During the past few years, we have seen a significant shift to hybrid workspaces. Some people continue to work from home, while others have returned to the office. It will take some adjustment for employees to get used to a hybrid workspace, and it is also important to get accustomed to new safety procedures and measures.
In the past, many people would hang out around the water cooler during a break. People don't need to stay away from water coolers completely, but people need to adjust how they hang out around the water cooler. What are a few steps that employers, employees, and workspaces can take to make sure people are kept safe?
The Benefits of Keeping Common Areas Clean
First, companies need to understand why it is important to keep common areas clean, including those around the water cooler. They include:
- A Safer Work Environment: The biggest reason why companies need to keep common areas clean is that it creates a safer work environment. When common areas are kept clean, people are less likely to get sick, which would otherwise expose others to the same illness.
- More Efficient Workspaces: Clean common areas lead to more efficient workplaces. When common areas are dirty, people may have difficulty finding what they need or getting in and out quickly.
- Less Mess Means Less Stress: If common areas are clean, the area is not as stressful. Employees who are less stressed are more likely to be productive.
- Make a Good Impression: Finally, there's never a second chance to make a first impression. For many people, the first impression they have is of the common areas of the company. If common rooms are clean, employees, business partners, and customers will have a better impression of the business.
These are just a few of the many reasons why companies need to keep their common areas clean. Now, it is critical to take a closer look at what companies can do to keep those areas clean.
How To Keep Common Areas Clean
There are a few steps companies can take to keep common areas clean. They include:
Adjust Floorplans To Add More Spacing
First, it might be beneficial for a company to adjust their floorplans. Managers need to adjust foot traffic patterns to remove congestion in common areas. Increasing spacing in common areas will make it easier to keep them clean because people will not be packed as tightly. This creates more space for people to spread out, reducing the chances of a large mess developing.
Add Sanitation Stations
It is also helpful to add sanitation stations in common areas. Be sure to place them where people come in and out. That way, people will be encouraged to sanitize their hands as they walk in and out of the common areas. If people get in the habit of washing their hands when they come in and out, there is a lower chance of someone getting sick and spreading it to other people. Ensure you use the right sanitation cleaners to kill as many germs as possible and encourage employees to use them regularly.
Communicate To Employees
A critical part of keeping common areas clean is communication. Companies need to communicate all necessary changes to their employees. Employees have been through a lot during the past few years, and some are probably unsure of what to expect when they return to work. If businesses let employees know what changes have been made to the common areas, why they have been made, and the benefits, employees will be more likely to go along with the changes.
Hire Professional Cleaners With Increased Frequency
Companies should also hire professional cleaners to clean the common areas with increased frequency. Even though employees need to clean up after themselves, it is just as crucial for companies to hire professional cleaners to come and clean from time to time. Even though foot traffic in the common areas can vary, hiring professional cleaners with the right equipment and cleaning solutions is critical to keeping people safe.
If you are looking for comprehensive microbial remediation, prevention, and cleaning service, look no further than the Pegasus Group.
Download the Pegasus Guide Today
If you want to make sure your water cooler areas are safe, you need to have a reliable disinfection protocol and a professional team that can help you keep those areas clean. That is where we can help you. At Pegasus, we work hard to stay on top of the latest recommendations regarding Hybrid Workplace Cleaning sanitation and cleaning practices, so you can focus on what matters most. If you want to learn more about how we can help you keep your common areas clean, download our guide today and reach out to us to learn more!
