mars’ song “Uptown Funk.”

Another video by Heritage Village provides reasons why hand hygiene is important. They also use a catchy song called Hey Mickey which also illustrates how to wash hands.

These videos are great examples to use during hand hygiene training initiatives. They make the hand hygiene routine memorable, fun and show the importance of hygiene.

Create incentives by giving prizes after training sessions. This can be money, vouchers or paid vacations. This encourages your workers to come up with catchy hand hygiene slogan ideas. The workers will use the slogan to be accountable to each other.

Communication of the hand hygiene slogan through emails and internal memos works well. Offering a prize makes workers more interested in active participation of hand hygiene.

An example of a good hand hygiene slogan is “Don’t forget to rub in”– as used in the video by Alfred Health staff on the use of hand sanitiser.

These give the workers an incentive to take part in hand hygiene in the workplace.

2. Desktop Hand Hygiene

Tork Advanced Wiper 420 Centrefeed Roll M2

Hand hygiene is not only important in the washroom. It is also important in the workspace.

Provide wipes, napkins or paper towels to clean up desk services where there is dirt.  Installing hand hygiene systems in the work area is as important.

The hands have germs that pose health risks to ourselves and others. On an ordinary day, we touch our face, phones and even greet other people. The germs found on these items may make us sick, especially if we don’t wash our hands.

By providing hand wash and hand sanitiser, this reduces the chances of illnesses. This includes reducing the spread of common hand-to-mouth diseases.

By making these products more available in the workplace, it encourages their use. This is because workers are most likely to use them after seeing them all over the workplace.

3. Hand Hygiene Reminders

Research shows that only 31% of men and 65% of women washed their hands after using the washroom.

Use of all the above hand hygiene ideas may not be as fruitful without a couple of reminders in the form of posters. They remind workers about proper hand hygiene practices.

Without these reminders, hand hygiene ideas would be difficult to focus on. Using them keeps our hand hygiene in check.

Place these posters above a hand sanitiser dispenser in the workspace. You may also place them in workplace handwash stations next to the soap dispenser.

Download FREE Hand Hygiene poster

Today, due to the increase in hand hygiene awareness, posters are free for download. This saves your business time and money used in designing your own posters.

Incorporate your workplace hand hygiene slogans in customised posters. This will make hand hygiene ideas more memorable.

The spread of illnesses is easier without proper hand hygiene. Workers who are unwell are less productive at work. Studies show that a good hand hygiene system ensures fewer employees fall ill.

On top of this, they take less sick days. Sick days cost a business around $20,000 each year. A good hand hygiene system reduces the cost placed on businesses because of sick leave.

These hand hygiene ideas are sure to improve your workplace in no time.

“…they are always willing to go the extra mile to help us out when we get stuck.”

Lyndsey Morrison-Barnes, Resort Manager, Paihia Beach Resort & Spa

Try out Alsco products and services to change the face of hand hygiene in your workplace today.

Photo: wikimedia